2 Corinthians 12:1-4 - Homilies By E. Hurndall

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 treatment and God ' s . In the closing verses of the preceding chapter we have a catalogue of Paul's tribulations, many of these occasioned by human perversity and enmity. Men treated Paul evilly; God gave him this special and marvellous heavenly experience!

II. THE CHARACTER OF THIS EXPERIENCE .

1 . A real entrance into the heavenly world . Paul has no doubt about this. His only doubt is whether he was in the body at the time. He most distinctly conveys that there was a removal of his spirit into another sphere; he is not sure whether his body accompanied his spirit. There could not have been a doubt as to whether he was "in the body" if his experience had been a mere trance or any special influence brought to bear upon his mind. There was a removal, but whether of body and spirit, or of spirit alone, the apostle cannot declare. We may note the apostolic belief that conscious life is possible to us when we are " out of the body ." The apostle did not know whether his experience was of this order, but he evidently recognizes this order of experience as possible . We may note further that the apostle regarded heaven or paradise as a place as well as a state . "Third heaven" and "paradise" seem to be used synonymously—"third heaven" indicating the realm in which God's glory is pre-eminently manifested. The rabbins taught the existence of seven heavens, but it is not probable that Paul refers to their notions.

2 . An entrance effected by God . It was not by the apostle's merit or power; it was by a Divine act—he was "caught up." Admittance to the heavenly world is in the hands of God; if we enter, then God must effect the entrance for us. Christ, the Way, is given to us by God.

3 . Astonishing visions . Paul saw much ( 2 Corinthians 12:1 ).

4 . Wonderful revelations . He heard much. "Unspeakable words," understood by him, but not to be repeated on earth. Possibly they would not have been intelligible to any who had not participated in the heavenly experience. Our curiosity craves to know what Paul saw and heard, but our needs do not demand it. We have the speakable words of the gospel, which, rightly received, will prepare us to hear by and by the "unspeakable words" of heaven and to behold the heavenly glories.

III. THE OBJECT OF THIS EXPERIENCE .

1 . To encourage the apostle in his many labours and sufferings . Christ took his disciples up into the mountain and was transfigured before them; then he brought them down into the world of men to toil and to endure.

2 . To quicken his faith in the unseen . Great natures doing great works have often great trials of faith. A big devil always comes against a big Christian.

3 . To speed him onward to the final rest of God ' s people . He was a much loved child; the Father showed him special favour.

4 . That others to whom the experience should be recounted might participate in the benefit . The experience was for us as well as for the apostle. From us its special features are largely hidden; but it is revealed to us, and this knowledge may well encourage us in the earthly service, quicken our faith, and hasten our footsteps towards the glories beyond the veil.

A general lesson may be learnt from the event that those who have special trials and sorrows experience also special comforts and helps.—H.

2 Corinthians 12:7 - The thorn in the flesh.

I. WHAT WAS IT ?

1 . In itself . There have been almost infinite conjectures. As to the figure: some prefer a "goad for the flesh," a sharpened stake; others, a rankling thorn; others, a stake on which offenders were impaled or the cross to which they were fastened. As to the reality: evil suggestions; fiery darts of Satan; some prominent adversary; some painful bodily affection, weak eyesight, defective speech, carnal cravings; whilst a bold imaginationist has had the temerity to suggest a termagant wife! Possibly the precise nature of the affliction is concealed that no one may say, "Ah, that is not my trouble." It was very grievous to the apostle whatever its precise nature.

2 . As Satan was concerned in it . Paul recognized Satan's hand (see Job 2:7 ; Luke 13:16 ). It was used of Satan to annoy, pain, depress, and harass Paul, and with the hope that it would hinder his great work. Satanic malice rejoiced in the anticipation that it might prove the last straw upon the camel's back. Paul interfered much with the devil's kingdom; it is no wonder that the devil sought to interfere with him. Satan can afford to leave some people alone; but if we faithfully attack his kingdom and his rule we may expect reprisals. Yet Satan is but a fool after all, and constantly overreaches himself. One has well said, "The devil drives but a poor trade by the persecution of the saints—he tears the nest, but the bird escapes; he cracks the shell, but loses the kernel."

3 . As allowed by God . God's hand was in it as well as Satan's. This is so with all our tribulations; in one aspect they are messengers of Satan, in the other messengers of God. All depends upon which message we listen to . Paul's thorn in the flesh was God's teacher of humility. There was danger that the extraordinary revelations made to the apostle might foster pride. Human nature is intensely susceptible to this temptation. Those who enjoy remarkable favours often experience remarkable affliction. The ship in the high wind needs plenty of ballast. When we build high we must also build low—the lofty building requires a deep foundation. It is well for us that God is not merely indulgent. God will not allow us to become spoilt children.

