  |
|
Commentary
|
 2 Corinthians Chapter 12 Paul writes that it is not for the best for him to glory of himself and his own faith because the power of the Spirit given him will lead him into visions and revelations of God. (v1) Paul knew a man who had such visions and heard many revelations (v2-v4) After such a person's example Paul would glory, but not of his own self (v5) (except in his infirmities that he has suffered.) For although Paul would wish he could glory of himself he would not be so foolish - that any should not think of him above his station were he to speak of himself. (v6) For Paul fears that should he be "glorified" and set above others by abundance of revelations there would be given opposition in the form of a false teacher that would have the strength to oppose him in his ministry. (v7) For this cause Paul had prayed for his desire to be glorified (as that man was) to depart from him; (v8) to which God answered that the Lord's grace is sufficient for him, for his strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore the strength to overcome the devices of satan in all his violence towards the gospel is made perfect in the Holy Spirit's ministration with the forgiveness of sins. The gospel can not be diminished in its truth. Therefore Paul is content with glorying in his infirmities only. (v9) For in showing himself to be victorious in the strength of the gospel despite all Paul's sufferings, Christ is strong through Paul. (v10). Paul apologises that he has looked stupid for glorying now in his epistle - when he ought to have found their approval, being as the foremost apostles in Christ though he esteems himself as nothing. (v11) Paul reminds them that as an apostle his authority was confirmed by works of the Holy Spirit amongst them all (v12) So that they lacked nothing compared to any other fellowship, other than the keeping of Paul's own person when he is amongst them. (v13) For which Paul apologises not giving them the opportunity. Paul writes he is to visit them a third time and will remain not a burden to any because he comes to find them in wholeness of self and not their substance, because he is as a father to them in their faith, not their wealth; and it is his responsibility to serve them. (v14) He will very gladly exert himself for them and be exerted in service, although the more love he shows them to not be a burden, the less opportunity he gives them to reciprocate their love towards him. (v15) In that, he did not burden them but caught them in a trap! (v16) He neither burdened them with any he sent them including Titus (v17) who followed the same example towards them of Paul's selflessness. (v18) By stating this he does not commend himself by boasting of himself and Titus, but to comfort them that in all things, they do so comfort them as fathers to their continued edification. (v19) For Paul fears that when he arrives he might find them without the gospel he gave them, having been swayed from the truth by those that seduce them so that there would be much debate and strife amongst all. To which end, these debates would humble Paul so that he should not seem so esteemed among them, (v20) that he would have to mourn those that had not turned to repentance under the grace of God. (v21) |
 |
|
