2 Corinthians12
New American Standard
1Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I know a man in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a man was caught up to the third heaven.
3And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows—
4was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.
5In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my weaknesses.
6For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish, for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
7Because of the extraordinary greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!
8Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
11I have become foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was in no respect inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.
12The distinguishing marks of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs, wonders, and miracles.
13For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
15I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
16But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself; nevertheless, devious person that I am, I took you in by deceit.
17Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?
18I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?
19All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for building you up, beloved.
20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish, and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, selfishness, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;
21I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and indecent behavior which they have practiced.
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.