2 Corinthians 12:1-13

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 vv. 2 Corinthians 12:7 he returns one last time to boasting in his weakness, revealing the presence of a “thorn in the flesh” as the appropriate means for glorifying God’s grace and power in his life and ministry. In vv. 2 Corinthians 12:9 he clearly states the principle behind this aspect of his self-commendation (2 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Corinthians 11:23): Paul’s earthly weaknesses, not his revelations, are to be the platform for demonstrating the Lord’s power and grace.