2 Corinthians 12 & 13: So you will listen.

(NRSV, 1989)

1 It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Paul continues his exercise in absurdity—acting in a way that makes him so uncomfortable to prove his point to the Corinthians who have fallen for boasting. If the church must have boasting, again, a common practice in the church that is addressed in 1 Corinthians, Paul says, Let me boast so grandly that they will become uncomfortable. If they have decided that the proof of faith is in visions and not in sacrificial generosity, then what better way is there for Paul to reassert his authority.

2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3 And I know that such a person—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows— 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 

Paul tells the story of a man who has been called up to Paradise—the third heaven; the apostle certainly is speaking about himself and his experience. Paul does not know if this happened physically or spiritually, but God does. He repeats this immediately, making God the actual focus and not himself. The great truth that the man encountered there was to be kept to himself and not shared with anyone: how unlike the practice of the boasting super-apostles who appear to actively seek to share “the answer” for the right price. Fourteen years prior to Paul writings these words would be just after his time in Jerusalem with Peter and James (Galatians 1:18,19) during the time of his ministry in Syria and Cilicia. 

5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 

Surely the Corinthians by now realize that Paul’s “Paradise Man” is himself, but he keeps on boasting of this man—but not himself “except for [his] weakness.” Undertaking a journey like this is certainly reason enough to boast. 

6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. 

Paul’s desire is that the Corinthians think better of him for what they have actually seen and heard him doing, not because of some story that he tells. “The fish was this big.” No, even though this divine revelation is a grand one, what he should be judged on his how he carries himself each and ever day. 

Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.

By now Paul seems to have let the Paradise Man cover go, and he shares his story with them. To prevent these divine revelations from going to his head “a thorn was given [to him] in the flesh,” perhaps as a reminder that he is only mortal in the absence of God’s initiative. In the Roman triumph a messenger would stand behind the general being honored for his excellence, his exemplary deeds, and his unsurpassed service to Rome and constantly repeat the words, “Remember, thou art mortal.” Whatever this skolops is he assumes the Corinthians know—although we do not. But we do ascertain it purpose of its gifting: to keep Paul “from being too elated.” The important thing to consider her is not what it was or even why it was given but who gave it to him. 

If Satan is acting as God’s messenger, then the thorn was given to produce humility. God often uses Satan or agents thereof to produce deeper faith and a closer walk. To put it another way, God is not the author or source of this evil but permits it for His reasons. On the other hand, if the thorn is truly and solely the work of Satan, I can easily see it as being given to Paul to hinder him in the fulfilling God’s call on his life. How can we possibly meet God’s expectations if we cannot even live up to ours? 

Genesis 50:20 gives us a third option and doesn’t have God playing catch-up to Satan or paint Him as mischievous and lacking empathy. “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to keep many people alive.” (NASB) This perspective is also in keeping with what Paul will write to the Romans in his next letter when he declares that “all things happen for the good of those who love God and seek to do His will.” This is how powerful God is: every action, even those that do not originate in Him will achieve His divine aims. This is born out as Paul continues:

8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.

“My grace us sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Through it all, as we experience “weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ,” and precisely because we are facing them for the sake of Christ, God’s grace will bring us through. Therefore, we cannot blame God for having Satan do these things to us—making God lack compassion and empathy—nor can we accuse Him fixing Satan’s messes—always being one step behind. 

11 I have been a fool! You forced me to it. Indeed you should have been the ones commending me, for I am not at all inferior to these super-apostles, even though I am nothing. 12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works. 13 How have you been worse off than the other churches, except that I myself did not burden you? Forgive me this wrong!

Paul lays the Corinthians’ troubles at their own feet. Every proof that was needed to demonstrate that he was a true apostle was performed for them. They had been given everything needed to believe in Christ, repent, and amend their lives together, but they chose instead the “proof” and message of the super-apostles. In verse thirteen Paul expresses his confusion at the fact that the other churches appear to be “getting it” while they aren’t. He then questions if they are failing because he chose to give them more room to figure it out than he did the other churches. 

14 Here I am, ready to come to you this third time. And I will not be a burden, because I do not want what is yours but you; for children ought not to lay up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for you. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 

Despite all this, Paul is ready to come to them again. But he will not change the way he will stay with them. He promises not to be a burden and not demand their support—or anything for the matter—from them. This is, ...