2 Corinthians 12

The Apostle Paul recounts a profound vision of a man (likely himself) caught up to the third heaven, where he heard unspeakable words. To prevent pride from these abundant revelations, he was given a "thorn in the flesh," which the Lord declared was a means for His strength to be perfected in Paul's weakness. Paul then defends his apostolic authority and financial integrity, expressing deep concern over the Corinthians' potential disunity and unrepentant sin upon his anticipated third visit.

The Apostle Paul begins by reluctantly speaking of visions and revelations, describing a man (understood to be himself) who was caught up to the third heaven and paradise, hearing divine words not lawful to utter. He states that he will glory in this extraordinary experience, but more readily in his own infirmities, to avoid self-exaltation. To counteract the immense spiritual privilege of these revelations, Paul was given a "thorn in the flesh," a messenger of Satan, which he thrice implored the Lord to remove. The Lord's response, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness," led Paul to embrace his weaknesses, finding strength in Christ's power. He then defends his apostleship, asserting his equality with the "chiefest apostles" through signs and wonders performed among them. Paul emphasizes his consistent refusal to be a financial burden to the Corinthians, seeking their spiritual well-being over their material possessions. He prepares for a third visit, expressing deep concern that he might find them engaged in strife, envy, and unrepentant sin, which would cause him sorrow and humiliation.

In 2 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul reluctantly shifts from defending his ministry to speaking of spiritual experiences, specifically "visions and revelations of the Lord." He describes an extraordinary event fourteen years prior, where he knew a man (widely interpreted as himself, spoken in the third person to avoid personal boasting) who was "caught up to the third heaven" and subsequently "into paradise." In this transcendent state, the man heard "unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter," indicating a profound and ineffable divine encounter. Paul declares that he will glory in this man's experience, but concerning himself, he will only glory in his infirmities, carefully avoiding any self-exaltation. He explains that lest he be "exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations," a "thorn in the flesh" was given to him, described as "the messenger of Satan to buffet me." Paul earnestly besought the Lord three times for the removal of this affliction. The Lord's definitive reply was, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." This divine declaration transformed Paul's perspective, leading him to "most gladly therefore... glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me," and to take pleasure in various hardships for Christ's sake, recognizing that "when I am weak, then am I strong." Transitioning, Paul acknowledges he has become a "fool in glorying," but attributes this to the Corinthians' failure to commend him, asserting his equality with the "chiefest apostles" through the "signs of an apostle" demonstrated among them. He defends his financial integrity, reiterating that he never burdened them, seeking not their possessions but their very selves, likening himself to a parent providing for children. Paul prepares for his third visit, reaffirming his commitment not to be burdensome and refuting accusations of deceit or financial gain through his associates like Titus. Finally, he expresses profound concern for the Corinthians' spiritual state, fearing he will find them embroiled in internal conflicts, such as debates, envyings, and strifes, and that he will have to lament over many who have persisted in unrepentant "uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness." His ultimate aim in all things is their edification.