2 Corinthians chapter 12
12:1 This passage is centered on the concept of glory (Greek kauchaomai, "boast"). Paul's adversaries were
boasting after the flesh (11:18). Paul's boasting is of another sort. Visions and revelations of the Lord: Theses
were visions of which the Lord was the Author, not the object. Paul's may very well have seen the Lord at this
time, although if he did, he does not say. That is not the point. What follows is not intended to point attention to
the one who received the vision, but to God who gave it.
12:2 Above fourteen years ago: The date is not precise enough to pinpoint the exact time or event to which the
apostle alludes. Some suggest that this occurred when he was stoned in Acts 14:19. Others date it to the time he
was at Tarsus, waiting for the Lord to point out his work, somewhere between Acts 9:30 and 11:25. Caught up
(Greek harpazo, "to snatch away"): This term is used in regard to Philip (Acts 8:39) and the Rapture (1
Thessalonians 4:17).
12:3, 4 Paradise: This term is used in the Septuagint, or Greek version of the Old Testament, in describing the
Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8). In Paul's day it was used commonly by Jewish writers to speak of heaven (Luke
23:43; Revelation 2:7). Whether the third heaven is viewed on the way to heaven or synonymous with it, Paul's
celestial journey eventually took him to heaven.
12:7 Paul's thorn in the flesh is characterized further as a messenger of satan. Just what Paul means by this is not
clear. Among the views suggested are (1) temptations from the devil, (2) Paul's opposition from his adversaries,
(3) some intense bodily pain, (4) a recurring physical affliction such as eye trouble, or (5) even some form of
mental or psychological distress. Whatever the case, it was tool of satan, it was painful ("thorn"), and it was
accompanied by shame or embarrassment to the apostle. A fairly strong argument can be sustained in favor of
the view that it was eye trouble (ophthalmia). See also Acts 13:9; 23:1; Galatians 4:14, 15: 6:11.
12:13 I myself was not burdensome to you: The only fault of his ministry was that he showed them preferential
treatment. To such ingratitude Paul's irony deals a mortal blow.
2 Corinthians chapter 13
13:1, 2 The third time I am coming to you (12:14): On the third visit, see Acts 18:1; 20:2, 3; 2 Corinthians 2:1. See
also the Introduction. In the mouth means "by the evidence" of two or three witnesses (Numbers 35:30;
Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; 1 Timothy 5:19).
13:5 Except ye be reprobates (lit., "Unless you are counterfeits"): The challenge is to ascertain whether they are
genuine believers or fakes.
13:6 We are not reprobates: Regardless of how the Corinthians come out in the test, they are assured that Paul
was genuine. There is a play on words between proof (Greek dokimen, "evidence" verse 3), and reprobates
(Greek adokimoi, "counterfeits").
13:11 Finally, brethren: In the first nine chapters Paul addressed the majority of the faithful brethren in the
Corinthian assembly. In 10:1-13:10 his words have been directed primarily to those who questioned his integrity.
Paul is not even certain if these are true believers. But in his farewell address the apostle turns his attention once
again to those who really love and appreciated him. Thus he calls them brethren.
13:14 In his concluding benediction, Paul provides one of the clearest expression in the New Testament on the
doctrine of the Trinity. The deity of the Son, of the Father, and of the Holy Spirit are affirmed by the virtue of their
relation to one another. The distinctive personalities of each are implied by the independent activity denoted in
the threefold operation of grace, love, and communion.