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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

CHAPTER TWELVE:
BOASTING OVER VISIONS AND WEAKNESSES

[“Weak Visionary”]
Key word: Boast
Theme verse: 1

2 Corinthians 12:1-7a – Visions and Revelations

2CO12:1 It is binding that I boast! Surely it is not beneficial, but I shall go on to visions and revelations from the Master. 305

305

I shall go on to visions and revelations from the Master: Or, revelations of the Lord. The Greek is APOCALYPSEIS KYRIOU [revelations of Lord] and is without the article. It is possible YHWH could go here, but judging from the context “Master” seems more appropriate. Peter applies the prophet Joel and foretold visions upon Christian men. [Acts 2:17] Paul reports such experiences elsewhere. [Acts 22:17] He has mentioned at least two of these in his previous letter. [1 Corinthians 11:23 and 1 Corinthians 15:51; Galatians 1:12]

2CO12:2 Fourteen years ago I knew a person incorporate in Christ 306 – whether in a body or outside a body, 307 I do not know (God knows) – having been raptured as such to the third heaven. 308

306

Fourteen years ago I knew a person incorporate in Christ: Paul speaks in the third person as of another, though he means himself as the context shows. It is possible these “fourteen years” are related to those mentioned at Galatians 2:1. [Galatians 1:12] Note that the apostle John does something similar in his gospel by referring to “that disciple Jesus liked more.”

307	Whether in a body or outside a body: Paul does not know, so it is impossible to speculate on the matter.

308

Raptured as such to the third heaven: Or, caught away, snatched up. The Greek for “raptured” is HARPAGENTA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #726, carry off by force, snatch out], the same word used at 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and Revelation 12:5. The word means to grab or snatch something suddenly, as it rape or theft. The Latin based word in Jerome’s Vulgate are those upon which the English “rapture” is rooted. The word “heaven” in English means anything heaved up above the ground, thus also the air where birds fly. The word heaven is used in a variety of ways in the Bible, but it is possible Paul refers to three in particular: a] the atmosphere; b] the starry heavens; and, c] God’s own dwelling. [Isaiah 66:1]

2CO12:3 I knew such a person – whether in a body or apart from a body I do not know (God knows!) – 2CO12:4 that he was raptured into the Paradise. 309 And he heard unrepeatable Sayings that are not lawful for a person to utter. 310

309

He was raptured into the Paradise: The word “paradise” literally refers to a garden. Though the word is used in the 3rd Century BC Jewish Greek Septuagint at Genesis 2:15, nowhere in the Christian Bible is the word applied clearly to an earthly paradise. Indeed, the word “paradise” occurs only two other times, one clearly meaning heaven. [Revelation 2:7] Paul’s parallel to “paradise” is “heaven” so it would seem the context and the Master’s own use indicate this “paradise” to be a celestial one. Paul, like John thirty years later – and Daniel some 600 years before – was given a vision of heaven itself. [Revelation 4:1-3; Daniel 7:9-13]

310

He heard unrepeatable Sayings that are not lawful for a person to utter: Or, MOF: heard sacred secrets which no human lips can repeat. Whatever Paul heard or saw he is not recounting. It is interesting he does not say “saw” but “heard” – so these “visions” may have held certain spiritual content intended for Paul. It is possible these occurred during Paul’s isolated sojourn in the deserts of Arabia. [Galatians 1:17] In God’s appointed time the Saints will experience the same. [1 John 3:2; Revelation 11:12; 22:3, 4]

2CO12:5 Over such a person I will boast, but over myself I will not boast, unless it be in weaknesses. 2CO12:6 For if I ever do want to boast, I shall not be senseless, for I shall speak the truth. But, I am sparing you [Corinthians] so no one reckons unto me more that what he sees or hears from me, 2CO12:7a just because of the surplus of the revelations.

2 Corinthians 12:7b-10 – A Thorn in the Flesh

2CO12:7b As a result, so that I might not be overly exalted, 311 a thorn in the flesh 312 [Exodus 34:12] was given to me, Satan’s angel, in order to that he might constantly slap me that I might not be overly exalted.

