Bible Chapter Summary
2 Corinthians 12 Summary
Visions, Weakness, and God's Sufficient Grace
Paul recounts being caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago and hearing inexpressible words in paradise. To prevent him from being exalted through the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh—Satan's messenger—was given to buffet him. When Paul besought the Lord thrice to remove it, God replied that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul thus took pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, and distresses for Christ's sake, knowing that when weak, he is strong.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Corinthians 12:2-4
“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:12
“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”
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