2 Corinthians 12
BSB1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. 3 And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— 4 was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were too sacred for words, things that man is not permitted to tell. 5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 6 Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10 That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance. 13 In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less? 16 Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. 17 Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? 18 I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps? 19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. 20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 21 I am afraid that when I come again, my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of their acts of impurity, sexual immorality, and debauchery.
Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 12
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12
- Themes from 2 Corinthians 12
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Corinthians 12
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about his experience with a thorn in the flesh, which was a source of great pain and discomfort for him. He prayed to God three times to remove it, but God chose not to, saying 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul then explains how this experience taught him to boast in his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him. He also talks about his visions and revelations from the Lord, including being caught up to the third heaven, where he heard inexpressible things (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of his love for the Corinthian church and his desire to visit them again.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger book of 2 Corinthians, which is a letter written by Paul to the Corinthian church. The book is a response to the church's questions and concerns, and it provides guidance and encouragement for believers who are facing various challenges and struggles. The chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative as a testament to God's sovereignty and care for His people, and as a reminder of the importance of humility and dependence on Him.
Heart Application
This chapter has practical implications for believers today, who are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in the midst of their own weaknesses and struggles. It reminds us that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that we should boast in our weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on us (2 Corinthians 12:9).
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about Paul's experience with a thorn in the flesh, which was a source of great pain and discomfort for him. Despite his prayers for its removal, God chose not to take it away, but instead gave him the promise of His sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). The chapter reminds us that God's power is made perfect in weakness, and that we should boast in our weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on us.
Voices from the Church
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. And this is what Paul did, when he was given the thorn in the flesh, he did not give up, but instead, he learned to boast in his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The believer's greatest comfort is that God's power is made perfect in weakness. This means that even in the midst of our greatest struggles and weaknesses, we can trust in God's sovereignty and provision, and know that He will give us the strength and ability we need to overcome them.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (12:1-10) — Paul talks about his experience with a thorn in the flesh, which was given to him to keep him humble. He prayed to God three times to remove it, but God chose not to, saying 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness' (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Paul's Visions and Revelations (12:1-6) — Paul talks about his visions and revelations from the Lord, including being caught up to the third heaven, where he heard inexpressible things (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
- Paul's Love for the Corinthian Church (12:11-18) — Paul expresses his love for the Corinthian church and his desire to visit them again. He reminds them that he has not been a burden to them, and that he will continue to care for them, even if it means sacrificing his own interests (2 Corinthians 12:14-15).
- Paul's Warning to the Church (12:19-21) — Paul warns the Corinthian church to examine themselves, to see if they are in the faith. He reminds them that he will not spare them, if they are found to be unrepentant and disobedient (2 Corinthians 12:20-21).
- Conclusion (12:19-21) — The chapter concludes with Paul's expression of his love for the Corinthian church, and his desire to visit them again. He reminds them that he will continue to care for them, and that he will not spare them, if they are found to be unrepentant and disobedient (2 Corinthians 12:19-21).
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the experiences of believers. Paul's thorn in the flesh was given to him by God, to keep him humble and dependent on Him.
- The Importance of Humility
- The chapter highlights the importance of humility in the life of the believer. Paul's experience with the thorn in the flesh taught him to be humble and dependent on God, and to boast in his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him.
- The Power of Prayer
- The chapter shows the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. Paul prayed to God three times to remove the thorn in the flesh, and God responded with the promise of His sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
- The Sufficiency of God's Grace
- The chapter teaches that God's grace is sufficient for believers, even in the midst of their greatest struggles and weaknesses. Paul's experience with the thorn in the flesh is a testament to this truth, as God gave him the promise of His sufficient grace, despite his prayers for its removal (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter teaches that humility is essential for believers, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to trust in His sovereignty and provision.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter shows that prayer is a powerful tool for believers, as it allows us to communicate with God and to seek His guidance and provision in our lives.
- The Sufficiency of God's Grace — The chapter teaches that God's grace is sufficient for believers, even in the midst of their greatest struggles and weaknesses. This is a profound truth that can give us hope and comfort in our own lives and circumstances.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand what is happening in our lives. This requires faith and obedience, as we seek to follow God's will and to trust in His provision.
- The Value of Boasting in Our Weaknesses — The chapter teaches that boasting in our weaknesses is a way of recognizing our dependence on God and of trusting in His power and provision. This is a counter-cultural message, as the world often values strength and self-sufficiency, but it is a powerful way of living out our faith and of glorifying God.
