2 Corinthians 12 Footnotes

12:7-9 This “thorn” was likely a chronic illness. Astonishingly, Christ’s power—unlike the claims of “super-apostles” (11:5; 12:11)—comes to ordinary, broken people. The passage echoes Christ’s quiet power as he cried to his Father in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36-43). Here the exalted Lord gives that strength to those who call out to him (see Is 57:15: God dwells with the oppressed and lowly of spirit). Contrary to the health-and-wealth gospel, even the godly must expect to face physical disabilities, sickness, and eventually, death.