Bible Commentary

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. 10. in reproaches ] Rather, perhaps, insults. in distresses ] See note on ch. 2Co 6:4. for Christ’s sake ] This refers to all the preceding list of things … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:10”

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. 9. And he said unto me ] Jesus Christ said it, “but how the answer from Christ … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:9”

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice ] Literally, Concerning this. For the word translated besought see ch. 2Co 1:3, 2Co 8:6, and 2Co 12:18 of this chapter. With St Paul’s prayer here compare Mat 26:39-44 and the parallel … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:8”

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. 7 10. The Thorn in the Flesh 7. And lest I should be exalted above measure ] … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:7”

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. 6. For though I would desire to glory ] St Paul … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:6”

Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 5. Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory ] St Paul desires to put the fact in the background that it is of himself he is speaking (see next verse). … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:5”

How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 4. how that he was caught up into paradise ] Was this a second vision, or only an extension of the first? St Paul’s language makes the latter more probable. Early tradition is … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:4”

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) And I knew such a man – It is not uncommon to repeat a solemn affirmation in order that it may be made more emphatic. This is done here. Paul repeats the idea, that he … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:3”

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 a one caught up to the third heaven. 2. I knew a man ] That this is the Apostle is proved by 2Co 12:7. The word … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:2”

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Ch. 2Co 12:1-6. The Visions and Revelations vouchsafed to St Paul 1. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come ] The Greek text here is in the most utter confusion. Out … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 12:1”