ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 12 v6

SPEAKING THE TRUTH. AMBROSIASTER: Paul says this because if someone proclaims his own worth in God’s sight he is not unwise, for what he says is true. So if anyone talks about the things which have been revealed to him, he is not foolish, though if he keeps quiet about them he is wise. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

THE THORN IN PAUL’S FLESH 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10

OVERVIEW: By the thorn in his flesh, Paul was referring to the persecutions he had so often suffered (SEVERIAN OF GABALA, THEODORET OF CYR) from vexing adversaries like Alexander the coppersmith and the party of Hymenaeus and Philetus. Paul could hardly bear the plots that were going on behind his back, and he sought three times (meaning often) to be delivered from them (CHRYSOSTOM). But Paul’s affliction was intended for a higher purpose (THEODORET OF CYR). By grace his humility overcame his frailty (AMBROSE). By this it became clear that God’s power is made perfect in persecutions and sufferings (CYPRIAN, BASIL, SEVERIAN). When some infirmity or desolation attacks us, then our power is made mature if faith stands firm (NOVATIAN). The more trials we face, the more grace we are capable of receiving (CHRYSOSTOM). Does this imply that the devil is good because he is useful? On the contrary, he is evil because he is the devil, but God who is good and almighty draws many good things out of the devil’s malice (TERTULLIAN, AUGUSTINE). This incident shows that even a wrong prayer may receive a right answer (PELAGIUS, CASSIODORUS).

2 Cor