Paul speaks of a man in Christ who, fourteen years earlier, was caught up to the third heaven, into paradise. He heard things that cannot be told. Paul says he could boast about such a man, but he will boast only about his weaknesses, so no one will think more of him than is right.

To keep Paul from becoming proud because of these great revelations, he was given a thorn in the flesh. Paul does not say exactly what it was. Three times he pleaded with the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered that His grace is enough for Paul, because His power is made perfect in weakness. So Paul gladly boasts in his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him. When he is weak, then he is strong.

Paul says the signs of a true apostle were done among them with patience. He plans a third visit and will not be a burden, because he wants them, not their possessions. Parents save up for children, and Paul will gladly spend everything for them. He fears he may find quarreling, jealousy, anger, and other sins that some have not turned from, and he would grieve over them.

Continuing his foolish boasting, Paul turns to visions and revelations. Speaking of himself in the third person, he describes a man in Christ caught up to the third heaven, into paradise, where he heard inexpressible words. Paul refuses to boast of this experience. He will boast only of weakness, so that no one credits him beyond what is seen and heard.

Because of the surpassing greatness of these revelations, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to keep him from becoming conceited. Paul does not say what the thorn was. He pleaded three times for its removal. The Lord answered that His grace was sufficient for Paul, because His power is made perfect in weakness. Paul now boasts in weakness so that the power of Christ may dwell on him like a tent. He is content with insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake, because when he is weak, then he is strong.

Paul says he should have been commended by the Corinthians rather than forced to boast. The signs of an apostle, including signs, wonders, and mighty works, were performed among them. Preparing for a third visit, he insists he will not burden them, for he seeks them, not their possessions, just as parents save for children. He fears that when he comes, he may find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder, and that he will mourn over those who have not repented of earlier sins.