2 Corinthians 12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:13

Verse 13 13.What is there in which. Here is an aggravation of their ingratitude — that he had been distinguished, that they might receive benefit — that they had derived advantage from the attestation furnished of his Apostleship, and had, notwithstanding, given their concurrence to the slanders (930) of the false Apostles. He subjoins one exception — that he had not been burdensome to them; and this, by way of irony, for in reality this was over and above so many acts of kindness, which he had... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:14

Verse 14 14.Behold, this third time He commends his own deed, for which he had received a very poor requital from the Corinthians. For he says, that he refrained from taking their worldly substance for two reasons first, because he sought them, not their wealth; and secondly, because he was desirous to act the part of a father towards them. From this it appears, what commendation was due to his modesty, which occasioned him contempt among the Corinthians. I seek not yours. It is the part of a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:15

Verse 15 15.And I will most gladly spend This, certainly, was an evidence of a more than fatherly affection — that he was prepared to lay out in their behalf not merely his endeavors, and everything in his power to do, but even life itself. Nay more, while he is regarded by them with coldness, he continues, nevertheless, to cherish this affection. What heart, though even as hard as iron, would such ardor of love not soften or break, especially in connection with such constancy? Paul, however,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:16

Verse 16 16.But be it so. These words intimate, that Paul had been blamed by malevolent persons, as though he had in a clandestine way procured, through means of hired persons, what he had refused to receive with his own hands (934) — not that he had done any such thing, but they “measure others,” as they say, “by their own ell.” (935) For it is customary for the wicked impudently to impute to the servants of God, whatever they would themselves do, if they had it in their power. Hence, Paul is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:19

Verse 19 19.Do you again think. As those that are conscious to themselves of something wrong are sometimes more anxious than others to clear themselves, it is probable, that this, also, was turned into a ground of calumny — that Paul had in the former Epistle applied himself to a defense of his ministry. Farther, it is a fault in the servants of Christ, to be too much concerned as to their own reputation. With the view, therefore, of repelling those calumnies, he declares in the first place,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:20

Verse 20 20.For I fear He declares, in what way it tends to their edification, that his integrity should be vindicated, for, on the ground that he had come into contempt, many grew wanton, as it were, with loosened reins. Now respect for him would have been a means of leading them to repentance, for they would have listened to his admonitions. I fear, says he. This fear proceeded from love, for, unless he had been concerned as to their welfare, he would very readily have overlooked all this,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:21

Verse 21 21.Lest, when I come, my God should humble me His abasement was reckoned to him as a fault. The blame of it he throws back upon the Corinthians, who, when they should have honored his Apostleship, loaded it, on the contrary, with disgrace; for their proficiency (941) would have been the glory and honor of Paul’s Apostleship. When, therefore, they were, instead of this, overrun with many vices, they heaped disgrace upon him to the utmost of their power. He does not, indeed, charge them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. This rendering follows the best-attested reading; but it is at least doubtful whether, instead of δεῖ or δὲ , the ironic δὴ of κ , ΄ , and the Greek Fathers is not the true reading. In mere vowel variations, especially in passages where the meaning does not lie on the surface, the diplomatic (external) evidence is less important. If St. Paul wrote δὴ , it means, "of course it is not expedient for me to boast." I will come; for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1

"I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord." The apostle had been dwelling on his personal experiences. He had been compelled by the evil things that were said of him to refer to his own life, conduct, and sufferings for Christ's sake, in self-vindication. He would, however, not have spoken one word about these things if the honour of Christ had not been bound up with his claim to apostleship. He had now said everything that needed to be said about himself; and it was every way... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-4

I. THE APOSTLE HAD A HEAVENLY EXPERIENCE DURING HIS EARTHLY LIFE . His earthly experience was, vary largely, dark and sorrowful; but amidst the darkness appears this brilliant flash of heavenly light. 1 . He gives us this experience as an actual fact, and as such we must receive it . It was a reality to him. He records it that it may come before us as a reality, not as a mere fancy or illusion. 2 . It furnished him with an opportunity of contrasting man ' s... read more

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