2 Corinthians 12

Paul's Vision

1 ¹Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and ²revelations of the Lord.

2 I know a man ³in Christ who fourteen years ago -whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, ⁴God knows -such a man was ⁵caught up to the ⁶third heaven.

3 And I know how such a man -whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, ⁷God knows -

4 was ⁸caught up into ⁹Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.

5 ¹⁰On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my ¹¹weaknesses.

6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be ¹²foolish, ¹³for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

A Thorn in the Flesh

7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the ¹⁴revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a ¹⁵thorn in the flesh, a ¹⁶messenger of Satan to torment me-to keep me from exalting myself!

8 Concerning this I implored the Lord ¹⁷three times that it might leave me.

9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for ¹⁸power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather ¹⁹boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

10 Therefore ²⁰I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with ²¹distresses, with ²²persecutions, with ²³difficulties, ²⁴for Christ's sake; for ²⁵when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become ²⁶foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for ²⁷in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though ²⁸I am a nobody.

12 The ²⁹signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that ³⁰I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me ³¹this wrong!

14 Here ³²for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I ³³will not be a burden to you; for I ³⁴do not seek what is yours, but ³⁵you; for ³⁶children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but ³⁷parents for their children.

15 I will ³⁸most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If ³⁹I love you more, am I to be loved less?

16 But be that as it may, I ⁴⁰did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I ⁴¹took you in by deceit.

17 ⁴²Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?

18 I ⁴³urged ⁴⁴Titus to go, and I sent ⁴⁵the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same ⁴⁶spirit and walk ⁴⁷in the same steps?

19 All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, ⁴⁸it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and ⁴⁹all for your upbuilding, ⁵⁰beloved.

20 For I am afraid that perhaps ⁵¹when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be ⁵²strife, jealousy, ⁵³angry tempers, ⁵⁴disputes, ⁵⁵slanders, ⁵⁶gossip, ⁵⁷arrogance, ⁵⁸disturbances;

21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have ⁵⁹sinned in the past and not repented of the ⁶⁰impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.

2 Corinthians 12 Commentary

Chapter 12

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)

Verses 1-6 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.

Verses 7-10 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.

Verses 11-21 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.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Cor 11:16, 18, 30; 2 Corinthians 12:5, 9
• 2. 1 Corinthians 14:6; 2 Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 1:12; Galatians 2:2; Ephesians 3:3
• 3. Romans 16:7
• 4. 2 Corinthians 11:11
• 5. Ezekiel 8:3; Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 12:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5
• 6. Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalms 148:4; Ephesians 4:10; Hebrews 4:14
• 7. 2 Corinthians 11:11
• 8. Ezekiel 8:3; Acts 8:39; 2 Corinthians 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 12:5
• 9. Luke 23:43
• 10. 2 Corinthians 12:1
• 11. 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 12:9
• 12. 2 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11
• 13. 2 Corinthians 7:14
• 14. 2 Corinthians 12:1
• 15. Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6
• 16. Job 2:6; Matthew 4:10; 1 Corinthians 5:5
• 17. Matthew 26:44
• 18. 1 Corinthians 2:5; Ephesians 3:16; Philippians 4:13
• 19. 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 12:5
• 20. Romans 5:3; Romans 8:35
• 21. 2 Corinthians 6:4
• 22. 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Timothy 3:11
• 23. 2 Corinthians 6:4
• 24. 2 Corinthians 5:15, 20
• 25. 2 Corinthians 13:4
• 26. 2 Corinthians 5:13; 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:6
• 27. 1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 11:5
• 28. 1 Corinthians 3:7; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Corinthians 15:9
• 29. John 4:48; Romans 15:19; 1 Corinthians 9:1
• 30. 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 2 Corinthians 12:14
• 31. 2 Corinthians 11:7
• 32. 2 Corinthians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1, 2
• 33. 1 Corinthians 9:12, 18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; 2 Corinthians 12:13
• 34. 1 Corinthians 10:24, 33
• 35. 1 Corinthians 9:19
• 36. 1 Corinthians 4:14; Galatians 4:19
• 37. Proverbs 19:14; Ezekiel 34:2
• 38. Romans 9:3; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:10
• 39. 2 Corinthians 11:11
• 40. 2 Corinthians 11:9
• 41. 2 Corinthians 11:20
• 42. 2 Corinthians 9:5
• 43. 2 Corinthians 8:6
• 44. 2 Corinthians 2:13
• 45. 2 Corinthians 8:18
• 46. 1 Corinthians 4:21
• 47. Romans 4:12
• 48. Romans 9:1; 2 Corinthians 2:17
• 49. Romans 14:19; 2 Corinthians 10:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• 50. Hebrews 6:9
• 51. 1 Corinthians 4:21; 2 Corinthians 2:1-4
• 52. 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:3
• 53. Galatians 5:20
• 54. Romans 2:8; 1 Corinthians 11:19
• 55. Romans 1:30; James 4:11; 1 Peter 2:1
• 56. Romans 1:29
• 57. 1 Corinthians 4:6, 18; 1 Corinthians 5:2
• 58. 1 Corinthians 14:33
• 59. 2 Corinthians 13:2
• 60. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 18; Galatians 5:19; Colossians 3:5

