1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except [it be] that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.
14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
18 I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?
19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but [we do] all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and [that] I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest [there be] debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21 [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Overview of 2 Corinthians Chapter 12
2 Corinthians Chapter 12 is a significant passage in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians. It addresses themes of humility, divine revelation, and the nature of true strength in weakness. Paul contrasts his own experiences with those of false apostles, emphasizing his credentials as a true servant of Christ.
Key Themes
- Boasting in Weakness: Paul discusses the necessity of boasting, but he chooses to boast in his weaknesses rather than his strengths.
- Visions and Revelations: He recounts a profound spiritual experience, including a vision of being caught up to the third heaven.
- Thorn in the Flesh: Paul describes a persistent affliction he refers to as a “thorn in the flesh,” which serves to keep him humble.
- God’s Grace: The chapter highlights the sufficiency of God’s grace in the midst of weakness and suffering.
- Authenticity of Apostolic Authority: Paul defends his apostolic authority against the backdrop of false apostles.
Detailed Analysis
Boasting and Its Context (Verses 1-6)
Paul begins the chapter by expressing reluctance to boast, yet acknowledges its necessity for the sake of the Corinthians. He distinguishes between boasting in the Lord and boasting in personal achievements.
- Paul’s boasting is not for self-glorification but to affirm his apostolic authority.
- He recounts a personal experience of being taken to the third heaven, emphasizing that such experiences are beyond human comprehension.
- He refrains from revealing details about this experience, highlighting humility and the danger of pride.
The Thorn in the Flesh (Verses 7-10)
In these verses, Paul introduces the concept of a “thorn in the flesh,” which he describes as a messenger of Satan meant to torment him. This affliction serves multiple purposes:
- To prevent him from becoming conceited due to the surpassing greatness of his revelations.
- To teach him reliance on God’s grace rather than his own strength.
- To illustrate that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.
Paul’s response to his suffering is profound; he pleads with God three times for its removal but ultimately accepts that God’s grace is sufficient for him.
God’s Response and Strength in Weakness (Verse 9)
God’s reply to Paul emphasizes the principle that divine strength is revealed in human weakness. This concept is central to Christian theology, suggesting that believers can find strength through their vulnerabilities.
- Paul’s acceptance of his weakness leads to a deeper understanding of God’s grace.
- He learns to rejoice in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, as they provide opportunities for Christ’s power to be manifested.
Defense of Apostolic Authority (Verses 11-21)
Paul shifts the focus to defending his ministry against the backdrop of false apostles who boast in their credentials. He emphasizes the signs of a true apostle:
- Signs and wonders performed among the Corinthians.
- His genuine love and concern for the church.
Paul expresses disappointment in the Corinthians for not recognizing his authority and warns them against the dangers posed by false teachings. He desires their spiritual growth and restoration, urging them to examine themselves.
Conclusion
2 Corinthians Chapter 12 encapsulates the paradox of Christian strength found in weakness. Paul’s personal narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the sufficiency of God’s grace and the importance of humility in the life of a believer. This chapter not only defends Paul’s apostolic authority but also encourages believers to embrace their weaknesses as avenues for divine strength and grace.