II. THE APOSTLE 'S RESTLESSNESS UNDER THE AFFLICTION . Paul was very human. He would not have been so could he have borne this additional trouble with indifference. Remember his other troubles. If this special affliction seemed likely to hinder his lifework, how keenly would he feel it! 'Tis hard to dance in chains. Heavy labour tries the healthy; how exceedingly burdensome to the sick! Yet he did not grumble, or make himself a nuisance, or find fault with God, or sit down in despair. It was said of him once, "Behold, he prayeth;" it may be said of him again.

III. HIS PRAYER .

1 . In his distress he betook himself to the mercy seat . Like Hezekiah, he spread the matter before the Lord. Affliction should drive us to, not from, God. And we should come to pray, not to complain . The throne of grace is sometimes turned into a bar of judgment, at which men arraign God. When some strange experience comes upon us we should ask concerning it in the audience chamber.

2 . He prayed to the Lord Jesus . This seems evident from 2 Corinthians 12:9 , "that the strength of Christ may rest upon me." The servant's difficulties may well be submitted to the Master. Christ had directly appointed the apostle; to Christ, therefore, Paul brings his seeming hindrance. Whilst usually we pray to the Father in the Name of Christ, we may at other times pray to Christ himself.

3 . He prayed with importunity . There was no mistaking his earnestness. As Christ in Gethsemane prayed "the third time," so thrice did this Christ-like apostle knock at heaven's gate. He went on knocking until he got a response. Many in prayer want nothing, ask nothing, get nothing. Some are so polite that they dread lest they should disturb God, and knock so lightly and daintily that it would require a microphone to make the sound audible. Others ring and run away. The apostle stood at the gate till he was answered. Such holy boldness delights God instead of affronting him.

4 . He prayed definitely .

IV. THE ANSWER .

1 . A true answer, yet not what was looked for . ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 .) Such a prayer, offered in such a manner, was certain of a response, but not of the response anticipated. God often answers our prayers by not answering them. We get what we want, not what we wish . We dictate our prayer; God dictates the answer. Generally we do not ask enough— the apostle did not; to take away the thorn was small compared with sanctifying its presence. To eject the devil's messenger was poor compared with transforming it into a ministering spirit.

2 . A lesson of faith. Paul's faith must transcend his feeling. He must lay hold of Christ with more tenacious grasp; he must believe that Christ can use this trouble for high purposes. Perhaps as he looked to Christ with stronger faith he could realize that, as great purposes were accomplished by the many thorns in the flesh of Christ (he was crowned with thorns), so the one thorn in his flesh should not prove unfruitful. Grapes might be gathered from this thorn.

3 . A definite assurance . There was a basis for the faith demanded, as there always is . "My grace is sufficient for thee" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Christ engages to bear him through; can he believe this? The Lord's resources are boundless; they are our resources when strong faith binds us to their possessor. My "grace" may mean my "love," which secures all things needful for my servants; or the aid of the Holy Spirit, which will prove sufficient forevery exigency.

4 . In intimation of purpose . There was no mistake, in sending or allowing the" thorn in the flesh." Prayer becomes blasphemous when it proceeds upon the assumption that God has made a blunder! The thorn in the flesh was the stem upon which the flower of the Divine glory was to blossom. The "messenger of Satan" would be made a herald proclaiming the power of Christ. The apostle's flesh was to be a battle field on which Christ would triumph.

V. THE ISSUE . A new thought has been given to Paul—Christ's glory will be enhanced. At once he begins to glory in this infirmity, "Most gladly" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ), or most sweetly; it became a delight of the highest kind. What he wanted to lose he now wants to keep. With the thorn in the flesh he can become, as he could not without it, the dwelling place of the power of Christ. It is enough if through his humiliation Christ may be exalted, if through his suffering Christ may be glorified. Many are more than content with being resigned under suffering; to submit they think is a mark of highest grace. But the apostle is far beyond this. He can "take pleasure" ( 2 Corinthians 12:10 ) in troubles, because through his troubles the power of Christ is more strikingly and impressively exhibited.—H.

2 Corinthians 12:11 - Much, yet nothing.

I. THE APOSTLE 'S CLAIM . A large claim, put strongly. Paul claimed to be on a perfect equality with the leading apostles. Unwillingly he referred to this matter, which might look like self-glorification; but when the occasion came, his utterance was full and unmistakable. There is nothing derogatory in magnifying our office, the evil lies in magnifying ourselves in it. It is not conceitedness but righteousness to assert for ourselves what God has already asserted for us. Paul felt that he must not lightly esteem, or allow others to lightly esteem, a high office conferred upon him by God, and. an office in which God had signally witnessed to his efforts. Paul speaks about "the signs" of an apostle; the interesting question arises—What were these signs? We may note the following:—

1 . Knowledge of the gospel derived by immediate revelation from Christ ( Galatians 1:12 ).

2 . Being specially under the influence and teaching of the Divine Spirit, so as to be able to announce truth with authority ( 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 ; 1 Corinthians 12:8 , 1 Corinthians 12:29 ; 1 Corinthians 14:37 ).

3 . External manifestations of Divine favour sanctioning claim to the apostleship.