Themes from 2 Corinthians 12
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the experiences of believers. This is a profound truth that can give us hope and comfort in our own lives and circumstances.
- The Importance of Humility — The chapter highlights the importance of humility in the life of the believer, as it allows us to recognize our dependence on God and to trust in His sovereignty and provision.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter shows that prayer is a powerful tool for believers, as it allows us to communicate with God and to seek His guidance and provision in our lives.
- The Sufficiency of God's Grace — The chapter teaches that God's grace is sufficient for believers, even in the midst of their greatest struggles and weaknesses. This is a profound truth that can give us hope and comfort in our own lives and circumstances.
- The Value of Boasting in Our Weaknesses — The chapter teaches that boasting in our weaknesses is a way of recognizing our dependence on God and of trusting in His power and provision. This is a counter-cultural message, as the world often values strength and self-sufficiency, but it is a powerful way of living out our faith and of glorifying God.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the thorn in the flesh that Paul talks about in this chapter, and how did it affect him?
- How did Paul respond to the thorn in the flesh, and what did he learn from the experience?
- What does the chapter teach about the sovereignty of God, and how does this relate to the experiences of believers?
- How does the chapter highlight the importance of humility in the life of the believer, and what are some ways that we can cultivate humility in our own lives?
- What does the chapter teach about the power of prayer, and how can we apply this to our own lives and circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (12:1-10)
| 12:1 | Paul talks about his experience with a thorn in the flesh, which was given to him to keep him humble. |
| 12:2 | Paul was caught up to the third heaven, where he heard inexpressible things. |
| 12:3 | Paul does not know whether he was in his body or out of his body when he was caught up to the third heaven. |
| 12:4 | Paul heard inexpressible things, which he was not allowed to tell. |
| 12:5 | Paul will boast about his weaknesses, but not about his strengths. |
| 12:6 | If Paul were to boast about his strengths, he would be a fool, because he has been given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. |
| 12:7 | The thorn in the flesh was given to Paul to keep him from becoming conceited. |
| 12:8 | Paul prayed to God three times to remove the thorn in the flesh. |
| 12:9 | God responded to Paul's prayers, saying 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'. |
| 12:10 | Paul will boast all the more gladly about his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him. |
2. Paul's Love for the Corinthian Church (12:11-18)
| 12:11 | Paul has become a fool by boasting, but the Corinthian church has compelled him to do so. |
| 12:12 | The signs of a true apostle were performed among the Corinthian church, including signs, wonders, and miracles. |
| 12:13 | The Corinthian church did not lack any spiritual gift, as Paul had given them everything they needed. |
| 12:14 | Paul will not be a burden to the Corinthian church, but will sacrifice his own interests for their sake. |
| 12:15 | Paul will gladly spend and be spent for the Corinthian church, even if it means that he will be poor and they will be rich. |
| 12:16 | Paul did not take advantage of the Corinthian church, but instead, he took money from other churches to support himself while he was with them. |
| 12:17 | Paul did not take advantage of the Corinthian church through any of the men he sent to them. |
| 12:18 | Paul sent Titus to the Corinthian church, and he did not take advantage of them, but instead, he was faithful and honest in his dealings with them. |
3. Paul's Warning to the Church (12:19-21)
| 12:19 | Paul is not defending himself to the Corinthian church, but instead, he is building them up in the faith. |
| 12:20 | Paul is afraid that when he comes to the Corinthian church, he will find them to be unrepentant and disobedient, and that he will have to mourn over many who have sinned and have not repented. |
| 12:21 | Paul will not spare the Corinthian church, if they are found to be unrepentant and disobedient, but instead, he will discipline them, so that they may be restored to a right relationship with God. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the thorn in the flesh that Paul talks about in this chapter?
The thorn in the flesh is a source of great pain and discomfort that Paul experienced, which was given to him to keep him humble. The exact nature of the thorn is not specified in the chapter, but it is clear that it was a difficult and challenging experience for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
How did Paul respond to the thorn in the flesh?
Paul responded to the thorn in the flesh by praying to God three times to remove it. However, God chose not to remove the thorn, but instead gave Paul the promise of His sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).
What does the chapter teach about the sovereignty of God?
