2 Corinthians 12

In this chapter, Paul discusses his personal experiences with visions and revelations from the Lord, providing a rare glimpse into his spiritual encounters. He also addresses the issue of boasting, reframing it to highlight his weaknesses as a testament to the power of Christ. The chapter concludes with his concerns for the Corinthian church, emphasizing his readiness to sacrifice for their spiritual growth.

2 Corinthians 12:1-2 (NKJV)
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

Paul begins by expressing reluctance to boast, seeing it as unprofitable, yet feels compelled to share his experiences with divine visions and revelations to defend his apostolic authority. He refers to an extraordinary event where he, or "a man in Christ," was caught up to the third heaven—an expression denoting a direct, profound encounter with God. Paul’s uncertainty about the physicality of the experience underscores its mystical nature.

2 Corinthians 12:3-4 (NKJV)
And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

Paul continues describing the revelation, noting that this man heard unspeakable, divine utterances in Paradise, a term synonymous with the presence of God. This experience, transcending human language and legality to express, emphasizes the profound and sacred nature of the revelations given to him.

2 Corinthians 12:5-6 (NKJV)
Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

Paul distinguishes his boasting; he boasts about the man who experienced these divine revelations, likely referring to himself in the third person, to maintain humility. He opts to boast only in his weaknesses, choosing truthfulness over exaggeration. His careful approach is meant to prevent others from overestimating his stature based on his spiritual experiences.

2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

To counterbalance the potential pride from his revelations, Paul shares that he was given a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent affliction he describes as a messenger of Satan. This metaphorical thorn serves to humble him, ensuring he does not become conceited due to the extraordinary spiritual insights he has received.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 (NKJV)
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul reveals that he prayed earnestly for relief from his affliction, but God’s response was that His grace was sufficient, and His power is fully realized in human weakness. Embracing this, Paul chooses to boast in his infirmities, acknowledging that his vulnerabilities are the very conditions under which Christ’s power is most evident and effective in his life.

2 Corinthians 12:10 (NKJV)
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Echoing the divine paradox, Paul states that his weaknesses lead to spiritual strength. He finds joy in suffering for Christ’s sake, as these moments of weakness are when he experiences God’s strength most profoundly, underscoring a central theme of Christian faith: power through vulnerability.

2 Corinthians 12:11-12 (NKJV)
I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for in nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though I am nothing. Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.

Paul laments that he has been driven to boast, something he considers foolish, because the Corinthians have not acknowledged his apostolic credentials as they should have. Despite feeling personally insignificant, he emphasizes that his work among them was marked by the same signs and wonders that characterized the most esteemed apostles, demonstrating his legitimate authority and dedication.

2 Corinthians 12:13-14 (NKJV)
For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you; for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Paul points out that the only way they were treated differently from other churches was that he did not seek their financial support, which he sarcastically asks forgiveness for. He expresses his intention to visit them again without being a financial burden, emphasizing that his motive is their spiritual well-being, not material gain. This parental metaphor illustrates his commitment to nurturing their faith as a parent would care for a child.

2 Corinthians 12:15-16 (NKJV)
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning!

Paul declares his willingness to give everything, even his life, for the sake of their spiritual growth, despite feeling less loved in return. He denies having been a financial burden to them and uses irony to dismiss any accusations that he used deceit or manipulation in his dealings with them.

2 Corinthians 12:17-18 (NKJV)
Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

Paul challenges any claims that he or his emissaries, like Titus, exploited the Corinthians. He reassures them that both his and Titus’s conduct were consistent and aligned with Christian integrity, implying that their actions were transparent and in harmony with the teachings of Christ.

2 Corinthians 12:19-21 (NKJV)
Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. For I fear, lest, when I come, I may not find you such as I wish, and that I may be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

Paul asserts that his defense is not an attempt to justify himself but is spoken in the presence of God and for the Corinthians' spiritual growth. He expresses his concern that he might find moral and spiritual disorder among them upon his return, which would be disappointing both for him and them. His fear is that unresolved sins among the Corinthians will lead to mutual humiliation and sorrow, highlighting the urgent need for repentance and spiritual renewal.