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "from"
• [b]. Lit "beat"
• [c]. Lit "in"
• [d]. Or "mistreatment"
• [e]. Or "super-apostles"
• [f]. Or "attesting miracles"
• [g]. Lit "of the apostle"
• [h]. Or "attesting miracles"
• [i]. Or "works of power"
• [j]. Lit "walk"
• [k]. Or "by the same Spirit"
• [l]. Or "have you been thinking...?"
• [m]. I.e. sexual immorality

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORTHINIANS 12

The apostle in this chapter proceeds upon the same subject, in vindicating himself against the false teachers, and giving proof of his apostleship; he takes notice of a very remarkable and unusual vision he was favoured with; makes mention of an uncommon temptation of Satan, how he was delivered from it, and the use it was of to him; excuses his boasting to the Corinthians; lays the blame of it upon them who obliged him to do it, though they had such undeniable proofs of his apostleship among them; signifies he intended to come and see them, and expresses his strong affection for them, and good will towards them; removes the calumnies of covetousness, guile, and craftiness; reproves them for their sins, and threatens them in case of impenitence. Though in some respects glorying was not so convenient, and quite disagreeable to the apostle himself, yet such were his circumstances, that it was become necessary for him to do it, and therefore goes on with it; and to his character, qualifications, labours, sufferings, and deliverances, adds the visions and revelations of the Lord he had been honoured with, 2Co 12:1 and singles out a very particular one, which he describes by the time when, about fourteen years ago; by the person who saw it, himself, whom he speaks of in the third person, that there might be as little appearance of boasting as possible; by the place where it was seen, the third heaven, into which he was caught; by the form or manner of the vision, or the circumstance and condition in which he was when he saw it, of which he could give no account; as whether in or out of the body, 2Co 12:2, which last circumstance is repeated to denote the certainty of it, and his ignorance as to this part of it; for the truth of which he appeals to God, 2Co 12:3, and affirms again, that such an one as he had described was caught up to paradise; by which he explains what he meant by the third heaven, and further declares, that being there he heard words unutterable, 2Co 12:4. Now though this vision was matter of glorying, yet since he was the person that was so highly honoured with it, he would not dwell any longer on it, but rather speak of his infirmities, as he afterwards does, 2Co 12:5, yet if he had shown a design of boasting, it would not have been acting a foolish part; however, he thought it best to forbear, lest it should lead any into too high an opinion of him, 2Co 12:6, and indeed, these high enjoyments were apt to fill himself with pride and vanity, wherefore God, in his infinite wisdom, thought fit to take some methods to humble him; which leads him to give an account of a sore temptation that befell him, which was grievous to him, and in which he was buffeted by Satan; the end of which was to keep down his pride, and hide it from him, 2Co 12:7. The use this was of to him, and how he behaved under it, and the request he made to the Lord to be freed from it, are declared in 2Co 12:8, to which he received an answer, which was full and satisfactory, gave him pleasure, and determined him to glory in his infirmities, 2Co 12:9, which he does in 2Co 12:10, and gives an enumeration of them, and his reason for glorying in them: and whereas he knew he should be chargeable with folly, in glorying in other things as he had done, he blames the Corinthians for it, who had obliged him to it; for had they engaged as they should have done in the vindication and commendation of him, there would have been no need of his own; and they were furnished with matter and arguments enough for such a purpose, since it must have been a plain case to them that he was not inferior to the chief of the apostles, 2Co 12:11, of which they had a full demonstration, partly by the signs, wonders, and mighty deeds which were done in the midst of them by him, 2Co 12:12, and partly by the gifts of grace bestowed on them through his ministry, on account of which they did not come short of any other churches; unless it was in this, that they had the Gospel preached without charge unto them, 2Co 12:13, the apostle goes on to acquaint them that he had a third time intended to come and see them, when he would be no more burdensome and chargeable to them than he had been before; have no regard to theirs but to them, acting the part of a father that lays up for his children, but takes nothing from them, 2Co 12:14, and expresses his strong affection for them, even though they should show but little to him, and his earnest desire to be serviceable to them, and the pleasure he should take therein, 2Co 12:15, and whereas it was suggested by the false teachers, that though he did not take money of them in person, he had used some underhand crafty methods by the means of others to drain them of it, 2Co 12:16, he replies and vindicates his innocence, by putting the question to them in general; whether he had made any gain by any persons he had sent to them, 2Co 12:17, and particularly inasmuch as he had sent Titus and another brother, whether he had made any gain of them, and whether the apostle and he were not of the same spirit; and whether they did not take the same steps, 2Co 12:18, and then observes, that all the pains that he took in the vindication of himself, was not so much on his own account as theirs, even for their edification, that that might not be hindered, for whom he had the most endeared affection: and for the truth of all this he appeals to God, 2Co 12:19, and closes this chapter with observing the many evils which were among them, which he feared he should find among them, when he came, unrepented of; and which would be matter of grief and humiliation to him, and oblige him to use that severity among them which would not be agreeable to them, 2Co 12:20.