II Corinthians 12 Commentary
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
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.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
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.
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.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
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.
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.
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.
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
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.
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.
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
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?
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.
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:
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.
II Corinthians 12 is a pivotal chapter where Paul continues his defense against the "super-apostles" who challenged his authority in Corinth. He does so, not by boasting in worldly accomplishments, but by revealing a profound spiritual experience and, paradoxically, his own weaknesses. This chapter unveils the paradoxical nature of Christian strength, where God's power shines brightest in human frailty. This chapter also reveals Paul’s pastoral heart for the Corinthians, expressing his concerns about their spiritual state and his longing for their repentance.
Visions and Revelations (II Corinthians 12:1-5)
Paul shifts his focus to "visions and revelations of the Lord" (II Corinthians 12:1), not for self-aggrandizement, but to counter the false claims of those who sought to undermine his ministry. He reluctantly speaks of an extraordinary experience that occurred fourteen years prior, around AD 42-44 (II Corinthians 12:2). He describes a man "in Christ" who was "caught up to the third heaven."
The "third heaven" was understood by Paul's audience to be paradise, the dwelling place of God and angels. Paul’s description alludes to the different levels of heaven recognized in Jewish cosmology: the first heaven being the earth’s atmosphere, the second encompassing the celestial realm of stars and planets, and the third being God's very dwelling place. He heard inexpressible things, things unlawful to utter (II Corinthians 12:4).
Paul maintains a sense of humility by initially referring to himself in the third person, carefully avoiding any appearance of self-promotion. He is unsure whether this experience was physical or spiritual, emphasizing the overwhelming and transcendent nature of the encounter (II Corinthians 12:3). This deliberate distancing highlights that the focus should not be on the messenger, but on the message and the God who reveals it.
The Thorn in the Flesh (II Corinthians 12:6-10)
Despite this incredible revelation, Paul understands the danger of pride. To prevent him from becoming conceited because of these surpassing revelations, God gave him "a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me" (II Corinthians 12:7).
The exact nature of this "thorn" has been the subject of much speculation. Was it a physical ailment, a persistent temptation, or perhaps the constant opposition from his enemies? Scripture does not explicitly say. What we do know is that it was a source of pain and torment, a constant reminder of his human limitations. It is described as a "messenger of Satan," indicating that while the affliction was permitted by God, it was ultimately intended to hinder Paul's ministry.
Like Job, Paul recognized God's sovereignty even in suffering instigated by Satan. He pleaded with the Lord three times to remove this thorn (II Corinthians 12:8). But God's answer was not what he expected. Instead of removing the affliction, God declared, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9). God’s sufficient grace is the inexhaustible supply of His goodness that we cannot earn and do not deserve—but that keeps on coming.
This revelation transformed Paul's perspective. He realized that his weakness was not a hindrance, but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed. He embraces his weaknesses, recognizing that it is when he is weak that he is truly strong because Christ's power rests on him (II Corinthians 12:9-10). This is a profound truth for all believers: God often uses our limitations and struggles to showcase His strength and grace.
When God gives you a “thorn in the flesh,” you can be certain that it’s for your good and because He loves you. Such a thing is intended to unveil anything in your life (an actual or potential sin) that is not in sync with God’s kingdom agenda. God acts like a recycling plant in our lives: He breaks us down so that He can re-use us and increase our anointing.
Paul's Defense of His Ministry (II Corinthians 12:11-18)
Paul returns to the issue of his apostleship, acknowledging that the Corinthians had "compelled" him to boast like a fool (II Corinthians 12:11). They should have defended him against the "super-apostles" who sought to discredit him. He reminds them of the "signs, wonders, and mighty works" that were performed among them, validating his ministry as an apostle of Christ (II Corinthians 12:12).
Paul sarcastically apologizes for not being a burden to them financially, implying that this was somehow seen as a fault (II Corinthians 12:13). He had refused funds from the Corinthian church because he was concerned for their spiritual condition, not their money (II Corinthians 12:14). As a spiritual father, he felt responsible to care for them, not to be cared for by them.
He also addresses potential accusations that he or his associates, like Titus, had taken advantage of them in some way (II Corinthians 12:16-18). He insists that they had all acted with integrity and in the same spirit.
Paul's Pastoral Concern (II Corinthians 12:19-21)
Paul concludes this section with a heartfelt expression of his pastoral concern for the Corinthians. He assures them that everything he has said is for their edification (II Corinthians 12:19). His primary concern is not his own reputation, but their spiritual well-being.
He expresses his fear that when he visits them again, he will find some still unrepentant of their sins (II Corinthians 12:20-21). He lists a series of sins that trouble him: "quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder." He laments the possibility of having to confront them about these issues, which would bring him great sorrow.
This chapter offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by our weaknesses, but is actually amplified through them. It also underscores the importance of humility, integrity, and genuine love in Christian ministry. Paul’s example invites us to embrace our own vulnerabilities, trusting that God will use them for His glory and our good.
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
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.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
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.
