Bible Studies

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS Chapter 12

by Henry Jaegers
09/21/26
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STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

Chapter 12

By Henry Jaegers

Paul’s Reason for Boasting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19-yvNqzPVQGW6XiHiAcWlJvbT_iLxAx6/view?usp=sharing

Paul's View on Boasting. (Verses 1 through 6)

  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.

In the previous chapter, Paul confesses to lowering himself to what he calls folly. It is not folly in the way we usually interpret it. Instead, let us call it "Boasting".

Why has Paul engaged himself in this? It appears these false apostles have been persuading the church, through their boasting, to disregard Paul's past ministry. It is based on lies.

Now, because the false teachers are spreading these lies, Paul begins his message using the same approach. He is going to boast about himself, but his boasting is different. He boasts about what God has been doing in him so Paul can do this ministry in Corinth.

In these opening words, Paul says boasting benefits no one but himself and that it is of no help.

Paul begins by declaring that he has received many visions and revelations from God in the past.

Paul mentions this to show that these visions were not given to exalt himself. Recognizing the benefit of these visions, he realizes he might be tempted to exalt himself. But God has made it possible for Paul to remain humble.

It is this "Thorn in the Flesh" that we want to describe and apply.

The Thorn in theFlesh Described.(Verses 7 through 9)

 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.

First, we must understand why this Thorn in the flesh exists.

Over the years, like so many others I know, people have used these verses to excuse some secret sin, thinking Paul's experience was something we all face at times. That is a misinterpretation of the fact.

Second, Paul does not tell us what that thorn is for a good reason, mainly so we don't do what we often do. By trying to identify Paul's thorn with the one that we think that we have.

Third, we must understand the purpose of this "Thorn" and relate it to the problem of potentially exalting ourselves over the privilege God has allowed us to have. We may exalt ourselves over these and think ourselves to be worthy of these "Graces". But God has allowed them to remain to remind us what worms we really are without the Grace of God.

Fourth, we must remember what they are, who gave them to us, and what God's solution is.

Satan gives them to harass and remind us of how undeserving we are of God's Grace. Then we must realize that God allows them. God does not harass us but instead uses Satan's temptations to come our way to accomplish God's purposes. And what are they? God's purposes are always to remind us: "That without me you can do Nothing." And until we learn that lesson, we will never be able to do God's work effectively.

It is a sad matter that we often have to experience many failures in life to learn this lesson. But then we must ask ourselves honestly: do we ever stop going through all of this?

Finally, Paul "Got It". Now consider his response.

Paul's Response to God's Solution. (Verses 10 through 13)

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.

When we consider all these things that Paul tells about himself, it appears that, no matter how difficult they were, Paul has found himself very flexible in all of them. What do I mean by that?

As e get older and more experienced, we tend to be set in concrete, with no desire or ability to change. Instead, we find Paul adjusting perfectly to each of these. We might wonder how Paul could become this way. Perhaps "My Grace is Sufficient for thee" has a wider application than we think. Maybe it means that, by God's Grace, we will become flexible in our later years, when nature seems to tell us something different. Something indeed to think about!

I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

It appearsthat Paul has gone back to boasting again, or maybe he has not yet finished speaking about the false apostles. Paul continues. He states that because some of these Corinthians have embraced some of these arguments espoused as true, Paul reminds them of the previous sign he wrought that contributed to their salvation experience.

It appears that what is happening to the church has affected him deeply, and we see urgency and desperation in his word coming from within his heart. He fears that he is losing them. He tells them that because of what is presently taking place, he is compelled to take matters in hand.

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong.

When Paul apologizes, it seems he is apologizing for not being more forceful in his approach. Looking back, he sees something that he could have done better.

Paul's Further intention (Verses 14 through 18)

 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.  And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.  Did I gain you by any of them whom I sent unto you? I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus gain you? Walked we not in the same spirit? Walked we not in the same steps?

Paul begins by telling them that, when he addresses them for the third time, he intends for this visit to be one of compassion. He reminds them that their person, and not what they have, is what is most important to him.

He compares his motive to that of a father for his child. As a parent, their goal is to care for their children and their future success, not to get them to provide for thei aging parents. (Although we cannot forget that aspect for later years) Paul describes his purpose as that of a parent to his growing children. He would do everything possible to ensure them a full and happy life. That is what Paul wants this church at Corinth to remember about him. To further accomplish this, he has sent forth Titus, a young man in whom he has placed great confidence, as he has shown it by his ability and desire to do so. He reminds them that neither he nor Titus used craft or guile to minister to them. (Referring to what the false apostles are doing.)

 Paul's Fear expressed (Verses 19 through 21)

 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.  For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:  And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

These closing words express what I think  should be a fear that all who have been part in ministering to others, that in the latter years, all that they have previously done will go up in smoke (So toSpeak.) But these are presumptuous thoughts, not regarding God's ability not to forget and reward their past efforts.

As we look back at times, because we have not seen the progress that we desired to see, it does not mean that we have failed.) Although it may seem that way.)

We must never forget that God is still a good God and will remain that way. He still works in accord with who He is, and it may escape our understanding; the fact is that God is in control of everything. We must, despite what we do or understand, know that our ultimate goal is to hear those blessed words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of thy lord. To God be the Glory and Praise.