2 Corinthians12
New King James Version
1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come 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 whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
3And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
4how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities.
6For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
7And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.
8Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
13For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14Now for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
16But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!
17Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you?
18I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?
19Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification.
20For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults;
21lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness 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.