What uncertainties qualify the revelations and anticipated visit?

If glorying is necessary though not expedient, Paul turns to visions and revelations. He knows a man in Christ above fourteen years ago caught to third heaven, not knowing whether bodily or outside the body; God knows. He repeats the uncertainty and reports paradise and secret words not granted to man to utter. Above fourteen is not exactly fourteen, and not permitted does not additionally assert speech was physically impossible. For such a person he glories, for himself only infirmities; even truthful glorying is withheld lest readers estimate him beyond what they see and hear. No external identification of the unnamed man is imposed.

Lest revelation greatness exalt him, a sting of flesh, angel of Satan, was given to buffet. Three times he asked the Lord for departure. The answer is sufficient grace and power perfected in infirmity; he gladly glories so Christ’s power dwells in him. The printed note says God’s power shines more perfectly in weakness, grace supporting and giving victory under trials and conflicts. It does not mention the church’s martyrs. Paul is pleased in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions and distresses for Christ, weak then powerful. No chronic illness, specific pain, healing refusal procedure or eventual thorn removal is supplied.

Readers compelled his foolishness and should have commended him; he fell short of none of those above measure apostles though nothing. Signs were wrought in patience, wonders and deeds. Their lack compared with other churches was his not burdening them; pardon this injury. Third time ready to come, he will not burden, seeking them not possessions, with parents laying up for children rather than reverse. He will gladly spend and be spent for souls though more love meets less. No completed third visit or amount spent is reported.

The printed guile sentence is followed by questions whether he overreached through sent people and whether Titus, with whom a brother was sent, overreached or walked differently. The source does not quote a separate malicious rumour or quantify extracted money. He speaks before God in Christ for edification. He fears perhaps finding readers not as wished and being found unwelcome, with contentions, envyings, animosities, dissensions, detractions, whisperings, swellings and seditions. He fears being humbled and mourning previous sinners without penance for uncleanness, fornication and lasciviousness. These fears should not become diagnoses of spiritual sickness or a guaranteed severe disciplinary outcome.