3. and I have known such a man--whether in the body, whether out of the body, I have not known, God hath known, --
4. that he was caught away to the paradise, and heard unutterable sayings, that it is not possible for man to speak.
5. Of such an one I will boast, and of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities,
6. for if I may wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for truth I will say; but I forebear, lest any one in regard to me may think anything above what he doth see me, or doth hear anything of me;
7. and that by the exceeding greatness of the revelations I might not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of the Adversary, that he might buffet me, that I might not be exalted overmuch.
8. Concerning this thing thrice the Lord did I call upon, that it might depart from me,