II Corinthians 12:5

A common misinterpretation is viewing Paul as discussing a separate individual or apostle rather than himself in a visionary state, which obscures his intentional humility in third-person reference to prevent conceit; another error is assuming he rejects all glorying outright or feels ashamed of his experiences, ignoring that he permits boasting solely in infirmities to demonstrate God's grace, or reducing infirmities to mere physical ailments while neglecting broader spiritual vulnerabilities that showcase divine sufficiency.

In this verse, Paul exemplifies profound humility by glorying in the extraordinary visions and revelations he received—referred to indirectly as those of 'such an one' to avoid self-exaltation—yet refusing to boast about himself except in his weaknesses or infirmities, highlighting the core truth that God's power is most evident and perfected in human frailty, fostering complete dependence on divine strength rather than personal accomplishments or spiritual highs.