2 Corinthians 12

Paul's Visions and Revelations

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.. References Lord: Acts 18:9, 23:11. Glory: 2 Corinthians 12:11. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 8:10, 12:7, John 16:7, 1 Corinthians 10:23, Galatians 1:12, 2:2, 1 John 5:20 +5

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heavenHeaven: οὐρανός (Ouranos). The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2).. References God: 2 Corinthians 11:11, 1 Kings 8:27, Ezekiel 11:24, Revelation 12:5. Parallel theme: 1 Kings 18:12, Isaiah 57:15, Acts 22:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:17, Revelation 4:2 +4

3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. knoweth;)

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Parallel theme: Luke 23:43, Revelation 2:7

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. Glory: 2 Corinthians 11:30. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:3

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality.: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. Glory: 2 Corinthians 12:11. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:16, 11:31

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. Parallel theme: Genesis 32:25, 32:31, Numbers 33:55, Deuteronomy 8:14, Judges 2:3, Job 2:7, Daniel 5:20, 1 Corinthians 5:5, Galatians 4:13, 1 Timothy 3:6 +5

8 For this thing I besought the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. thrice, that it might depart from me. References Lord: 1 Samuel 15:11. Parallel theme: Hebrews 5:7

9 And he said unto me, My graceGrace: χάρις (Charis). The Greek charis (χάρις) denotes unmerited divine favor—God's kindness toward the undeserving. Salvation is 'by grace through faith' (Ephesians 2:8), not human merit. is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 12:10, Philippians 4:13. Grace: 1 Corinthians 15:10, Hebrews 4:16. Glory: 2 Corinthians 12:5, Ephesians 3:16. Parallel theme: Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 43:2, 1 Corinthians 2:5, 10:13 +5

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 12:9. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:17, 6:4, 13:4, Luke 6:22, John 15:21, Acts 5:41, Romans 5:3, Ephesians 6:10, James 1:2 +5

Concern for the Corinthian Church

11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 11:1, 11:5

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 4:2, 11:4, 11:6, John 4:48, 1 Corinthians 14:18

13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Corinthians 9:6, 9:12

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not your's, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:15, Proverbs 13:22, 19:14, Ezekiel 34:2, Acts 20:33, 1 Corinthians 10:24, 10:33, 1 Thessalonians 2:11 +3

15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I loveLove: ἀγάπη (Agape). The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate. you, the less I be loved. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:6, 2:3, 7:3, 12:9, 12:14, Philippians 2:17, Colossians 1:24, 1 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 Timothy 2:10, Hebrews 13:17 +5

16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers.? walked we not in the same steps? Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 8:6, Romans 4:12

Final Warnings

19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. References Christ: Romans 9:1. Love: 1 Corinthians 10:14. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 10:8, 1 Corinthians 14:26

20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults: Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 12:21, Proverbs 16:28, Romans 1:29, 1 Corinthians 1:11, Galatians 5:15, 1 Peter 2:1, Jude 1:16 +2

21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. Sin: 2 Corinthians 13:2. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 5:1, Galatians 5:19, Colossians 3:5