2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:1

I must needs glory (καυχασθαδε). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have δε while K M read δη. The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient (ουσυμφερον).

Visions (οπτασιας). Late word from οπταζω. See on Luke 1:22; Acts 26:19.

Revelations of the Lord (αποκαλυψειςΚυριου). Unveilings (from αποκαλυπτω as in Revelation 1:1). See on 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts 9:3; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 27:23) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3, etc.).

2 Corinthians 12:2

I know a man (οιδαανθρωπον). Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality.

Fourteen years ago (προετωνδεκατεσσαρων). Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in John 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Acts 9:30; Acts 11:25). We have no details of that period.

Caught up (αρπαγεντα). Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω, to seize (see on Matthew 11:12).

Even to the third heaven (εωτριτουουρανου). It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat._, Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer).

2 Corinthians 12:3

I do not know (ουκοιδα). Paul declines to pass on his precise condition in this trance. We had best leave it as he has told it.

2 Corinthians 12:4

Into Paradise (ειςπαραδεισον). See on Lu 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in verse 2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter viii) make Paradise in the third heaven. The rabbis had various ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any “celestial gradation” (Vincent).

Unspeakable words (αρρηταρηματα). Old verbal adjective (α privative, ρητος from ρεω), only here in N.T.

Not lawful (ουκεξον). Copula εστιν omitted. Hence Paul does

not give these words.

2 Corinthians 12:5

But on mine own behalf (υπερδεεμαυτου). As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (11:30).

2 Corinthians 12:6

I shall not be foolish (ουκεσομααφρων). Apparent contradiction to 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:16. But he is here speaking of the Paul “caught up” in case he should tell the things heard (condition of the third class, εαν and first aorist subjunctive θελησω).

Of me (ειςεμε). To my credit, almost like dative (cf. ενεμο in 1 Corinthians 14:11).

2 Corinthians 12:7

By reason of the exceeding greatness (τηυπερβολη). Instrumental case, “by the excess.”

That I should not be exalted overmuch (ιναμηυπεραιρωμα). Present passive subjunctive in final clause of υπεραιρω, old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence.

A thorn in the flesh (σκολοπςτησαρκ). This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the LXX it is usually thorn. The case of τησαρκ can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once.

Messenger of Satan (αγγελοςΣατανα). Angel of Satan, the affliction personified.

Buffet (κολαφιζη). See on Matthew 26:67; 1 Corinthians 4:11 for this late and rare word from κολαφος, fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God’s will for it to be so.

2 Corinthians 12:8

Concerning this thing (υπερτουτου). More likely, “concerning this messenger of Satan.”

That it might depart from me (ινααποστηαφ’ εμου). Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of αφιστημ in final clause, “that he stand off from me for good.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

He hath said (ειρηκεν). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.

Is sufficient (αρκε). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ’s grace suffices and abides.

Is perfected (τελειτα). Present passive indicative of τελεω, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See Philippians 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ’s power and grace.

Most gladly rather (ηδισταμαλλον). Two adverbs, one superlative (ηδιστα), one comparative (μαλλον). “Rather” than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter “most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses.” Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Romans 5:2; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

May rest upon me (επισκηνωσηεπ’ εμε). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with ινα (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Lu 9:34), the power (δυναμις) of the Lord Jesus.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Wherefore I take pleasure (διοευδοκω). For this noble word see on Matthew 3:17; 2 Corinthians 5:8. The enemies of Paul will have a hard time now in making Paul unhappy by persecutions even unto death (Philippians 1:20-26). He is not courting martyrdom, but he does not fear it or anything that is “for Christ’s sake” (υπερΧριστου).

For when (οτανγαρ). “For whenever,” indefinite time.

Then I am strong (τοτεδυνατοςειμ). At that very time, but not in myself, but in the fresh access of power from Christ for the emergency.

2 Corinthians 12:11

I am become foolish (γεγονααφρων). Perfect active indicative of γινομα. In spite of what he said in verse 6 that he would not be foolish if he gloried in the other Paul. But he feels that he has dropped back to the mood of 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:16. He has been swept on by the memory of the ecstasy.

For I ought to have been commended by you (εγωγαρωφειλονυφ’ υμωνσυνιστασθα). Explanation of “ye compelled me.” Imperfect active ωφειλον of οφειλω, to be under obligation, and the tense here expresses an unfulfilled obligation about the present. But συνιστασθα is present passive infinitive, not aorist or perfect passive. He literally means, “I ought now to be commended by you” instead of having to glorify myself. He repeats his boast already made (11:5f.), that he is no whit behind “the super-extra apostles” (the Judaizers), “though I am nothing” (εκαουδενειμ). Even boasting himself against those false apostles causes a reaction of feeling that he has to express (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:15).

2 Corinthians 12:12

Of an apostle (τουαποστολου). “Of the apostle” (definite article). Note the three words here for miracles wrought by Paul (σημεια, signs, τερατα, wonders, δυναμεις, powers or miracles) as in Hebrews 2:4.

