2 Corinthians - Chapter 12

2 Corinthians 12.1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12.2 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 heaven. 2 Corinthians 12.3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 2 Corinthians 12.4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12.5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 2 Corinthians 12.6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: 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. 2 Corinthians 12.7 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. 2 Corinthians 12.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 2 Corinthians 12.9 And he said unto me, My grace 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. 2 Corinthians 12.10 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. 2 Corinthians 12.11 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. 2 Corinthians 12.12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 2 Corinthians 12.13 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. 2 Corinthians 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. 2 Corinthians 12.15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 2 Corinthians 12.16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 2 Corinthians 12.17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 2 Corinthians 12.18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? 2 Corinthians 12.19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. 2 Corinthians 12.20 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: 2 Corinthians 12.21 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.

2 Corinthians : Chapter 12

Reflection on 2 Corinthians Chapter 12 2 Corinthians chapter 12 invites us to delve into the mysteries of heaven while exposing our human condition. How is God's grace manifested in our weakness? This profound passage describes the mystical experience of the apostle Paul and evokes his "thorn in the flesh." It addresses essential themes such as divine revelations, apostolic humility, and the power of Christ revealed in our fragility. In this context, Paul also expresses his sacrificial love for the Church.

Biblical Themes and Passages

We invite you to reflect on five biblical passages that relate to the paradoxical themes of this revelatory chapter.

Galatians 2:1-2

"Fourteen years later, I went up to Jerusalem, now with Barnabas, and with Titus as well. I went there because of a revelation and explained to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this especially to those who seemed to be the most influential, to make sure that I did not present myself, or had not presented myself, in vain." This account of Paul, where a revelation leads him to Jerusalem, resonates with the "visions and revelations" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.

Romans 8:18

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us." This verse illustrates Paul's attitude in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where he boasts of his weaknesses for the sake of Christ.

Acts 14:19-20

"Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and convinced the crowd. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But when the disciples surrounded him, he got up and returned to the city. The next day, he and Barnabas left for Derbe." This incident could be one of the "near-death experiences" to which Paul refers in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.

Philippians 4:17

"Not that I am looking for offers, but for what can be credited to your account." This verse echoes Paul's sentiment in 2 Corinthians 12:14, where he declares that he is not seeking the Corinthians' possessions, but their spiritual well-being.

1 Corinthians 2:3

"And I was among you in weakness, fear, and much trembling." This admission of weakness Paul's account of the journey to Corinth aligns perfectly with his discussion of weakness and strength in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Meditating on these verses, we are invited to embrace our fragility and recognize that it is in our weakness that God's grace is fully manifested. May this reflection guide us in our journey of faith and our service within the Church.