2Cor 12:1-9 | RWP | e4.org | I must needs glory ( καυχασθα δε ). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have δε while K M read δη . The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient ( ου συμφερον ). Visions ( οπτασιας ). Late word from οπταζω . See on ; . Revelations of the Lord ( αποκαλυψεις Κυριου ). Unveilings (from αποκαλυπτω as in ). See on ; ; . Paul had both repeated visions of Christ ( ; ; ; ; .) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation ( ; ; ; , etc.).

‏ 2 Corinthians 12:1-9

I must needs glory ( καυχασθα δε ). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have δε while K M read δη. The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient ( ου συμφερον ).

Visions ( οπτασιας ). Late word from οπταζω. See on Lu 1:22; Ac 26:19.

Revelations of the Lord ( αποκαλυψεις Κυριου ). Unveilings (from αποκαλυπτω as in Re 1:1). See on 2Th 1:7; 1Co 1:7; 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Ac 9:3; 16:9; 18:9; 22:17; 27:23f.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1Co 11:23; 15:3; Ga 1:12; Eph 3:3, etc.).

I know a man ( οιδα ανθρωπον ). Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality.

Fourteen years ago ( προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων ). Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in Joh 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Ac 9:30; 11:25). We have no details of that period.

Caught up ( αρπαγεντα ). Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω, to seize (see on Mt 11:12).

Even to the third heaven ( εως τριτου ουρανου ). It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer).

I do not know ( ουκ οιδα ). Paul declines to pass on his precise condition in this trance. We had best leave it as he has told it.

Into Paradise ( εις παραδεισον ). See on Lu 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in verse 2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter viii) make Paradise in the third heaven. The rabbis had various ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any "celestial gradation" (Vincent).

Unspeakable words ( αρρητα ρηματα ). Old verbal adjective ( α privative, ρητος from ρεω ), only here in N.T.

Not lawful ( ουκ εξον ). Copula εστιν omitted. Hence Paul does

not give these words.

But on mine own behalf ( υπερ δε εμαυτου ). As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (11:30).

I shall not be foolish ( ουκ εσομα αφρων ). Apparent contradiction to 11:1, 16. But he is here speaking of the Paul "caught up" in case he should tell the things heard (condition of the third class, εαν and first aorist subjunctive θελησω ).

Of me ( εις εμε ). To my credit, almost like dative (cf. εν εμο in 1Co 14:11).

By reason of the exceeding greatness ( τη υπερβολη ). Instrumental case, "by the excess."

That I should not be exalted overmuch ( ινα μη υπεραιρωμα ). Present passive subjunctive in final clause of υπεραιρω, old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence.

A thorn in the flesh ( σκολοπς τη σαρκ ). This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the LXX it is usually thorn. The case of τη σαρκ can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once.

Messenger of Satan ( αγγελος Σατανα ). Angel of Satan, the affliction personified.

Buffet ( κολαφιζη ). See on Mt 26:67; 1Co 4:11 for this late and rare word from κολαφος, fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God's will for it to be so.

Concerning this thing ( υπερ τουτου ). More likely, "concerning this messenger of Satan."

That it might depart from me ( ινα αποστη αφ' εμου ). Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of αφιστημ in final clause, "that he stand off from me for good."

He hath said ( ειρηκεν ). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.

Is sufficient ( αρκε ). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ's grace suffices and abides.

Is perfected ( τελειτα ). Present passive indicative of τελεω, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See Php 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ's power and grace.

Most gladly rather ( ηδιστα μαλλον ). Two adverbs, one superlative ( ηδιστα ), one comparative ( μαλλον ). "Rather" than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter "most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses." Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Ro 5:2; 2Ti 4:6-8).

May rest upon me ( επισκηνωση επ' εμε ). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with ινα (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Lu 9:34), the power ( δυναμις ) of the Lord Jesus.