2 Corinthians 12:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Here we may observe, I. The narrative the apostle gives of the favours God had shown him, and the honour he had done him; for doubtless he himself is the man in Christ of whom he speaks. Concerning this we may take notice, 1. Of the honour itself which was done to the apostle: he was caught up into the third heaven, 2 Cor. 12:2. When this was we cannot say, whether it was during those three days that he lay without sight at his conversion or at some other time afterwards, much less can we... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

12:1-10 I must continue to boast. It is not good for me to do so, all the same I will come to visions and revelations given to me by the Lord. I know a man in Christ, who, fourteen years ago--whether it was in the body I do not know; whether it was out of the body I do not know; God knows--was caught up to the third heaven. And I know that this man about whom I am speaking--whether it was with the body or without the body, I do not know; God knows--was caught up to Paradise and heard words... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ about fourteen years ago ,.... Which is to be understood of himself, as appears from 2 Corinthians 12:7 , where he speaks in the first person; and the reason why he here speaks in the third, is to show his modesty and humility, and how much he declined vain glory and popular applause; and whilst he is speaking of himself, studies as it were to conceal himself from being the person designed, and to draw off the mind of the reader from him to another person; though... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ - I knew a Christian, or a Christian man; for to such alone God now revealed himself, for vision and prophecy had been shut up from the Jews. Fourteen years ago - On what occasion or in what place this transaction took place we cannot tell; there are many conjectures among learned men concerning it, but of what utility can they be when every thing is so palpably uncertain? Allowing this epistle to have been written some time in the year 57, fourteen years counted... read more

John Calvin

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

Verse 2 2.I knew a man in Christ As he was desirous to restrain himself within bounds, he merely singles out one instance, and that, too, he handles in such a way as to show, that it is not from inclination that he brings it forward; for why does he speak in the person of another rather than in his own? It is as though he had said, “I should have preferred to be silent, I should have preferred to keep the whole matter suppressed within my own mind, but those persons (880) will not allow me. I... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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