311	So that I might not be overly exalted: Or, TCN: thinking too highly of myself; NEB: unduly elated by the magnificence; BAR: too uplifted by the superlative nature of the visions I experienced.

312

A thorn in the flesh: Paul may allude to Exodus 34:12 where it is the enemies of Israel that are a ‘thorn in their side’ who keep harassing them. [Compare also Ezekiel 28:24] Some think this “thorn” to be a physical ailment, such as a disease of the eyes. [Galatians 4:13] This “thorn” is called “an angel of Satan” and so it is possible, more in harmony with Exodus 34:12, this “thorn” is that body of Judaizers who followed Paul’s ministry and attempted to undo it. These were a constant plague, and Paul mentions them often in his letters. [Philippians 3:2]

2CO12:8 Because of this three times I entreated the Master that [the angel] might depart from me. 313

313

Three times I entreated the Master that [the angel] might depart from me: Sometimes the answer to our petitions is, No. The Master or Lord here is the glorified Jesus Christ with whom Paul had more than one communication. He does not pray to Jesus, as some would suppose. It is more likely in his unique experiences he conversed with the Risen Master. This spiritual experience occurs with but a few men throughout the Gospel Age.

2CO12:9 And [the Master] said to me: “My unmerited favor is enough for you. For in weakness power is completed.” 314 So I most gladly will continue to boast in these weaknesses so that Christ might pitch the tent of [his] power over me. 315

314	For in weakness power is completed: Or, KJV: my strength is made perfect in weakness; NEB: power comes to its full strength in weakness. Paul quotes a statement made to him by the glorified Master.

315	Christ might pitch the tent of [his] power over me: Or, rest upon, enshrine itself, come and rest. Similar, but unrelated, language occurs at Revelation 7:15.

2CO12:10 Because of this I take pleasure in weaknesses 316 – in insults, 317 in necessities, 318 in persecutions and hardships 319 in behalf of Christ. For whenever I am weak then I am powerful. 320

316	Weaknesses: Or, infirmities, humiliations.

317	Insults: Or, ill-treatment, suffering. As those at 2 Corinthians 10:10.

318	Necessities: Or, hardships, privations.

319	Hardships: Or, distresses, difficulties.

320

For whenever I am weak then I am powerful: Or, KNX: when I am weakest, then I am strongest of all; PME: for my very weakness makes me strong in him. It is noteworthy that when a man is chosen for a special use in God’s purpose it is often a weak or unimpressive person. Compare David, Gideon, and even the Messiah. [Isaiah 53:2, 3] In such cases the glory goes to God and not the person. It is also true that if a person has an apparent weakness, his enemies will take advantage of this, or view him as less of a threat. There may be something of a warning here: Paul’s seeming weaknesses will make him powerful when he visits Corinth.

2 Corinthians 12:11-13 – Signs of an Apostle

2CO12:11 I have become senseless. You [Corinthians] provoked me. 321 For you should have commended me. In no way did I fall behind 322 those ultra-superior apostles, even if I were nothing.

321	You [Corinthians] provoked me: Or, forced me, compelled me, drove me to it. Consider the outcome of the provocation of Moses. [Psalm 106:32]

322	Fall behind: Or, proved to be inferior, done no less.

2CO12:12 Indeed, the signs of the apostle were produced among you in all endurance with signs and portents and dynamic works. 323

323	Signs and portents and dynamic works: Or, wonders, mighty deeds, miracles, marvels. Paul has said in his first letter that “the Jews seek signs.” [1 Corinthians 1:22]

2CO12:13 How did you [Corinthians] become less that all the other congregations, except that I did not become a burden to you? Kindly forgive me this wrong!

2 Corinthians 12:14-18 – I Seek No Possessions

2CO12:14 Look! This is the third 324 time I have been ready to visit you [Corinthians], and still I will become no burden to you. For I am not seeking your possessions 325 – but you! For the children do not owe it to the parents to save, 326 but rather the parents of the children. 327

324	Third: Paul uses “third” and “three” indicating he is fully familiar with the number, but never uses in the context of God’s nature. Why? See notes on 2 Corinthians 13:1.

