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2 Corinthians 12:5
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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.  
12 aTruly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and bwonders and mighty cdeeds.  
Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
<< 2 Corinthians 12:4   2 Corinthians 12:6 >>


2 Corinthians 12:5

Of such an one will I glory - Of such a man it would be right to boast. It would be admitted that it is right to exult in such a man, and to esteem him to be uniquely favored by God. I will boast of him as having received special honor from the Lord. Bloomfield, however, supposes that the words rendered "of such an one should be translated "of such a thing," or of such a transaction; meaning" I can indeed justly boast of my being caught up to heaven as of a thing the whole glory of which pertains to him who has thus exalted me; but of myself, or of anything in me, I will not boast." So Rosenmuller explains it. But it seems to me that the connection requires that we should understand it of a person, and that the passage is partly ironical. Paul speaks in the third person. He chooses to keep himself directly out of view. And though he refers really to himself, yet he wound not say this directly, but says that of such a man they would admit it would be proper to boast.

Yet of myself - Directly. It is not expedient for me to boast of myself. "You would allow me to boast of such a man as I have referred to; I admit that it is not proper for me to boast directly of myself."

But in mine infirmities - My weaknesses, trials, pains, sufferings; such as many regard as infirmities; see the note on II Corinthians 11:30.




Other Barnes' Notes entries containing 2 Corinthians 12:5:

Joel 2:28
Acts 22:17
1 Corinthians 1:1
2 Corinthians 10:17

 

<< 2 Corinthians 12:4   2 Corinthians 12:6 >>

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