2 Corinthians 12

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-5

"It is not expedient," etc. These verses present two subjects of thought. I. APOSTOLIC PSYCHOLOGY . The words reveal certain ideas which Paul had concerning the human mind. He had the idea: 1 . That whilst here it is capable of existing separate from the body . "Whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell." If he had been certain that the soul could not exist whilst here apart from the body, would he have spoken thus? And who is not conscious... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

The old question as to his apostolic authority, which had recently been revived in a most exciting form, was not yet disposed of, and he must now discuss it in another aspect. So far as external circumstances were concerned, had not the prophetic declaration to Ananias been fulfilled?—"I will show him how great things he must suffer for my Name's sake." And, furthermore, he had proved that his own state of mind, the inward being of his soul, had corresponded with his call to suffer. The flesh... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew; rather, I know . A man. St. Paul speaks in this indirect way of himself (see 2 Corinthians 12:5 , 2 Corinthians 12:7 ). In Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:30 ). To St. Paul every true Christian was a man whose personal life was lost in the life of Christ. Above fourteen years ago. The note of time is very vague. If we are at all able to identify the vision alluded to, it must have been the vision in the temple, referred to in Acts 22:17 , which was, roughly speaking,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:2

When we consider what man is, and who Christ is, the conjunction seems wonderful indeed. Yet, when apprehended, this union appears one fraught with richest blessings for him who is the inferior and dependent member. The thought was one familiar to the apostle; himself "a man in Christ," he spoke of others who were "in Christ before" himself, and he designated Christian societies, "Churches in Christ Jesus." I. THE NATURE OF THE UNION THUS DESCRIBED . 1 . The Christian is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:2

St. Paul spoke of himself. Once he had been out of Christ, though in a legal fashion very religious. But he gave up his legality when he found Christ. He looked to him for help, fled to him for defence, and thenceforward lived in him as a new creature. It is the best short description of every believer. I. CHOSEN IN CHRIST . ( Ephesians 1:4 .) We put this first, because this must come first in the Divine order and in the very nature of things. But man does not begin with any... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:4

Into Paradise. Here, again, we encounter long speculations as to whether Paradise is the same as the third heaven; whether St.,Paul is referring to two visions or two parts of one vision. Such questions are clearly insoluble, and I leave them where I find them. We shall never understand this passage otherwise than in the dim and vague outline in which St. Paul has purposely left it. All that we can know from the New Testament about Paradise must be learnt from this verse and Luke 23:1-56 ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:5

Of such a one. These are legitimate subjects of "boast," because they are heavenly privileges, not earthly grounds of superiority. Except in my infirmities ( 2 Corinthians 11:30 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:6

I forbear; literally, I spare; i.e. I refrain from boasting. Should think of me; literally, that no man should estimate concerning me beyond what he sees me ( to be ) , or hears at all from my own lips . If he were to tell them more of his revelations, he might encourage them to think more of him than he deserves or wishes. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:7

Lest I should be exalted above measure; literally, that I may not be over exalted . It was necessary to show St. Paul that he only held the treasure in an earthen vessel. There was given me. Even God's afflictions are meant for gifts. A thorn ( skolops ). The more usual meaning is, as Hesychius says, "a sharp stake" ('Sudes,' Tert.). Hence the word skolopizo, I impale or crucify. St. Paul's agony was an impalement or crucifixion of all sensual impulses and earthly ambitions. ... read more

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