2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Q.1. Why did Paul talk about his visions and revelations? To what was Paul referring? What experiences did he share? Why did he stop short of giving details? – (2 Cor.12:1-6)
Paul reluctantly shared his own experiences, to refute the claims of the false apostles who had infiltrated the church (2 Cor.12:1 c.f. 2 Cor.11:12-13, 18-20). Paul described his visions and revelations from God, by referring to a third party, even though he was speaking of himself. This was because he did not want anyone to credit him with more than what they could observe from his life (2 Cor.12:2 & 6). He claimed that fourteen years ago – such a man was caught up to the third heaven … up to Paradise and heard inexpressible words which a man is not permitted to speak (2 Cor.12:2 & 4). It clearly was not the theme of his Gospel preaching, since he was here referring to something that happened fourteen years before. Nevertheless, he gave no more details because, as he wrote, – I will not boast except regarding my weaknesses (2 Cor.12:5). The focus of Paul’s ministry was very different from that of his opponents.
Q.2. Why was Paul given a ‘thorn in the flesh’? What was it? How was it a messenger of Satan? Did God remove the ‘thorn’? Why not? What did Paul learn from the trial? – (2 Cor.12:7-10)
What Paul revealed was that – because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! (2 Cor.12:7). Paul didn’t give us details about this ‘thorn’. This has given believers who have unresolved trials, much comfort. Paul had been used by God to bring healing to others, yet this was withheld from the apostle himself (2 Cor.12:8 c.f. Acts 19:12). After begging for deliverance on three occasions, Paul was told by God – My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor.12:9). Paul responded – 9 … I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor.12:9-10). We can conclude that Paul’s Gospel majored on objective truth not on subjective experience. Also, he did not believe that healing was automatic, or a sign of people’s level of spirituality.