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Wesley's Explanatory Notes

2 Corinthians 12

2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ — That is, a Christian. It is plain from 2 Corinthians 12:6, that he means himself, though in modesty he speaks as of a third person. Whether in the body or out of the body I know not — It is equally possible with God to present distant things to the imagination in the body, a... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:4

He was caught up into paradise — The seat of happy spirits in their separate state, between death and the resurrection. Things which it is not possible for man to utter — Human language being incapable of expressing them. Here he anticipated the joyous rest of the righteous that die in the Lord. But... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:6

For if I should resolve to glory — Referring to, I might glory of such a glorious revelation. I should not be a fool — That is, it could not justly be accounted folly to relate the naked truth. But I forbear — I speak sparingly of these things, for fear any one should think too highly of me — O wher... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:7

There was given me — By the wise and gracious providence of God. A thorn in the flesh — A visitation more painful than any thorn sticking in the flesh. A messenger or angel of Satan to buffet me — Perhaps both visibly and invisibly; and the word in the original expresses the present, as well as the... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me — ln answer to my third request. My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses rathe... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:10

Weaknesses — Whether proceeding from Satan or men. For when I am weak — Deeply conscious of my weakness, then does the strength of Christ rest upon me.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:16

But some may object, though I did not burden you, though I did not take anything of you myself, yet being crafty I caught you with guile — I did secretly by my messengers what I would not do openly, or in person.... [ Continue Reading ]

2 Corinthians 12:17

I answer this lying accusation by appealing to plain fact. Did I make a gain of you by Titus — Or any other of my messengers? You know the contrary. It should be carefully observed, that St. Paul does not allow, but absolutely denies, that he had caught them with guile; so that the common plea for g... [ Continue Reading ]

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