2 Corinthians 12 - Introduction

Love And Concern For Corinth Second Corinthians Twelve

Paul described what he did in 2 Corinthians 11:1-33 as foolish boasting. Now in 2 Corinthians 12:1-21 he wrote about a man that was caught up into the third heaven. The third heaven is called Paradise. There this man heard "unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." This took place about 14 years before. Most assume that this man was Paul himself. Likely Paul did not name himself as the man because he did not want people to think that he thought too much of himself.

Paul received a "thorn in the flesh," a "messenger of Satan" to buffet him or to keep him humble. He prayed to the Lord three times for it to be removed but it was not the Lord's will to do so. Instead of removing the thorn God said, "My grace is sufficient for thee." Paul's strength was made perfect in this weakness. Those that recognize their own weakness can find strength in Christ.

It should never have been necessary for Paul to do the foolish boasting because he had the "signs of an apostle." He said that his only wrong against these brethren was that he had not accepted support from them like he had from other churches. Paul closed this chapter by saying to these brethren, "I will very gladly spend and be spent for you." (2 Corinthians 12:15) He had a deep love for these brethren and he wanted to find love, faithfulness and commitment to God at Corinth.