2 Corinthians 12

• In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

• These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

  1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

  2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

  3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Although there is nothing to gain: See study note on 2 Corinthians 11:21b–29.

Paul's accusers in Corinth claimed he lacked ecstatic spiritual experiences. They said he was not a mystic, just an ordinary person without impressive gifts (see 10:10). Although Paul's authority did not rely on visions and revelations from the Lord, he disclosed that he did have such experiences.

• I know a man in Christ who was caught up: In Greek, Paul modestly uses the third person to refer to himself.

• The third heaven is a Jewish term for being in God's immediate presence.

• Fourteen years ago means around AD 43.

• Paul was unsure if he was in a trance or truly taken to heaven.

• And I know this man … was caught up to Paradise: Literally But I know such a man, that he was caught up; see study note on 12:2.

Paul could talk about his experience (12:2–4), but it did not give him confidence in his ministry. He never uses mystical experiences to prove his apostolic authority. His life and message must be the proof. Instead, he talks about his weaknesses (11:23–33).

• We do not know what Paul's thorn in the flesh was (see Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Hosea 2:6). We only know it was meant to keep him humble, to burst his pride.

• It was a messenger from Satan, meaning something or someone evil, so Paul asked the Lord to remove it. The Lord replied each time, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." Paul's weakness allowed Christ's power to work through him by God's grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ's strength showed through his weakness.

"super apostles": See 11:5.

Paul reviews his credentials as an apostle. He acts like a fool, making proud boasts because his critics have forced him to do so (see study note on 2 Corinthians 11:16–29). Paul also has a commission as an apostle, sent by God himself, with all the signs to prove it.

Paul's credentials included his patience in dealing with difficult people like the Corinthians.

• except that I was not a burden to you: The only thing Paul failed to do was accept payment for his services (see 11:7–11).

• Forgive me this wrong!: This request is ironic and humorous.

• a third time: Paul's first visit was when he first preached in Corinth (Acts 18:1–18). The second was an unexpected "painful visit" (2 Corinthians 2:1). Paul hopes the next visit will be happier, but there is still some distrust. They need to clear the air.

• I will not be a burden: Paul did not want their money. He wanted them to fully accept his authority. He was willing to give his time and energy for them instead of taking payment.

Some Corinthians still believed Paul had tricked them. They might have suggested Paul took money from the collection for the Jerusalem church (chapters 8–9). The response to this accusation is a reminder of the honesty of Titus and the other brother (see 8:18–24). The integrity of Paul and his associates should disprove these false claims.

Paul is not just defending his actions and motives. He wants to assure his dear friends of his true love and Christian service for the church's well-being.

• Paul worried about facing rebellion and resistance during his upcoming visit. He feared the Corinthians had returned to their old ways.

• you may not find me as you wish: If necessary, Paul would respond firmly to obvious sinners (compare 1:23–2:17; 1 Corinthians 4:21).

• Paul fears that God will humble him in their presence, similar to the previous visit (2:1), when the Corinthians had rejected and humiliated him.

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