2Co 2 Corinthians, chapter Second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 12
Paul’s Visions and Revelations and His Thorn in the Flesh
I must continue boasting, though it brings no benefit or profit to me; yet I will proceed to speak of visions and revelations that the Lord has granted me.
I know a man who belongs to Christ—this happened fourteen years ago—whether he was in his physical body or transported out of his body, I cannot say; only God knows the answer. This man was caught up and transported into the third heaven.
And I know this same man—whether in his physical body or apart from his body, I do not know; God alone knows—
that he was caught up into Paradise itself and heard words so sacred and profound that they cannot be expressed in human language, words which no person is permitted to utter or repeat.
Concerning this man and his experience, I will boast and glory; but concerning my own self, I will not boast, except to glory in the things that reveal my weaknesses and frailties.
For even if I should choose to boast about such experiences, I would not be acting foolishly, because I would be telling the truth. But I refrain from doing so, so that no one will form an opinion of me that goes beyond what he actually observes in my conduct or hears directly from my teaching.
And so that I would not become proud or exalt myself because of the extraordinary nature of these revelations, a thorn was embedded in my flesh—a messenger or agent of Satan sent to torment and buffet me—so that I would not lift myself up in pride.
Concerning this affliction, I pleaded earnestly with the Lord on three separate occasions, asking that it might be removed from me.
And He responded to me, saying, “My grace is all you need and is fully adequate for you, for My power reaches its full strength and is made complete in the midst of human weakness.” Therefore, with the greatest joy and eagerness, I will boast in my weaknesses and infirmities, so that the power of Christ may dwell upon me and make its home in me.
Paul’s Concern for the Corinthian Believers
I have become foolish, as compelled by you. I ought to have been commended by you. For I am in no way inferior to these “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing in myself.
Indeed, the signs of a true apostle were manifested among you with all perseverance, in signs, wonders, and miracles.
In what respect were you treated as inferior to the other churches, except that I did not burden you? Forgive me this oversight.
Behold, I am ready to come to you for the third time, and I will not burden you, for I am not seeking your possessions but you. For children ought not to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
But I will gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?
Nevertheless, I did not burden you. Yet, being prudent, I caught you by deceit.
I did not take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent, did I?
I urged Titus to go, and I sent another brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same Spirit? Did we not follow the same steps?
You have thought all along that we were defending ourselves to you. But we speak in Christ before God, and all things, beloved, are for your spiritual upbuilding.
For I fear that, when I come, I may not find you such as I desire, and you may find me such as you do not desire—lest there be quarreling, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, slanders, arrogance, and disorderly conduct.
Lest, when I come again, my God may humble me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned previously and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they have practiced.