William Burkitt's Expository Notes

2 Corinthians 12:8

Note here, 1. The person prayed to, the Lord; that is, the Lord Jesus, as appears by the two next verses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Here is an instance of prayer directed to Christ, therefore here is an instance of Christ's divinity; prayer made to Christ at all times, in all places, and for all things, is an evidence of his omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence, and consequently of his being truly and essentially God.

Note, 2. The subject-matter of this prayer, and that was, for the removal of the affliction; I prayed that it might depart from me; together with the reiterated frequency of it, I besought the Lord thrice.

Learn hence, That peace with God doth not make the flesh insensible;. good man may groan under bodily pain, and lawfully pray for the removal of it; yea, be oft in prayer for it; earnest and frequent prayer is not unsuitable to sharp affliction; For this. besought the Lord thrice.

Where mark, St. Paul's conformity to his Saviour, who in his agony prayed thrice that the cup might pass, but both of them with profound submission.

Note also, That the apostles gifts of healing were not to be used at their own pleasure (then St. Paul might have healed himself) but for the confirmation of the faith, when it pleased the Holy Spirit.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

William Burkitt's Expository Notes

2 Corinthians 12:8

Old Testament

New Testament