19. Again—The oldest manuscripts read, "This long time ye think that we are excusing ourselves unto you? (Nay). It is before God (as opposed to 'unto you') that we speak in Christ" ( :-). English Version Greek text was a correction from 2 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Corinthians 5:12. read more
20. For—Assigning cause why they needed to be thus spoken to "for their edification"; namely, his fear that at his coming he should find them "not such as he would," and so he should be found by them "such as they would not" like, namely, severe in punishing misconduct. debates—Greek, "strifes," "contentions." envyings—The oldest manuscripts read "envying," singular. strifes—"factions," "intrigues," "factious schemes" [WAHL]. Ambitious self-seeking; from a Greek root, "to work for hire."... read more
21. my God—his God, however trying the humiliation that was in store for him. will humble me—The indicative implies that the supposition will actually be so. The faithful pastor is "humbled" at, and "bewails" the falls of his people, as though they were his own. sinned already—before my last coming [BENGEL], that is, before the second visit which he paid, and in which he had much at Corinth to rebuke. have not repented—shall not have repented [ALFORD]. uncleanness—for example, of married... read more
C. Exhortations in view of Paul’s approaching visit 12:19-13:10As he concluded his epistle Paul looked forward to his anticipated return to Corinth in the immediate future (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:14). He shared his concerns about what he might experience and warned his readers to make certain changes before he arrived. He did this so he would not have to shame or discipline them when he arrived. read more
The apostle again explained that he felt his boasting was necessary to convince the fleshly-minded Corinthian minority. It was not profitable for any other reason.All visions of this type were revelations, but not all revelations came through visions. Furthermore visions are always seen, but revelations may be seen or perceived in other ways."If, as seems likely, his opponents are claiming paranormal experiences to validate their apostolate (cf. on 2 Corinthians 5:12-13), the very vagueness of... read more
4. Special revelations Paul received 12:1-10Paul had cited his freedom to minister without the Corinthians’ financial support and his sufferings in ministry as grounds for boasting. He next mentioned the special visions and revelations that God had granted him. He referred to these here to bolster his readers’ confidence in his apostolic calling and authority further. read more
B. Claims made by Paul 11:1-12:18In this section Paul gave further evidence that he possessed apostolic authority to encourage the whole Corinthian church to continue to respond positively to his ministry. Some writers refer to 2 Corinthians 11:1 to 2 Corinthians 12:13 as Paul’s "Fool’s Speech" because of the recurring "foolishness" terminology in this passage (aphrosyne, aphron, paraphron; cf. 2 Corinthians 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:16 [twice], 17, 19, 23; 2 Corinthians 12:11; 2 Corinthians... read more
The "man" of whom Paul spoke in the third person was himself (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). He referred to himself this way probably out of reluctance to speak of this matter. Moreover he wanted to minimize the effect of boasting, which citing such a spectacular experience would have produced.Paul could not tell (did not know) whether God had transported him physically into the third heaven (cf. Acts 8:39; 1 Thessalonians 4:17) or whether his experience had been a vision (cf. Genesis 15:12-21;... read more
Such a revelation could have made Paul quite a Christian celebrity had he publicized it. Nevertheless he preferred to proclaim his sufferings since then people could see more easily the supernatural working of God through him. Paul did not want his converts to form an opinion of him based on what they heard about him. He preferred that they do so because of what they saw and heard with their own eyes and ears. Besides, other people could not verify many of his experiences. read more
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Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:18
18. I desired Titus—namely, to go unto you. Not the mission mentioned 2 Corinthians 8:6; 2 Corinthians 8:17; 2 Corinthians 8:22; but a mission previous to this Epistle, probably that from which he had just returned announcing to Paul their penitence (2 Corinthians 8:22- :). a brother—rather "OUR (literally, 'the') brother"; one well known to the Corinthians, and perhaps a Corinthian; probably one of the two mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:18; 2 Corinthians 8:22. same spirit—inwardly.... read more