OUTLINE OF THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS
The Glory of the Ministry of the Gospel
THE APOSTLE’S FINAL VINDICATION
His Labors, Sufferings and Spiritual Experience
22. What special revelations had Paul enjoyed? What special affliction was laid upon him?
PAUL’S VISIONS AND HIS THORN
It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago–whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows–such a man was caught up to the third heaven. [Luk_23:43]
And I know that such a man–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows–
was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell].
On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses.|
If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.
Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me–to keep me from exalting myself! [Job_2:6]
Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me;
but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough–always available–regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].
Comments by
F.B.Meyer
On
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
THE SECRET OF STRENGTH
It is a sublime phrase-a man in Christ. We reach our full stature only when we are in Him. We are but fragments of manhood until the true man is formed in us. Of course the presence of Jesus is always with us, but its manifestation is reserved for special emergencies, when it is peculiarly needed. It is thought that this supreme revelation was synchronous with Paul’s stoning at Lystra, Act_14:1-28. While the poor body was being mangled, his spirit was in the third heaven, that is, in Paradise. What a contrast between being let down in a basket and being caught up into glory! How indifferent to the derisions of men is the soul that lives in God!
We do not know what this thorn, or stake, was-whether eye trouble, or imperfect utterance, or some deformity in appearance-but it was the source of much suffering and many temptations. At first Paul prayed for its removal, but as soon as he learned that its continuance was the condition of receiving additional grace, he not only accepted it, but even gloried in its presence. May we not believe that all disabilities are permitted to drive us to realize and appropriate all that Jesus can be to the hard-pressed soul!
By Pastor Jeff Arthur
Paul Out of Body Experience
Thorns have Purpose.
Lessons From Paul’s Thorn.
What If What If Happens
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