2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:1 Because his opponents boast in their spiritual experiences as well as in their ethnic identity, Paul is also forced to boast, however foolishly, in his own visions and revelations (see 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:16; 2 Corinthians 12:11). But then in... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:2 I KNOW A MAN... THIS MAN. Paul’s hesitancy to boast of his visions is reflected in his use of the third person (as if it had happened to someone else). THE THIRD HEAVEN (that is, the highest; see 1 Kings 8:27). This phrase reflects a distinction between (1) t... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7 A THORN WAS GIVEN ME (by God, who is sovereign over all things) IN THE FLESH, A MESSENGER OF SATAN. The nature of this “thorn” or “messenger” is uncertain. The most frequently proposed possibilities include: (1) Paul’s inner psychological struggles (such as g... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT. Paul says that God’s grace “is sufficient” (in the present tense). This emphasizes the constant availability of God’s grace, for Paul and for every believer (see Romans 8:31). MY POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Paul’s earthly weakne... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:11 SUPER-APOSTLES. See note on 11:5–6. EVEN THOUGH I AM NOTHING. Paul was the “least of the apostles,” having persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:8). He owes everything to the grace and call of God in his life (1 Corinthians 15:10; 2 Corinthians 3:4).... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:12 THE SIGNS OF A TRUE APOSTLE... AMONG YOU WITH UTMOST PATIENCE. Refers to the work of the Spirit through Paul’s ministry. This work is seen in the conversion and gifting of the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 3:1). It is also seen in Paul’s Christlike behavior (2... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:13 With playful irony, Paul says that the only wrong he did the Corinthians was not asking them for money (see 2 Corinthians 11:9 for the reason). ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:14 In final preparation for his third visit (2 Corinthians 12:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1), Paul commends his apostleship one last time (2 Corinthians 12:14) and challenges the rebellious to test the genuineness of their professed faith (2 Corinthians 13:1).... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:16 CRAFTY... DECEIT... TAKE ADVANTAGE. Paul rejects the idea that he used the collection to take money from the Corinthians. There is no evidence for such a charge. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img;... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:20 FIND YOU NOT AS I WISH. That is, still unrepentant, rebellious, and continuing in their sinful lifestyles. All of these would indicate that they are not genuine believers (see 2 Corinthians 13:5). FIND ME NOT AS YOU WISH. If the Corinthians do not repent, Pa... [ Continue Reading ]
2 CORINTHIANS—NOTE ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:21 GOD MAY HUMBLE Paul BEFORE the Corinthians by using Paul as an instrument of their judgment. This will mean Paul MAY HAVE TO MOURN over the rebellious. ⇐ ⇔ ⇒ var images = document.getElementsByTagName("img"); for (var i=0, len=images.length, img; i [ Continue Reading ]