RSV ~ 2 Corinthians 12 Notes
2 Cor 12:1-10 | ISB Notes
Paul remembers a heavenly journey experienced years earlier. Though he is unable to articulate the precise nature of this rapture (in body or simply in spirit), it gave him a foretaste of glory that would encourage him through earthly trials. The NT indicates that Paul received numerous visions and revelations (12:1) throughout his apostolic career (Acts 9:1-8; 16:9; 18:9; 22:17-18; Gal 1:12).
2 Cor 12:2 | ISB Notes
I know a man: Although his language is indirect, 12:7 makes it clear that Paul is speaking about his own experience.
fourteen years ago: Corresponds approximately to A.D. 42, when Paul was in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26) or Jerusalem (Acts 11:30).
See introduction: Author and Date.
the third heaven: Reflects a common Jewish tradition that the Lord stacked the āheavensā three levels high: (1)the first heaven is the atmosphere of birds and clouds; (2) above that stands the realm of the sun and stars; (3) and beyond that lies the dwelling of God. Paulās journey took him to the highest heaven, āParadiseā (12:3), where he caught a glimpse of eternal glory.
2 Cor 12:4 | ISB Notes
cannot be told: Paul was bound to silence by a prophetic restraint. This means he was not permitted to disclose the heavenly secrets he saw and heard, not that it was necessarily impossible to speak of them with words.
2 Cor 12:7 | ISB Notes
a thorn: Sometimes interpreted as a sickness or physical disability, such as failing eyesight (Gal 4:13-15; 6:11). Others connect it with the Hebrew idiom used in Num 33:55, where it denotes personal opposition or harassment. Either way, God allowed Paul to suffer so that he would maintain perspective and not take pride in his heavenly experiences. Even the heights of Paulās mystical life were tempered with suffering and weakness.
messenger of Satan: Like righteous Job, Paul endured afflictions that were permitted by God and administered by the devil (Job 1-2).
ā¢ Some ask if the devil is good because he is useful. We respond that he is only evil, but God who is good and almighty draws from the devilās malice many just and good things. The devil possesses a will that is bent on evil, not the Providence of God that brings good from him (St.Ā Augustine, Against the Manichaeans 2, 28, 42).
2 Cor 12:9 | ISB Notes
My grace is sufficient: Paulās petition for relief was denied (12:8), indicating that his suffering was serving a higher purpose in the plan of God (Rom 8:28). Grace was given him to endure these trials and make him rely upon the Lord. His experience shows that God gives us what we need and not always what we want (CCC 268, 273, 1508).
2 Cor 12:11 | ISB Notes
commended by you: Paulās boasting would have been unnecessary had the Corinthians defended him against the attacks of the false apostles. See note on 2 Cor 11:1.
superlative apostles: A sarcastic reference to the āfalse apostlesā (11:13) who invaded the Corinthian Church (11:5).
2 Cor 12:12 | ISB Notes
signs of a true apostle: Visible manifestations of divine power. Paul does not specify the exact nature of these extraordinary deeds but appeals to them as confirmation of his apostleship (cf.Ā Mk 16:20; Rom 15:18-19; Heb 2:4). If Paul were a fraud, as his critics claim, such miracles would not have accompanied his message.
2 Cor 12:14 | ISB Notes
the third time: An announcement of Paulās forthcoming visit (13:1, 10). His first trip to Corinth lasted over 18 months (Acts 18:1-18), while his second proved to be a short and distressing visit (2 Cor 2:1). As before, Paul does not plan to burden the congregation by accepting payment for his apostolic work. See note on 2 Cor 11:7-11.
parents for their children: Paul is the spiritual father of the Corinthians (6:13). Because he is responsible for their Christian formation, he hopes he will not be humiliated or disappointed by misbehaving children when he comes (12:21). See note on 1 Cor 4:15.
2 Cor 12:15 | ISB Notes
spend and be spent: Instead of demanding payment for his labor, Paul is willing to spend himself for the good of souls. His sacrificial zeal for the gospel (Phil 2:17) enables him to endure discomforts that he knows will benefit the wavering Corinthians.
2 Cor 12:16 | ISB Notes
crafty, you say: Suspicions were apparently raised that Paul was mishandling the funds of the Jerusalem collection (chaps. 8-9). Critics probably accused him of secretly pocketing some of the money for himself, even though he appeared to live in poverty while among them (11:9).
These accusations were empty: Paulās conscience was clear (1:12) because his conduct was irreproachable (4:2). .
2 Cor 12:21 | ISB Notes
have not repented: Although most of the Corinthians regained their trust in Paul (7:9), a minority remained impenitent and continued to criticize his apostleship. These unrepentant few likely supported the āfalse apostlesā (11:13) and followed their immoral example.