2 Corinthians12
American Standard Version · Public Domain
1I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knoweth), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.
3And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth),
4how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses.
6For if I should desire to glory, I shall not be foolish; for I shall speak the truth: but I forbear, lest any man should account of me above that which he seeth me to be, or heareth from me.
7And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
8Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10Wherefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
11I am become foolish: ye compelled me; for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing was I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.
13For what is there wherein ye were made inferior to the rest of the churches, except it be that I myself was not a burden to you? forgive me this wrong.
14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be a burden 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.
15And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
16But be it so, I did not myself burden you; but, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17Did I take advantage of you by any one of them whom I have sent unto you?
18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
19Ye think all this time that we are excusing ourselves unto you. In the sight of God speak we in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
20For I fear, lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as ye would not; lest by any means there should be strife, jealousy, wraths, factions, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults;
21lest again when I come my God should humble me before you, and I should mourn for many of them that have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they committed.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 12.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle's revelations. (1–6). Which were improved to his spiritual advantage. (7–10). The signs of an apostle were in him, His purpose of making them a visit; but he expresses his fear lest he should have to be severe with some. (11–21).
vv1-6
There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.
vv7-10
The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
vv11-21
We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defence of their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those from whom we have received benefit, especially spiritual benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand of good to us. Here is an account of the apostle's behaviour and kind intentions; in which see the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. This was his great aim and design, to do good. Here are noticed several sins commonly found among professors of religion. Falls and misdeeds are humbling to a minister; and God sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be tempted to be lifted up. These vast verses show to what excesses the false teachers had drawn aside their deluded followers. How grievous it is that such evils should be found among professors of the gospel! Yet thus it is, and has been too often, and it was so even in the days of the apostles.
Key Words
δεῖ (deî): also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
καυχάομαι (kaucháomai): to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)
μοί (moí): to me
οὐ (ou): the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
συμφέρω (symphérō): to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as a noun) advantage
ἔρχομαι (érchomai): to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς (eis): to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ὀπτασία (optasía): visuality, i.e. (concretely) an apparition
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀποκάλυψις (apokálypsis): disclosure
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12Establishes Paul's core principle of boasting only in things that show his weakness/infirmities.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Parallel use of 'Paradise' to designate the place of blessed souls in the third heaven.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Another key New Testament reference to 'Paradise' as the heavenly domain of God's presence.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct parallel asserting that Paul is not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.
Supported by John Calvin
Illustrates the Pauline idiom of being 'in Christ' to denote a Christian believer.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Satan as an instrumental messenger permitted by God to inflict physical suffering on a servant.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Old Testament precedent of a faithful servant praying thrice (or repeatedly) and receiving a denial in grace.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Echoes the mention of this being the 'third time' Paul is ready to visit them.
Supported by JFB
Expresses the identical purpose of using apostolic authority for edification, not destruction, before visiting.
Supported by JFB
Defines what it means to be a 'man in Christ' as a new creation.
Old Testament metaphor of a 'brier' or 'thorn' representing painful, irritating adversaries.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical account of Paul's equal standing and direct confrontation with the chiefest apostles.
Reiterates Paul's practice of refusing to be a financial burden to the Corinthian church.
Supported by JFB
Paul's consistent principle of not coveting anyone's silver, gold, or apparel.
Parallel list of the works of the flesh, echoing debates, envyings, wraths, and strifes.