2 Corinthians 12 shows that God's power is made perfect in weakness. Paul reluctantly tells of a vision of paradise, but refuses to build his authority on it. Instead he speaks of a thorn in the flesh, which God did not remove though Paul pleaded three times. The Lord answered, My grace is sufficient for you. Paul learned to boast in his weaknesses so that Christ's power might rest on him. He closes the chapter with a father's love for the Corinthians and a warning that they must repent of their sins before he comes.
Historical Context
In chapter 11, studied in Lesson 27, Paul boasted reluctantly of his sufferings, in contrast to false apostles who boasted of their strength. The false teachers in Corinth probably claimed special visions and revelations. Chapter 12 answers them, and Paul prepares for his third visit.
Scripture Passage
2 Corinthians 12:1-21
Interpretation & Insights
Visions Are Not the Measure
Paul says boasting is not profitable, but he will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord (12:1). He speaks of "a man in Christ" who fourteen years earlier was caught up to the third heaven, into paradise, and heard things that cannot be told, which a person may not utter (12:2-4). He is speaking of himself, but in a modest way. Notice what he does not do. He gives no details, builds no teaching on the experience, and refuses to boast of it (12:5-6). He wants people to judge him by what they see in his life and hear in his preaching. This is a strong correction for anyone who claims authority because of dreams, visions or special experiences. Our authority is God's written Word, not private experiences (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Thorn in the Flesh
To keep him from becoming conceited because of these revelations, a thorn was given him in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass him (12:7). Paul does not tell us what it was. Some think of an illness, some of persecution, others of a constant opposition. Since Scripture does not say, we should not insist on one view. What is clear is that it caused real pain, that Satan meant it for harm, and that God used it for good, to keep Paul humble and dependent (compare Job 1-2; Romans 8:28).
Paul pleaded with the Lord three times that it should leave him (12:8). This was right; it is good to bring our pain to God in prayer, including prayer for healing (James 5:14-16). But the Lord said no, and not because Paul's faith was weak. This is the apostle who had seen paradise. God had a better purpose.
My Grace Is Sufficient
The Lord's answer was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (12:9). God did not promise to remove the thorn. He promised Himself: His grace, His presence and His strength in the middle of the weakness. So Paul says he will boast all the more gladly of his weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. He is content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities for the sake of Christ, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (12:10).
This truth protects us from two errors. One says that if you have enough faith, God will always heal you and remove your suffering; so sickness is a sign of weak faith or hidden sin. Paul's thorn shows that is false. God sometimes heals, and we should pray, seek good medical care and give thanks when He does. Sometimes He does not remove suffering in this life, and then His grace carries us. The other error is to think weakness is good in itself. It is not. Weakness is where we learn to stop trusting ourselves and lean on Christ. Final healing is certain when Christ returns and God wipes away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
Signs of an Apostle and a Father's Love
Paul says the Corinthians should have commended him, for he was not inferior to the super-apostles, even though he is nothing (12:11). The signs of a true apostle were performed among them with utmost patience, with signs, wonders and mighty works (12:12). His only "wrong" was that he did not burden them financially (12:13). Now he is ready to come a third time, and he will not be a burden, "for I seek not what is yours but you" (12:14). Parents save up for their children, not children for their parents. He will gladly spend and be spent for their souls (12:15). Neither he nor Titus took advantage of them (12:16-18). Everything he does is for their building up (12:19).
A Call to Repent
Paul fears that when he comes he may find quarrelling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit and disorder (12:20). He fears grieving over those who sinned earlier and have not repented of their impurity, sexual immorality and sensuality (12:21). Grace does not excuse sin; it calls us to turn from it. Whatever weakness you carry today, bring it to the Lord, and trust that His grace is enough for you.
Reflection Questions
- Why does Paul refuse to build his authority on his vision of paradise (12:1-6)? What does this teach about how we treat dreams and experiences today?
- What do we learn from the fact that Scripture does not tell us what Paul's thorn was (12:7)?
- Paul pleaded three times, and God said no (12:8-9). How does this answer the claim that sickness or suffering always means weak faith?
- What weakness, pain or limitation in your life might be the place where Christ's power is shown?
- How does Paul's attitude, I seek not what is yours but you (12:14), compare with what you see in leaders today?
- Which sins listed in 12:20-21 do you need to bring to God in repentance?
Prayer Points
Lord Jesus, thank You that Your grace is sufficient for me and Your power is made perfect in weakness. You know the thorns I carry. I bring them to You and ask for Your help and healing, and I trust Your wisdom when You do not take them away. Keep me from pride in my experiences and from judging others who suffer. Let Your power rest on me, so that when I am weak, I am strong in You. Give me Paul's love that seeks people and not their possessions, and lead me to turn from every sin that grieves You. Amen.
Related Verses
- 2 Corinthians 4:7-10
- Romans 8:26-28
- Philippians 4:11-13
- Hebrews 4:15-16
- James 5:13-16
- 1 Peter 5:6-10
- Revelation 21:3-4