2 Corinthians 12:1–21 (3 of 3)
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:: Paul’s Visions and His Thorn ::
2 Corinthians 12:1–21 (esv) Part 3 of 3
I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. 7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, ha messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it, for I ought to have been commended by you. For I was not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 For in what were you less favored than the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
:: Parallel ::
:: 2 Corinthians 12:15–21 :: James 1:5 ::
A parallel verse to 2 Corinthians 12:15–21 is James 1:5, which states:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
James 1:5 aligns with 2 Corinthians 12:15–21
In 2 Corinthians 12:8–14, Paul speaks of his "thorn in the flesh" and how he pleaded with God three times to remove it. Despite his request, God responds with, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" (v. 9). Similarly, in James 1:5, God invites believers to ask for wisdom in times of struggle, promising to give generously. Both verses highlight that, rather than removing hardship, God often grants the grace and wisdom needed to endure it, displaying His power through human weakness. This underscores divine strength over human frailty.
:: Chart ::
“...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
:: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ::
:: Q&A ::
1. Why does Paul express a willingness to spend and be spent for the Corinthians, and what does this reveal about his love for them?
(2 Corinthians 12:15)
2. How does Paul’s statement, "I will not be a burden to you," reflect his understanding of ministry and self-sacrifice?
(2 Corinthians 12:16)
3. What is the significance of Paul defending his actions against accusations of selfishness or exploitation?
(2 Corinthians 12:17-18)
4. How does Paul’s concern for the Corinthians' spiritual growth impact his actions in ministry?
(2 Corinthians 12:19)
5. What might Paul mean by the possibility that the Corinthians' behavior could lead to "grief" or "mourning" in his ministry?
(2 Corinthians 12:20)
6. How does Paul contrast the purpose of his ministry with the selfish motives he accuses some of the Corinthians of having?
(2 Corinthians 12:21)
7. What does Paul’s desire to "humble" himself and warn the Corinthians suggest about the seriousness of their spiritual state?
(2 Corinthians 12:21)
“...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
:: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ::
:: Prayer ::
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your grace, which is always sufficient for me. When I face weaknesses, trials, and hardships, help me to rely on Your strength rather than my own. Teach me to embrace my struggles, knowing that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Like Paul, let me trust that You are working through every difficulty for my good and Your glory. Keep me humble, Lord, and remind me that in You, I am made strong. May my life reflect Your love and patience as I serve others selflessly. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Remember
“...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Never forget
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Amen
“I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.”
Ask 2 Corinthians 12 Questions of Your Own
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“...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
:: 2 Corinthians 12:9 ::
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