Skip to main content
Psalmlog Logo

2 Corinthians 12

Paul grounds his apostolic defense in Christ’s power through weakness and his costly concern for the Corinthians’ good.

Paul is defending his apostleship to the Corinthians as he prepares for a third visit. He recounts a heavenly revelation in the third person, then describes a tormenting thorn and the Lord’s answer to his pleas for relief. His defense turns from extraordinary experiences to weakness sustained by Christ’s power. He also rejects suspicions that he or Titus exploited the church. The chapter ends with his fear of finding division and sexual sin left without repentance.

chronic painserving and tiredleadership weight
Read
1It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven fourteen years ago—whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows.
4how he was caught up into Paradise and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.
7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
11I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for I am in no way inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.
12Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.
13For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
16Even so, I myself didn’t burden you. But you might say that being crafty, I caught you with deception.
17Did I take advantage of you by anyone of those whom I have sent to you?
18I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps?
19Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.
20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire, that perhaps there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, or riots,
21that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness, sexual immorality, and lustfulness which they committed.
World English BibleRead in NIV in Psalmlog →Highlighted verses are the most connected.
Key verses
2 Corinthians 12:9The Lord’s answer shifts Paul’s boasting toward weakness, where Christ’s sufficient grace and power sustain him.
2 Corinthians 12:8Paul’s three pleas show that his acceptance of weakness follows an earnest request for the torment to end.
2 Corinthians 12:10Paul extends the lesson of the thorn to the hardships he bears for Christ’s sake.
Where this chapter reaches

The connection with 1 Corinthians includes God’s power displayed through weakness and Paul’s concern over divisions within the church. Philippians shares the theme of strength received from Christ amid hardship, while Isaiah also speaks of God giving strength to those who are weak.

2 Corinthians 12's chapter linksAll strongest linksHover or tap a book
Notice

After reading the whole chapter

What stands out to you about Paul’s repeated pleas and the answer he receives?

Write on this

How does Paul’s willingness to spend himself for the Corinthians shape your reading of his closing fears?

Write on this

Questions people ask about 2 Corinthians 12

What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?

Paul does not identify the thorn. He calls it a messenger of Satan that torments him and connects it with keeping him from being exalted because of his revelations. Suggestions include illness or opposition, but the text leaves its nature uncertain. Its persistence frames the Lord’s answer about grace and power.

Who was caught up into the third heaven?

The surrounding discussion points to Paul himself, though he describes the person in the third person. He links the account with his own revelations in verse 7. The passage associates the third heaven with Paradise, but Paul says he does not know whether the experience involved his body.

What does “My grace is sufficient for you” mean?

The Lord answers Paul’s request for the thorn’s removal by promising grace sufficient to sustain him in weakness. The next clause explains that divine power reaches its full expression there. Paul therefore welcomes dependence on Christ’s power amid hardship. The answer contains no promise that his torment will end.

Read it. Now write it.

Start an entry on 2 Corinthians 12. Your words go beside the text, and you get one next step for the week.

2 Corinthians · 13 chapters
12345678910111213

Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).