4 . Continued faithfulness to the gospel ( Galatians 1:8 , Galatians 1:9 ).

5 . Success in preaching the gospel ( 1 Corinthians 9:2 ).

6 . Power of communicating the Holy Ghost by imposition of hands ( Acts 8:18 ).

7 . Power of working miracles ( 2 Corinthians 12:12 ; Romans 15:18 , Romans 15:19 ).

8 . Holiness of life ( 2 Corinthians 6:4 ). Such of these as could be exhibited to the Corinthians, had been, and there was one respect in which his readers would scarcely contest Paul's claim, and to this with his accustomed dexterity the apostle refers. If founding great Churches was a mark of great apostleship, what an apostle Paul must have been to found such a Church as the Corinthian ( 2 Corinthians 12:13 )! This was a perfectly sound argument, but it was an argumentum ad hominem of a singularly happy character. There was only one thing lacking, and here the apostle blends irony with pathos—"I myself was not a burden to you: forgive me this wrong" ( 2 Corinthians 12:13 ). For reasons given elsewhere in the Epistle, he had resolved not to derive any part of his temporal support from them. They might esteem this a slight. Had they lived in later days they would have counted it a virtue!

II. THE APOSTLE 'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT . Paul's humility is marvellous. Yet it was not one whit greater than it ought to have been. The "thorn in the flesh" ( 2 Corinthians 12:7 ) has accomplished a gracious work. Paul has at the same time the clearest view of the Divine power and glory, and of his own insignificance and impotence. He does not take to himself for a moment what was not of himself. Note in 2 Corinthians 12:12 he says, not "I wrought," but "were wrought"— he distinguishes between God and Paul ! We have a beautiful insight into the apostle's mind. He has risen too high to deck himself in plumes stolen from his Lord. Though divinely endowed, strikingly witnessed to in his labours, beyond question the pre-eminent apostle, he says, "I am nothing ." We wonder not that God used such a man. We magnify God's grace in him. Truly the promise had been amply fulfilled, "My grace is sufficient for thee" ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Our pride is our folly—it drives God out and lets the devil in. We cannot be great because we will be so great. The bag is full of wind, so that it cannot be filled.

III. LEARN :

1 . Humility becomes us . It became Paul. If he had so lowly an estimate of himself, how little should we think of ourselves! Even if we are "great men," we are very small men compared with him.

2 . Humility is reasonable. It is not fiction, but fact, to say that we are nothing . Pride is based on a lie .

3 . Humility is generally associated with large usefulness . — H.

2 Corinthians 12:15 - Self-expenditure.

I. A SPLENDID ILLUSTRATION OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE . The apostle is carried beyond the thought of giving some time, or strength, or property, for his beloved Corinthians; he expresses his perfect willingness to give himself . He will not count it a grief, but a gladness, to expend himself for them. Whilst many find great difficulty in giving a little for others, the apostle seems to find none in giving all. Here we have:

1 . Whole-souled devotion . Nothing can transcend the apostle's offer. And the voluntariness and the joy of the devotion place it in the first rank of excellence.

2 . Earnest desire for welfare . The love of Paul for the Corinthians could not have been more forcibly expressed. Men gauge our love for them by what we are willing to give up for them; when we are willing to give up ourselves for them, they cannot but be convinced of our sincerity.

3 . Indication of the importance of Christian work . For nothing else in the world would Paul have willingly spent himself. But Christian service more than justified the self-sacrifice. In his judgment nothing could compare with it for a moment. We may remember that in all departments of life we can render Christian service; spheres of labour become insignificant and mean only when Christian service is excluded from them.

4 . A striking imitation of Christ . Paul has caught his Master's spirit. His Lord laid down his life for him; he will now lay down his life for his Lord. Christ " gave himself ." The Lord's servant is most fitted to do his Lord's work when he is most like his Lord.

5 . A secret of success . When we labour for Christ in such a spirt as this we are certain to prosper. Failure is the child of half heartedness and selfishness. Christ honour an entire consecration to his service.

II. SELF - EXPENDING CHRISTIAN SERVICE PROMPTED BY A HIGH MOTIVE . The apostle was willing to spend himself for the souls of the Corinthians—"and be spent for your souls" (New Version). In this labour he was seeking at the same time the highest glory of God and Christ, and the truest welfare of men. These objects unite in Christian service, which aims pre-eminently to do good to the souls of men. The saving and perfecting of souls redounds supremely to the glory of the Divine Being, whilst it secures the highest good for humanity. So dominated was the apostle by the desire to do good to the souls of men, that what is usually a very strong motive for action, viz. the love of others for us, was quite swept away. He declares that he will expend himself for the Corinthians, though this strongest indication of his love to them should produce a decreasing love for him on their part. The disinterested character of true Christian service is here very strikingly displayed. It was by such self-expenditure as that of Paul's that early Christianity won its triumphs; it is for such self-expenditure that later Christianity pathetically calls. God is always thoroughly in earnest, but men are not. When men become so then "the arm of the Lord is revealed."—H.