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2 Corinthians 12

World English Bible

WEB

1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows. 3I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows), 4how 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 I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. 6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me. 7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. 8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. 11I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. 12Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works. 13For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is 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 your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less? 16Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception. 17Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you? 18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps? 19Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying. 20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots, 21that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Corinthians Chapter 12 presents a profound reflection by the Apostle Paul on his experiences and the nature of his ministry. Paul begins by recounting a remarkable vision he had, where he was caught up to the third heaven, experiencing things that are inexpressible and beyond human comprehension. This vision serves to validate his apostolic authority and the divine revelations he has received. However, Paul emphasizes that he does not boast about these experiences, as he understands that boasting would not be appropriate. Instead, he acknowledges that he has been given a 'thorn in the flesh' to keep him humble and reliant on God’s grace. This 'thorn' is often interpreted as a physical ailment or a spiritual struggle, but its exact nature remains unspecified, highlighting that the focus is on God’s sustaining power rather than the specifics of Paul’s suffering.

Paul shares that he pleaded with the Lord three times to remove this thorn, but God responded, saying, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' This powerful statement reveals a key theme of the chapter: God’s strength is most evident in our weaknesses. Paul concludes that he will gladly boast in his weaknesses, for it is through them that the power of Christ rests upon him. He encourages the Corinthians to understand that true strength comes from reliance on God rather than self-sufficiency. The chapter closes with Paul expressing his concern for the Corinthians, urging them to examine themselves and remain steadfast in their faith, as he desires to see them grow in holiness and unity.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 12 teaches us about the importance of humility, the sufficiency of God’s grace, and the paradox of strength in weakness, reminding us that our struggles can lead to deeper reliance on Christ. #ApostlePaul #ThornInTheFlesh #GodsGrace #StrengthInWeakness

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Referenced by

  1. Psalms 73:26v9Psalm 73:26 acknowledges human frailty and God's strength, paralleling 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul speaks of God's power being made perfect in weakness.
  2. Isaiah 41:14v9Isaiah 41:14 reassures the 'worm Jacob' not to fear, as God will help them, which aligns with 2 Corinthians 12:9 where God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
  3. Ezekiel 1:1v2Ezekiel 1:1 describes the heavens opening and Ezekiel seeing visions of God, similar to Paul's experience of being caught up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4.
  4. Zechariah 4:6v9Zechariah 4:6 emphasizes that God's work is accomplished not by human might or power, but by His Spirit. This is echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul speaks of God's power being made perfect in weakness, highlighting reliance on God's strength rather than human ability.
  5. 2 Corinthians 11:30v9Paul boasts in his weaknesses, which he further explains in 2 Corinthians 12:9 as the means through which Christ's power is made perfect.
  6. Philippians 4:13v9Philippians 4:13 declares that Paul can do all things through Christ who strengthens him, which resonates with 2 Corinthians 12:9, where Paul speaks of Christ's power being made perfect in weakness.

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