The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the experiences of believers. Paul's thorn in the flesh was given to him by God, to keep him humble and dependent on Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 12:1 → Ezekiel 1:1 | Both passages describe a vision of the heavens, where the prophet or apostle is given a glimpse of the divine realm. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 12:2 → Revelation 4:1 | Both passages describe a experience of being caught up to the third heaven, where the prophet or apostle is given a glimpse of the divine realm. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 12:7 → Job 2:7 | Both passages describe a experience of suffering and affliction, where the believer is given a thorn in the flesh to keep them humble. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 12:8 → Psalm 50:15 | Both passages describe the importance of calling on God in times of trouble, and trusting in His sovereignty and provision. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 → Isaiah 40:29 | Both passages describe the sufficiency of God's grace, and the importance of trusting in His power and provision, even in the midst of weakness and struggle. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 12:10 → 2 Timothy 4:17 | Both passages describe the importance of boasting in our weaknesses, and trusting in God's power and provision, even in the midst of struggle and adversity. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 12:11 → 1 Corinthians 9:1 | Both passages describe the importance of humility and dependence on God, and the need to trust in His sovereignty and provision, rather than in human strength and ability. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 12:12 → Hebrews 2:4 | Both passages describe the signs and wonders that accompany the ministry of the apostles, and the importance of trusting in God's power and provision, rather than in human strength and ability. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 12:14 → 1 Corinthians 4:14-15 | Both passages describe Paul's love and care for the Corinthian church, and his desire to visit them again and to continue to care for them, even if it means sacrificing his own interests. |
| 10 | 2 Corinthians 12:21 → Matthew 18:15 | Both passages describe the importance of discipline and correction in the life of the believer, and the need to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the midst of struggle and adversity. |
Sermons on 2 Corinthians 12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Concerning Spiritual Gifts by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the secret of power, which is the unveiling of Christ within us. He uses the story of Peter and John encountering a crippled man at the beau |
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"Challenge Demon Power" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon challenges believers to embrace tribulations and reproaches, drawing inspiration from the Apostle Paul's attitude of glorying in difficulties. It emphasizes the need fo |
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Interview 1974 by Corrie Ten Boom | This sermon shares the powerful testimony of a woman who endured imprisonment and suffering during World War II, highlighting how God's grace sustained her through the darkest time |
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Intercessory Prayer - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different perspectives of Jesus presented in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew portrays Jesus as a king, while Mark e |
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A Target of Satan's Envy by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to seek strength and guidance from God in their spiritual battles. He acknowledges that despite hearing numerous |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by discussing the story of Paul's shipwreck and how he cast four anchors into the sea when all hope seemed lost. He then shares a personal anecd |
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Brokenness Study #2 - the Purpose by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the incredible task that God gave to Moses. He was instructed to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. Moses was initiall |
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Brokenness Study #5 - the Promise by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the grace of God and expresses wonder at how God could love, be patient, forgiving, forbearing, good, gracious, and kind to him despite his |
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(2006 Conference) 1.beauty and Perfection in Balance by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance of truth in our lives, churches, and ministries, drawing insights from Genesis 1. It highlights the need to examine o |
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In Tribute to Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, Catherine Coogman reflects on her role as a preacher and the responsibility that comes with it. She describes the anticipation and fear she feels before stepping on |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12
In this chapter, we see the apostle Paul's experience with a thorn in the flesh, which was given to him to keep him humble. Despite his prayers for its removal, God chose not to take it away, but instead gave him the promise of His sufficient grace. This is a profound truth that has implications for all believers, who are called to trust in God's sovereignty and provision in the midst of their own weaknesses and struggles. As Matthew Henry says, 'The apostle's thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan, but it was also a means of keeping him humble, and a proof of the power and goodness of God.' (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). The chapter also highlights the importance of boasting in our weaknesses, and trusting in God's power and provision, even in the midst of struggle and adversity. As Henry says, 'The apostle's boasting was not in his own strength, but in the power of Christ, which was made perfect in his weakness.' (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Humility
Paul's experience with the thorn in the flesh taught him to be humble and dependent on God. He learned to boast in his weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on him (2 Corinthians 12:9).
God's Sovereignty
The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and control over all things, including the experiences of believers. Paul's thorn in the flesh was given to him by God, to keep him humble and dependent on Him.
The Importance of Prayer
The chapter shows the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. Paul prayed to God three times to remove the thorn in the flesh, and God responded with the promise of His sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).