2 Corinthians 12:13

Wherein ye were made inferior (οησσωθητε). First aorist passive indicative of ησσοομα, the text of Aleph B D instead of the usual ηττηθητε from the common ητταομα to be inferior or less from the comparative ηττων. See ησσων in verse 15. Hο is the neuter accusative with the passive verb (Robertson, Grammar, p. 479).

Forgive me this wrong (χαρισασθεμοτηναδικιανταυτην). Consummate irony to the stingy element in this church (cf. 11:9).

2 Corinthians 12:14

Third time I am ready to come (τριτοντουτοετοιμωςεχω). Had he been already twice or only once? He had changed his plans once when he did not go (1:15f.). He will not change his plans now. This looks as if he had only been once (that in Acts 18). Note the third use of καταναρκαω (2 Corinthians 11:9; 2 Corinthians 12:13; 2 Corinthians 12:14). They need not be apprehensive. He will be as financially independent of them as before. “I shall not sponge on you.”

Not yours, but you (ουταυμων, αλλαυμας). The motto of every real preacher.

To lay up (θησαυριζειν). For this use of the verb see 1 Corinthians 16:2 (Matthew 6:19-21; James 5:3).

2 Corinthians 12:15

I will most gladly spend and be spent (ηδισταδαπανησωκαεκδαπανηθησομα). Both future active of old verb δαπαναω (Mr 5:26) to spend money, time, energy, strength and the future passive of εκδαπαναω, late compound to spend utterly, to spend out, (εκ-), to spend wholly. Only here in N.T.

2 Corinthians 12:16

I did not myself burden you (εγωουκατεβαρησαυμας). First aorist active of late verb καταβαρεω, to press a burden down on one. Only here in N.T.

Crafty (πανουργος). Old word from παν, all, and εργο, to do anything (good or bad). Good sense is skilful, bad sense cunning. Only here in N.T. and Paul is quoting the word from his enemies.

With guile (δολω). Instrumental case of δολος, bait to catch fish with. The enemies of Paul said that he was raising this big collection for himself. Moffatt has done well to put these charges in quotation marks to make it plain to readers that Paul is ironical.

2 Corinthians 12:17

Did I take advantage (επλεονεκτησα). Paul goes right to the point without hedging. For this verb from πλεον and εχω, to have more, see on 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 7:2.

By any one of them (τινα–δι’ αυτου). An anacoluthon for τινα is left in the accusative without a verb and δι’ αυτου takes up the idea, “as to any one by him.”

Whom (ων). The genitive relative is attracted from the accusative ους into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτον). Μη expects the negative answer as does μητ in 18.

2 Corinthians 12:18

The brother (τοναδελφον). Probably the brother of Titus (cf. 8:18).

Did Titus take advantage of you? (μητεπλεονεκτησενυμαςΤιτοσ?). That puts the issue squarely.

By the same Spirit (τωαυτωπνευματ). That translation refers to the Holy Spirit and makes the case instrumental. The locative case, “in the same spirit,” makes it mean that Paul’s attitude is the same as that of Titus and most likely is correct, for “in the same steps” (τοιςαυτοιςιχνεσιν) is in locative case.

2 Corinthians 12:19

Ye think all this time (παλαδοκειτε). Progressive present indicative, “for a long time ye have been thinking.”

We are excusing ourselves (απολογουμεθα). He is not just apologizing, but is in deadly earnest, as they will find out when he comes.

2 Corinthians 12:20

Lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would (μηπωςελθωνουχοιουςθελωευρωυμας). An idiomatic construction after the verb of fearing (φοβουμα) with μηπως as the conjunction and with ουχ as the negative of the verb ευρω (second aorist active subjunctive of ευρισκω), μη the conjunction, ουχ the negative. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 995.

And I be found (καγωευρεθω). Same construction with first aorist passive subjunctive.

Such as ye would not (οιονουθελετε). Neat change in voice just before and position of the negative here.

Lest by any means (μηπως). Still further negative purpose by repeating the conjunction. With graphic pen pictures Paul describes what had been going on against him during his long absence.

Backbitings (καταλαλια). Late and rare word. In N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:1. If it only existed nowhere else!

Whisperings (ψιθυρισμο). Late word from ψιθυριζω, to whisper into one’s ear. An onomatopoetic word for the sibilant murmur of a snake charmer (Ecclesiastes 10:11). Only here in N.T.

Swellings (φυσιωσεις). From φυσιοω, to swell up, late word only here and in ecclesiastical writers. Did Paul make up the word for the occasion? See on 1 Corinthians 4:6 for verb.

Tumults (ακαταστασια). See on 2 Corinthians 6:5.

2 Corinthians 12:21

When I come again (παλινελθοντοςμου). Genitive absolute. Paul assumes it as true.

Lest my God humble me (μηταπεινωσημεοθεοςμου). Negative final clause (μη and first aorist active subjunctive), going back to φοβουμα in 20. He means a public humiliation as his fear. The conduct of the church had been a real humiliation whether he refers to a previous visit or not.

That have sinned heretofore (τωνπροημαρτηκοτων). Genitive plural of the articular perfect active participle of προαμαρτανω to emphasize continuance of their sinful state as opposed to μημετανοησαντων (did not repent) in the aorist tense.