Read the Passage: 2 Corinthians 12

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 2 Corinthians 12

Visions and Grace (12:1–10)

One of the reasons why Paul was reluctant to boast about himself is that boasting can lead to pride. Furthermore, boasting about ministerial success could result in the Corinthians thinking too highly of Paul, or even cause them to focus their attention on the minister rather than the gospel message. Nevertheless, in 2 Cor. 12:1–6 Paul recounts an occasion on which he had received a vision from God. In this passage Paul writes about himself in the third person to deflect unwarranted admiration; yet clearly Paul is the man in view here. In this passage Paul discloses that he “was caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2), which he also calls “Paradise” (2 Cor. 12:4a), where he “heard inexpressible words” (2 Cor. 12:4b). Note that Paul alluded to receiving revelations elsewhere in his letters (cf. Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Phil. 3:3) and in the book of Acts Luke records six of Paul’s visions (cf. Acts 9:3–6; 16:9–10; 18:9–10; 22:17–18; 23:11; 27:23–24).

In light of the temptation to become prideful about his visions and revelations, Paul says that “a thorn in the flesh was given to me [by the Lord]” (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul records no specific details about this thorn, of which Satan was the proximate cause and God the ultimate cause. Yet, interpreters have suggested many possibilities as to the identity of this thorn, including: (1) a demon-possessed adversary, such as the leader of the false teachers who badgered Paul, (2) a chronic illness, such as poor eyesight (cf. Gal. 4:13–14; 6:12), or even (3) Paul’s own memory of persecuting the church (cf. Gal. 1:13; Phil. 3:6). While it is impossible to know whether Paul’s thorn was spiritual, physical, or emotional in nature, we can discern that the purpose of this infirmity was to keep Paul dependent on God. Indeed, in this passage Paul testified, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Boasting and Signs (12:11–13)

Several times over the previous two chapters, Paul had referred to boasting—including his own—as being foolish (cf. 2 Cor. 11:1, 16–17, 21, 23). At 2 Cor. 12:11, for the final time in this larger section, Paul says, “I have become a fool in boasting.” Yet, although he was indeed being foolish, Paul wanted to be clear in communicating “I am not in the least [bit] inferior to the ‘super-apostles,’ even though I am nothing” (2 Cor. 12:11). Of course, the believers in Corinth should have known this, writes Paul, for, “Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you” (2 Cor. 12:12). The signs of an apostle would have included various wonders and deeds, including healing and miracles, all of which would have confirmed Paul’s authority and the authenticity of the gospel message. Since the false teachers were not true apostles, they would have had no such miraculous signs.

Love and Fear (12:14–21)

As he heads toward the conclusion of this epistle, starting at 2 Cor. 12:14, Paul begins to explain his travel plans and to express his love for the church. Here Paul says, “For the third time I am ready to come to you” (2 Cor. 12:14; cf. 2 Cor. 13:1). This indicates that Paul had visited Corinth between the writing of 1 and 2 Corinthians, which was his so-called “painful visit” (cf. 2 Cor. 2:1). Given that there were some in Corinth who were still sympathetic to the false teachers, Paul complains, “The more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved” (2 Cor. 12:15). Observe that in this passage Paul repeatedly reminds the church that he was not a burden when he was with them, he did not seek their material goods, he loved the Corinthian believers, he did not take advantage of anyone in the church, and those whom he sent to Corinth walked in the same manner as he did.

In concluding his confrontation with the false teachers and their allies in the church, Paul sets his sarcasm aside and plainly states, “We speak before God in Christ. . . We do all things, beloved, for your edification” (2 Cor. 12:19). Scripture reports very few details about Paul’s painful visit to Corinth, which occurred prior to the writing of this letter. Yet, from what Paul reveals concerning his fears about the condition of the church, we can deduce that the false teachers had caused much harm. Indeed, it seems the church in Corinth had been marked by “contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbiting, whispering, conceits, tumults, . . . uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness” (2 Cor. 12:20–21). While God had used the sinful state of the church to humble Paul, clearly he had no desire to discipline the believers in Corinth on his planned, future, third visit.

Application Questions:

1. Is it ever acceptable to boast about one’s accomplishments (cf. Jer. 9:23–24)? How can we share stories of gospel successes without becoming prideful?
2. Should Christians expect to regularly receive extra-biblical revelations or visions from God?
3. Given Paul’s extensive missionary service, why did God refuse to remove Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
4. Why were signs and wonders often present in the early church, but are largely absent from the modern church?
5. What has been the best church with which you have been associated? What things characterize a spiritually mature church?