325	I am not seeking your possessions: Or, TAY: I don’t want your money. Unlike those satanic ministers he has mentioned before, Paul has no material agenda.

326

The children do not owe it to the parents to save: Paul does not mean children do not have a responsibility to care for their parents, as this is what the Master taught. [Matthew 15:5, 6] Paul has made it clear that any Christian who refuses to care for the family is worse than an infidel. [1 Timothy 5:8]

327	Rather the parents of the children: In many cultures the parents save or treasure up for their children so that upon the death of the parents there is some form of inheritance. [Proverbs 13:22; 19:14]

2CO12:15 But I will most gladly spend and be completely spent in behalf of your souls. 328 If I continue to love you more, am I being loved less?

328	I will most gladly spend and be completely spent in behalf of your souls: Or, WMS: spend my money and my money for your sakes. [Proverbs 11:30; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24; 1 Thessalonians 2:8; Hebrews 13:17]

2CO12:16 But, let it be! I was no burden to you [Corinthians]! Despite this [you say]: “With craftiness you trapped us with deceit!” 329

329	With craftiness you trapped us with deceit: Or, KNX: I preyed upon you by roundabout means, like the knave I am. Again some in Corinth have slandered Paul and this has gotten back to him. [2 Corinthians 7:2]

2CO12:17 Is there anyone I sent to you by whom I took advantage of you? 2CO12:18 I encouraged Titus and I sent him off together with the brother. 330 Did Titus take any advantage of you [Corinthians]? Did we not walk in the same disposition? Did we not walk in the very same footsteps?

330	The brother: Likely Timothy.

2 Corinthians 12:19-21 – What Will I Find When I Visit?

2CO12:19 All this time have you been thinking we were defending ourselves? We are speaking right down here in front of God 331 in union with Christ. Because everything, beloved, is in behalf of your upbuilding. 332

331	Down here in front of God: Or, before God.

332	Upbuilding: Or, profit, edification; PME: to help you in your spiritual life.

2CO12:20 But, I am afraid that somehow when I arrive I shall not find you [Corinthians] as I would wish, 333 and you might not find me as you wished. 334 Instead, [I would find] strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, backbitings, whisperings, inflations, disorders. 335

333	When I arrive I shall not find you [Corinthians] as I would wish: The word EPISCOPOS, or “overseer,” literally means to scope + over. Paul will make his visit “to see how they are.” [Acts 15:36]

334

You might not find me as you wished: A minister’s manner or character may be much influenced by those he shepherds. If they be rebellious, then they will see a different person from the one they would experience if they were obedient. Though Yehowah of the Hebrew Bible and the Father of the Christian Bible are the same, in the former He was God of a disobedient and rebellious people, while in the Christian Bible He is God of those who have humbly come to Him. Thus, it appears to some there is a difference between the Hebrew God and the Christian God.

335

Strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, backbitings, whisperings, inflations, disorders: Paul lists eight things he hopes he does not find. Any church filled with these problems would be a challenge indeed to the visiting minister. Unfortunately, Paul’s very list exists in many congregations to this day. Compare James 3:16.

2CO12:21 Otherwise, when I come again my God might humiliate me in your midst, and I might mourn over many of those who had previously sinned but have not repented 336 from their habitual practice of uncleanness and sexual immorality and loose conduct. 337

336	Those who had previously sinned but have not repented: There are still a number in Corinth who have not ceased their sin and repented. Some of these sins would include what he has just mentioned in the previous phrase.

337

Their habitual practice of uncleanness and sexual immorality and loose conduct: Or, fornication, prostitution, impurity, sensuality, adulterous, wanton. Despite those problems listed above these wrongdoers in the Corinthian church have allowed sexual immortality in its different forms to gain a foothold in their midst. These are not one-time sinners who then repent and turn around, but those who “indulged” [TCN] in these things. Paul has previously written that those who practice such will not inherit the Kingdom and deserve to be shunned by the congregation. [1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9, 10] Those who are God-born are not habitual sinners. Compare notes on 1 John 3:9. It is likely those satanic ministers mentioned earlier were guilty of this low moral standard in Corinth.

Review Questions on Chapter Twelve