2 Corinthians 12:1

It is not expedient - It is not well; it does not become me. This may either mean that he felt and admitted that it did not become him to boast in this manner; that there was an impropriety in his doing it though circumstances had compelled him, and in this sense it is understood by nearly, or quite, all expositors; or it may be taken ironically. “Such a man as I am ought not to boast. So you say, and so it would seem. A man who has done no more than I have; who has suffered nothing; who has... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 12:1

2 Corinthians 12:1. After enumerating, in the former chapter, his almost incredible labours and sufferings for the gospel, the apostle, in this, proceeds to speak of some visions and revelations that had been made to him, as a further proof of his apostleship, and of the regard which ought to be paid to his doctrines, his advices, exhortations, or reproofs. It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory Or boast of any thing I have done or suffered, as a minister of Christ, unless on so... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

A genuine case for boasting (12:1-10)Before leaving the subject of boasting, Paul wants to give one more example (12:1). Fourteen years previously he had seen a vision, but because he does not want to exalt himself, he speaks about his experience in the third person, referring to himself simply as ‘a man’. By some unknown means he was taken up into Paradise, where he heard and saw things that God does not normally allow people to know (2-4). He is not telling this story so that the Corinthians... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Corinthians 12:1

not. Greek. ou . App-105 . glory. Greek. kauchaomai. See Romans 2:19 . I will = But I will. to = unto. Greek. eis . App-104 . visions. Greek. optasia. See Acts 26:19 revelations . Greek. apokalupsis. App-106 . Lord . App-98 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1

2 COR. 12Subjects treated by Paul in this chapter are: the revelations he received from the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:1-6), the counteracting thorn in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10), another regret at the necessity of glorying (2 Corinthians 12:11-12), his independence (2 Corinthians 12:13-15), a reply to false charges (2 Corinthians 12:16-18), and certain cautions and warnings (2 Corinthians 12:19-21).I must needs glory, though it is not expedient, but I will come to visions and revelations of... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1

2 Corinthians 12:1. I will come to visions, &c.— The Apostle's speaking of his visions and revelations, which, indeed, did him the highest honour, could not be a proof that he was determined not to vindicate himself: it is evident, therefore, that the word γαρ in the original [ελευσομαι γαρ] cannot have its original signification, and be rendered for. Our translators take it for a mere expletive. Dr. Doddridge translates it nevertheless; and it is certain that it has various significations,... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1

1. He proceeds to illustrate the "glorying in infirmities" ( :-). He gave one instance which might expose him to ridicule (2 Corinthians 11:33); he now gives another, but this one connected with a glorious revelation of which it was the sequel: but he dwells not on the glory done to himself, but on the infirmity which followed it, as displaying Christ's power. The oldest manuscripts read, "I MUST NEEDS boast (or glory) though it be not expedient; for I will come." The "for" gives a proof that... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 12:1

The apostle again explained that he felt his boasting was necessary to convince the fleshly-minded Corinthian minority. It was not profitable for any other reason.All visions of this type were revelations, but not all revelations came through visions. Furthermore visions are always seen, but revelations may be seen or perceived in other ways."If, as seems likely, his opponents are claiming paranormal experiences to validate their apostolate (cf. on 2 Corinthians 5:12-13), the very vagueness of... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

4. Special revelations Paul received 12:1-10Paul had cited his freedom to minister without the Corinthians’ financial support and his sufferings in ministry as grounds for boasting. He next mentioned the special visions and revelations that God had granted him. He referred to these here to bolster his readers’ confidence in his apostolic calling and authority further. read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1