2 Corinthians 12:1-7
Summary for 2Cor 12:1-7: 12:1-7 a Paul’s accusers at Corinth leveled the charge that Paul did not have ecstatic spiritual experiences. He was no mystic, they said, but a plain person with no impressive gift (see 10:10 b). So even though Paul’s authority did not come from visions and revelations from the Lord, he reveals his secret that he did, in fact, have such experiences. 12:1 c This boasting will do no good: See study note on 11:21b-29.12:2 d I was caught up (literally I know a man in Christ who was caught up): In Greek, Paul demurely uses third person to speak of himself.
• The third heaven is a Jewish expression for the immediate presence of God.
• fourteen years ago: That is, about AD 43.
Summary for 2Cor 12:3-4: 12:3-4 e Paul wasn’t sure whether he was in a trance or actually taken to heaven.
• But I do know that I was caught up: Literally But I know such a man, that he was caught up; see study note on 12:2.
Summary for 2Cor 12:5-7: 12:5-7a f Paul could boast about his experience (12:2-4 g), but it was no source of confidence in his ministry. He never makes mystical experience a proof of his apostolic authority—his life and his message must be the proof. He instead boasts about his weaknesses (11:23-33 h).
Summary for 2Cor 12:7-10: 12:7b-10 i We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was (cp. Num 33:55 j; Ezek 28:24 k; Hos 2:6 l); we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride.
• It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.
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