In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul candidly shares personal revelations and extraordinary experiences, underscoring the depth of his spiritual journey and intimacy with God. Yet, amid profound visions of the third heaven, he also speaks of a persistent "thorn in the flesh" that serves as a humbling reminder of his dependence on God's grace. This chapter juxtaposes divine ecstasy with human frailty, demonstrating that strength is perfected in weakness and that the Lord's grace is always sufficient for His beloved servants.
Paul's Visions and Revelations (12:1-6)
a. Necessity of Boasting (v1): Although he'd rather not, Paul feels compelled to defend his apostolic ministry through boasting.
b. Man Caught Up to the Third Heaven (v2-4): Paul describes a man's extraordinary spiritual experience, being taken up to paradise and hearing unspeakable words.
c. On Boasting in the Lord (v5-6): Paul refrains from boasting about this experience but chooses to boast in the Lord instead.
Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (12:7-10)
a. Given a Thorn to Keep Him Humble (v7): Paul mentions a "thorn in the flesh," a messenger of Satan, given to him to prevent him from becoming conceited.
b. Pleas for its Removal and God's Response (v8-9a): Paul pleads thrice with the Lord to remove this affliction. Yet, God's answer is that His grace is sufficient, and His strength is perfected in weakness.
c. Paul's Contentment in Weakness (v9b-10): Instead of despairing, Paul rejoices in his infirmities and challenges, as it's in these moments that Christ's power rests upon him.
Paul's Concern for the Corinthians (12:11-21)
a. The Signs of an Apostle (v11-12): Despite feeling foolish for boasting, Paul emphasizes that he displayed all the signs of true apostleship among them.
b. Not Burdening the Corinthians (v13-15): He did not burden the Corinthians but sought their betterment, ready to spend and be spent for their souls.
c. Defending His Integrity (v16-18): Paul defends himself against claims of trickery or deceit in his dealings with the Corinthians.
d. Desire for their Spiritual Growth (v19-21): Above all, Paul's actions are for their edification, but he fears he may find them in disarray upon his visit.
Background of 2 Corinthians: 2 Corinthians is one of Paul's more personal letters. He defended his apostolic ministry against some in Corinth who questioned his credentials, abilities, and motives. By the time we reach chapter 12, Paul is deep into this defense.
Paul's Reluctant Boasting: In the chapters preceding 2 Corinthians 12, Paul reluctantly engages in what he calls "foolish" boasting to counter the boasts of the "super-apostles" who seem to be emphasizing their spectacular experiences and possibly their Judean origin or rhetorical skill. They appeared to be leading the Corinthians astray with a different message and boasted of their spiritual experiences as validation for their ministry.
Paul's Vision: In 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Paul recounts a profound mystical experience where he was "caught up to the third heaven." He doesn't provide explicit details, likely because he wants to de-emphasize the personal significance of such visions compared to the importance of Christ's message.
The "Thorn in the Flesh": Following the revelation of this vision, Paul discusses a "thorn in the flesh" given to him to keep him humble. While the exact nature of this "thorn" remains a subject of debate (physical ailment, spiritual temptation, external opposition, etc.), it's clear that it was a source of distress for Paul. Yet, its presence served as a reminder of God's sustaining grace and power, which is "made perfect in weakness."
Paul's Concern for the Corinthians: This chapter also underscores Paul's deep concern for the spiritual health of the Corinthian believers. He's willing to expose his vulnerabilities and spend his resources for their spiritual well-being, even if it means defending himself against unfair accusations.
The Historical Situation: The larger backdrop is still the same – the cosmopolitan city of Corinth with its variety of cultural influences and its susceptibility to charismatic leaders who might have been prioritizing form over substance. Given this situation, it's not hard to see how some in the church could be led astray by the so-called "super-apostles" with their claims and boasts.
A(12:1-6) - 12:1 "I must go on boasting, though there is nothing to be gained by it..."
B(12:7-10) - 12:7 "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh..."
C(12:11-13) - 12:11 "I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle..."
A'(12:14-18) - 12:14 "Now I am ready to visit you for the third time..."
B'(12:19-21) - 12:19 "Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you?..."
A: Apostolic Authenticity - Paul emphasizes his sincere apostolic authority and genuine concern for the Corinthians over personal gain.
B': Strength in Weakness - Through personal challenges, Paul highlights the power of God's grace and the victory of divine strength over personal affliction.
C: Central Theme - Selfless Service - Despite adversities, Paul's dedication to the Corinthians' spiritual growth remains paramount.
2 Cor 12:2 - KJV Word: "Caught up" | Greek Word: "ἁρπαγέντα" (harpagenta). In the context, Paul describes a mystical experience where he was "caught up" to the third heaven. The Greek term conveys a sudden and powerful action, as if forcibly snatched or swiftly taken up.
2 Cor 12:7 - KJV Word: "Thorn in the flesh" | Greek Word: "σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί" (skolops tēi sarki). This phrase isn't just about a physical ailment. It's symbolic of a persistent and troubling hindrance or affliction, given to keep Paul humble. The exact nature of this "thorn" is widely debated among scholars.
2 Cor 12:9 - KJV Word: "Sufficient" | Greek Word: "ἀρκέσει" (arkesei). The term here means more than just "enough." In this context, it suggests that God's grace isn't just adequate, but perfectly and powerfully suited to meet Paul's needs, especially in his weakness.