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2 Corinthians 12:2
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The Vision of Paradise

1 It is1 doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to avisions and brevelations of the Lord:  
2 I know a man ain Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one bwas caught up to the third heaven.  
3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—
4 how he was caught up into aParadise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.  
5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not aboast, except in my infirmities.  
6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

The Thorn in the Flesh

7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a athorn in the flesh was given to me, ba messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.  
8 aConcerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.  
9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly aI will rather boast in my infirmities, bthat the power of Christ may rest upon me.  
10 Therefore aI take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. bFor when I am weak, then I am strong.  

Signs of an Apostle

11 I have become aa fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you; for bin nothing was I behind the most eminent apostles, though cI am nothing.  
Commentaries:
John Wesley's Notes
<< 2 Corinthians 12:1   2 Corinthians 12:3 >>


2 Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ - That is, a Christian. It is plain from II Corinthians 12:6-7, that he means himself, though in modesty he speaks as of a third person. Whether in the body or out of the body I know not - It is equally possible with God to present distant things to the imagination in the body, as if the soul were absent from it, and present with them; or to transport both soul and body for what time he pleases to heaven; or to transport the soul only thither for a season, and in the mean time to preserve the body fit for its re - entrance. But since the apostle himself did not know whether his soul was in the body, or whether one or both were actually in heaven, it would be vain curiosity for us to attempt determining it. The third heaven - Where God is; far above the aerial and the starry heaven. Some suppose it was here the apostle was let into the mystery of the future state of the church; and received his orders to turn from the Jews and go to the gentiles.


 
<< 2 Corinthians 12:1   2 Corinthians 12:3 >>

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