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.
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
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.
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.
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.
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
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.
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.
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
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?
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.
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:
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.
II Corinthians 12 is a pivotal chapter where Paul continues his defense against the "super-apostles" who challenged his authority in Corinth. He does so, not by boasting in worldly accomplishments, but by revealing a profound spiritual experience and, paradoxically, his own weaknesses. This chapter unveils the paradoxical nature of Christian strength, where God's power shines brightest in human frailty. This chapter also reveals Paul’s pastoral heart for the Corinthians, expressing his concerns about their spiritual state and his longing for their repentance.
Visions and Revelations (II Corinthians 12:1-5)
Paul shifts his focus to "visions and revelations of the Lord" (II Corinthians 12:1), not for self-aggrandizement, but to counter the false claims of those who sought to undermine his ministry. He reluctantly speaks of an extraordinary experience that occurred fourteen years prior, around AD 42-44 (II Corinthians 12:2). He describes a man "in Christ" who was "caught up to the third heaven."
The "third heaven" was understood by Paul's audience to be paradise, the dwelling place of God and angels. Paul’s description alludes to the different levels of heaven recognized in Jewish cosmology: the first heaven being the earth’s atmosphere, the second encompassing the celestial realm of stars and planets, and the third being God's very dwelling place. He heard inexpressible things, things unlawful to utter (II Corinthians 12:4).
Paul maintains a sense of humility by initially referring to himself in the third person, carefully avoiding any appearance of self-promotion. He is unsure whether this experience was physical or spiritual, emphasizing the overwhelming and transcendent nature of the encounter (II Corinthians 12:3). This deliberate distancing highlights that the focus should not be on the messenger, but on the message and the God who reveals it.
The Thorn in the Flesh (II Corinthians 12:6-10)
Despite this incredible revelation, Paul understands the danger of pride. To prevent him from becoming conceited because of these surpassing revelations, God gave him "a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me" (II Corinthians 12:7).
The exact nature of this "thorn" has been the subject of much speculation. Was it a physical ailment, a persistent temptation, or perhaps the constant opposition from his enemies? Scripture does not explicitly say. What we do know is that it was a source of pain and torment, a constant reminder of his human limitations. It is described as a "messenger of Satan," indicating that while the affliction was permitted by God, it was ultimately intended to hinder Paul's ministry.
Like Job, Paul recognized God's sovereignty even in suffering instigated by Satan. He pleaded with the Lord three times to remove this thorn (II Corinthians 12:8). But God's answer was not what he expected. Instead of removing the affliction, God declared, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (II Corinthians 12:9). God’s sufficient grace is the inexhaustible supply of His goodness that we cannot earn and do not deserve—but that keeps on coming.
This revelation transformed Paul's perspective. He realized that his weakness was not a hindrance, but an opportunity for God's power to be displayed. He embraces his weaknesses, recognizing that it is when he is weak that he is truly strong because Christ's power rests on him (II Corinthians 12:9-10). This is a profound truth for all believers: God often uses our limitations and struggles to showcase His strength and grace.
When God gives you a “thorn in the flesh,” you can be certain that it’s for your good and because He loves you. Such a thing is intended to unveil anything in your life (an actual or potential sin) that is not in sync with God’s kingdom agenda. God acts like a recycling plant in our lives: He breaks us down so that He can re-use us and increase our anointing.
Paul's Defense of His Ministry (II Corinthians 12:11-18)
Paul returns to the issue of his apostleship, acknowledging that the Corinthians had "compelled" him to boast like a fool (II Corinthians 12:11). They should have defended him against the "super-apostles" who sought to discredit him. He reminds them of the "signs, wonders, and mighty works" that were performed among them, validating his ministry as an apostle of Christ (II Corinthians 12:12).
Paul sarcastically apologizes for not being a burden to them financially, implying that this was somehow seen as a fault (II Corinthians 12:13). He had refused funds from the Corinthian church because he was concerned for their spiritual condition, not their money (II Corinthians 12:14). As a spiritual father, he felt responsible to care for them, not to be cared for by them.
He also addresses potential accusations that he or his associates, like Titus, had taken advantage of them in some way (II Corinthians 12:16-18). He insists that they had all acted with integrity and in the same spirit.
Paul's Pastoral Concern (II Corinthians 12:19-21)
Paul concludes this section with a heartfelt expression of his pastoral concern for the Corinthians. He assures them that everything he has said is for their edification (II Corinthians 12:19). His primary concern is not his own reputation, but their spiritual well-being.
He expresses his fear that when he visits them again, he will find some still unrepentant of their sins (II Corinthians 12:20-21). He lists a series of sins that trouble him: "quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder." He laments the possibility of having to confront them about these issues, which would bring him great sorrow.
This chapter offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that God's power is not limited by our weaknesses, but is actually amplified through them. It also underscores the importance of humility, integrity, and genuine love in Christian ministry. Paul’s example invites us to embrace our own vulnerabilities, trusting that God will use them for His glory and our good.