2 Corinthians 12:1-10

(2 Corinthians 12:1-10)

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 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. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)  How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.  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. 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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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.

 

The apostle Paul was criticized by the Corinthians. Had Paul been struck by the betrayal of the Corinthians, he would have ruthlessly attacked those who had betrayed him through the epistle. However, he has consistently expressed his love and concern for the Corinthians. From Chapters 10 to 12:18, he explains various situations, comparing himself to the false teachers who confused them. The reason was the concern that Corinthians might not be able to stand as Christians right away because of the misunderstanding of the gospel they preached. Paul said that if the people of the Corinthian church could stand up properly, they would become foolish people who had to boast themselves like false teachers. Paul was compelled to reveal that he had experienced a deeper spiritual experience that others boasted so much about, but he was sorry for the reality that he could only boast.

Paul described his mystical experiences 14 years ago after his conversion to Damascus as a third person. The apostle Paul did not boast of mystery experiences.

What does "thorn in the flesh, Satan's messenger" mean? There are a lot of stories, such as the story of physical temptation, physical illness, and memories you want to erase, but we don't know. It is said that Paul was in so much pain that he called his disease the messenger of Satan. Paul prayed to God three times to heal this disease. Even after praying three times, God did not heal himself. At this time, Paul realized. I realized that this disease was a gift of grace that God gave to keep him from being proud.

The apostle Paul acknowledged that "the reason for accepting with joy not only his sickness, but also the humiliation, poverty, persecution, and hardship he has already suffered and is going through in the future is the fact that through his own weakness, the power of the Lord becomes more revealed." 『 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. 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. 』