United Commentaries

2Cor.10.1-13.13

In this section, Paul defends his ministry as an apostle.

These chapters pose several problems arising from a distinct change of tone and style. Chapters 1–9 are full of joy stemming from the reconciliation of sinners with God and of the Corinthians with Paul. Yet from this point on, Paul is on the defensive. These chapters are full of harsh words, bitter recriminations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The remarkable break at 10:1 has inspired a number of explanations: (1) These chapters might be a separate letter, perhaps the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3-4; 7:8-9). (2) It might be that, while the majority of the church members were obedient to the appeal for reconciliation, there was still a rebellious minority to whom Paul addressed these four chapters. (3) More likely, a new situation had arisen since Titus first brought back his glowing report of restored harmony (7:5-16). In this scenario, some anti-Paul missionaries had arrived in Corinth and launched a virulent campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13-15). They claimed that Paul was no real apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to come to Corinth with the gospel message since it was territory that belonged to them (10:15-16). They brought an alien message (11:4) and exercised a domineering spirit. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13-15). Paul, concerned upon hearing of this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and engages in a form of writing that is distasteful to him (11:1, 16-17; 12:1) by boasting of his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is real and powerful, yet it is conditioned and controlled by the love exhibited by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4-10).

2Cor.12.1-7

Paul’s accusers at Corinth leveled the charge that Paul did not have ecstatic spiritual experiences. He was no mystic, they said, but a plain person with no impressive gift (see 10:10). So even though Paul’s authority did not come from visions and revelations from the Lord, he reveals his secret that he did, in fact, have such experiences.

2Cor.12.1

This boasting will do no good: See study note on 11:21b-29.

2Cor.12.2

I was caught up (literally I know a man in Christ who was caught up): In Greek, Paul demurely uses third person to speak of himself.

The third heaven is a Jewish expression for the immediate presence of God.

fourteen years ago: That is, about AD 43.

2Cor.12.3-4

Paul wasn’t sure whether he was in a trance or actually taken to heaven.

But I do know that I was caught up: Literally But I know such a man, that he was caught up; see study note on 12:2.

2Cor.12.5-7

Paul could boast about his experience (12:2-4), but it was no source of confidence in his ministry. He never makes mystical experience a proof of his apostolic authority—his life and his message must be the proof. He instead boasts about his weaknesses (11:23-33).

2Cor.12.7-10

We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was (cp. Num 33:55; Ezek 28:24; Hos 2:6); we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride.

It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.

2Cor.12.11-13

Paul reviews his apostolic credentials; he continues to play the role of a fool, making proud boasts because his detractors have forced him to do so (see study note on 11:16-29). Paul, too, has a commission as an apostle, one sent by God himself, with all the signs to validate it.

2Cor.12.11

“super apostles”: See 11:5.

2Cor.12.12

Included in Paul’s credentials was his ability to deal patiently with difficult people such as the Corinthians.

2Cor.12.13

The only thing I failed to do refers to his not taking payment for his services (see 11:7-11).

Please forgive me for this wrong! This request is ironic and tongue-in-cheek.

2Cor.12.14-15

the third time: Paul’s first visit was his initial evangelism at Corinth (Acts 18:1-18); the second was the unscheduled “painful visit” (2 Cor 2:1). Paul contemplates what he hopes will be a happier visit, but there is still some suspicion and a need to clear the air.

I will not be a burden: Paul did not want their money but rather that they would fully accept his authority. That is why he would gladly spend himself for them rather than accept payment from them.

2Cor.12.16-18

Some of the Corinthians still believed that Paul had deceived them by trickery. They might have insinuated that Paul was helping himself to the proceeds of the collection for the Jerusalem church (chs 8–9). The answer to this charge is a reminder of the integrity of Titus and the other brother (see 8:18-24). The integrity of Paul and his associates should debunk such false charges.

2Cor.12.19

Paul is not simply offering a defense of his conduct and motives; he wants to assure his dear friends of his genuine love and Christian service for the well-being of the church.

2Cor.12.20-21

Paul feared encountering renewed rebellion and resistance during his upcoming visit, with the Corinthians relapsed into their old ways.

and you won’t like my response: If Paul had to, he would deal sternly with flagrant sinners (cp. 1:23–2:17; 1 Cor 4:21).

2Cor.12.21

Paul fears that God will humble me in your presence—a reprise of the previous visit (2:1), when the Corinthians had rebuffed and humiliated Paul.

The vices listed were among the Corinthians’ old sins (see 6:14–7:1; 1 Corinthians Book Introduction, “Setting”).