2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV

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 12:8

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice ,.... With respect to the thorn in the flesh, the messenger Satan, who gave him so much continual disturbance. This sent him to the throne of grace, to request of the Lord, that it , or rather, "he might" depart from me : this request greatly confirms the above sense, for it can hardly be thought the apostle would be so importunate about the removal of a common bodily affliction; and he knew that the corruption of his nature would remain with... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

I besought the Lord - That is, Christ, as the next verse absolutely proves, and the Socinians themselves confess. And if Christ be an object of prayer in such a case as this, or indeed in any case, it is a sure proof of his divinity; for only an omniscient Being can be made an object of prayer. Thrice - Several suppose this to be a certain number for an uncertain; as if he had said, I often besought Christ to deliver me from this tormentor: or, which is perhaps more likely, the apostle... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

Verse 8 8.For this thing I besought the Lord thrice. Here, also, (907) the number three is employed to denote frequent repetition. (908) He means, however, to intimate, that this annoyance had been felt by him distressing, inasmuch as he had so frequently prayed to be exempted from it. For if it had been slight, or easy to be endured, he would not have been so desirous to be freed from it; and yet he says that he had not obtained this: hence it appears, how much need he had of being humbled. He... 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 12:7-10

The thorn in the flesh. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:8

For this thing. In reference to this or "to him, " the angel of Satan. The Lord. That is, Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:3 ). Thrice (comp. Matthew 26:44 ). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

For this thing - On account of this; in order that this calamity might be removed.I besought the Lord - The word “Lord” in the New Testament, when it stands without any other word in connection to limit its signification, commonly denotes the Lord Jesus Christ; see the note on Acts 1:24. The following verse here shows conclusively that it was the Lord Jesus to whom Paul addressed this prayer. The answer was that his grace was sufficient for him; and Paul consoled himself by saying that it was a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 12:8-11

2 Corinthians 12:8-11. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice All kinds of affliction had befallen the apostle, yet none of these did he deprecate. But here he speaks of his thorn in the flesh, as above all the rest one that macerated him with weakness, and by the pain and ignominy of it, prevented his being lifted up more, or at least not less, than the most vehement headache could have done, which many of the ancients say he laboured under. That the Lord to whom the apostle prayed was... read more

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

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:8

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:8

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:8

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 12:8-11

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