Scofield Reference Bible Notes
2 Corinthians 12

2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

knew

know.

third heaven

• First heaven, of clouds;
• second, of stars;
• third, God's abode.

2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

paradise

See Scofield Luke 16:23, note on hades.

lawful for a man

allowed to man.

2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

I will not glory, but in mine infirmities

2Co 11:30.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

thorn in the flesh

Eze 28:24; Gal 4:14.

It has been conjectured that Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was chronic ophthalmia, inducing bodily weakness, and a repulsive appearance (Gal 4:15; 1Co 2:3-4; 2Co 10:10). This cannot be positively known, and the reserve of Scripture is as sure a mark of inspiration as its revelations. Paul's particular "thorn" is not described that his consolations may avail for all to who any thorn is given.

Satan

Satan. Eph 4:27. (Gen 3:1; Rev 20:10.)

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

grace

Grace (imparted). Gal 2:9. (Rom 6:1; 2Pe 3:18).

perfect

Scofield Matthew 5:48, note.

infirmities [See also 2Co 12:10.]

weaknesses.

2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

distresses

straits [difficult situations].

2Co 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

though I be nothing

Luk 17:10; 1Co 3:7; Eph 3:8.

2Co 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

the signs of an apostle

1Co 9:2.

2Co 12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

churches

Churches (local). Gal 1:2, 13, 22. (Act 2:41; Phl 1:1).

2Co 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

I seek not yours, but you

1Co 10:33; 1Th 2:8.

2Co 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

you

your souls.

2Co 12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

spirit

Holy Spirit (N.T.). 2Co 13:14. (Mat 1:18; Act 2:4.)

2Co 12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

think ye that we excuse ourselves

2Co 5:12.

2Co 12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

I fear, lest, when I come…there be...

2Co 13:2, 10; 1Co 4:21.

2Co 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

sinned

Sin. Scofield Romans 3:23, note.

repented

Repentance. 2Ti 2:25. (Mat 3:2; Act 17:30.)