CHAPTER 12

1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Probably, Paul is referring to the accusation against him that he "boasts."
(See 2Cor. 10:13-16)

So, he will turn to another subject - that of "visions and revelations."

Keep in mind, Paul is writing to protect or assure of his apostleship.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

The vision Paul refers to happened "fourteen years" before this writing.
If 2Corinthians was written (as supposed) in 58AD, the moment of which Paul speaks happened in 44AD.
That was about the time he returned to Jerusalem, and perhaps was in the temple praying.

Paul is careful to ascribe this vision to "a man."
Perhaps he is speaking of another.
Or, perhaps he is speaking in the third person of himself.

He says he could not tell if he was "in" his "body," or if he was "out" of his "body."
I think it is important to note here that your person is contained in the body.
The REAL you, is corralled in the body like a horse in an enclosed pen.

Now, his statement would reveal that he might have had an experience where his person (spirit) left the body and saw a vision.
OR, his statement might reveal that he had a vision while IN the body.
As Paul could not tell, neither can we.
And, this is certainly not an affirmation of an "out of body" experience!!!

Stephen had a similar experience just before he was stoned (Acts 7:56).
But Stephen SPOKE while he SAW!

There are three heavens spoken of in the bible:
1 - the clouds, or atmosphere here on earth;
2 - the stars and galaxies above the earth;
3 - and, the "third heaven" which is above them all, and where God dwells.

John (in Revelation) refers also to a similar experince.
In Rev. 1:10, he says, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day."
This implies that he was worshipping, and was influenced during his devotion time.
Being exiled on an island, he was worshipping the Lord, and received revelation which is similar to prophetic inspiration in the O.T.
(See Ezek. 1:1, Jer. 24:1)

We cannot say Paul's person (spirit) was transposed to the third heaven;
and, we cannot say it wasn't.
At this point, we cannot say Paul is speaking of himself, or another Christian he knew.

What we CAN say is Paul (or the other Christian) heard "unspeakable words."
The Greek word from which unspeakable is translated is arrhetos (ar' hray tos).
It simply means inexpressible.

Now, Paul says he will "glory" (boast) of THIS person.
But, he would only boast of himself concerning his sicknesses or weaknesses.

6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Most of us like to brag a little.
And, Paul was no different.
He says he would LIKE to brag, but he would no be a "fool."
Instead, he will speak the "truth."
And, he asks they "forbear" (or abide with him).
He also says he didn't want anyone to think more of him that what he is.

Now, Paul reveals that the vision was his (vs 7).
And, in order that he would not be "exalted" above who he really is, God gave him a "thorn in the flesh."
Let's be realistic here a moment.
Paul says the thorn was a "messenger of Satan" to beat him.
Think about that!!
Jehovah God, YHWH, JESUS is in CONTROL of ALL things!!! (See Matt. 28:18)
And, that means Satan too!!!!
Does God USE Satan sometimes to control our PRIDE?
You can COUNT on it!!
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

God wants us to walk HUMBLY with Him!!
We must remember, HE is GOD, we are SERVANTS!
I've felt some spiritual SPANKINGS from God!
Have you?

BUT, God ASSURES us that His "grace is SUFFICIENT!!"
When God brings you TO it, He will help you THROUGH it!!

God's power is GREATER in us when we are WEAK!
So, when we are having sickness, weakness, problems, let us GLORY (BOAST) of GOD!!
Then, the power of Christ will "rest" upon us!!

James 1:2 says, "My brethren, count it all JOY when ye fall into divers temptations;"!
Give glory to God! Be JOYFUL about His eternal salvation!!
When I had lung cancer, I concentrated on praising God; because I KNEW where my END would be!
Then, the power of our Lord guided the hand of the surgeon and he got it ALL.
Didn't even need any treatments!

God is GOOD!
ALL the time!!

11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience,in signs, and wonders, and mighy deeds.

Paul admits he has been speaking of himself, and perhaps appears foolish in it.
But he was GOADED, "compelled," into it.
They brought accusations which were untrue, and he responded with truth.

Actually, his life should have been "commended" by the Corinthians.
His actions among them proved that he was not less than other apostles.
Yet, he says, "though I be NOTHING."

Paul does not pretend to be greater than he is.

We, as Christians may have elevated times of worship, and even prophetic experiences beyond our understanding.
That only makes us Christians; not something greater than another person.
I, and you, are SINNERS ALL the time! (Rom. 3:23)

We should not count ourselves to be better than others;
however, we should brag on our Lord Who by mercy and grace has SAVED us!

13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

Paul had lived among them and shown proof of his apostleship.
By the grace of God, through Paul's ministry, they were saved - having believed the truth of Christ Jesus.

Yet, they were "inferior to other churches" in ONE respect.
They did not have to SUPPORT Paul while he was there.
He made his own living by tentmaking.

IF that really is a fault, Paul asks forgiveness.
It is indeed a privilege to contribute to the support of the gospel.
The church at Corinth should be grateful to God they did not have to support Paul.
And, they should feel favoured because they were able to contribute to the gospel by their testimony.

My friend, it is a JOY to support the pastor of the church!!
And, we should count it as a PART of contributing to the spread of the Gospel of Christ.

Yet, we should contribute in OTHER ways also!
BE a testimony to Jesus' salvation in all aspects of your life and you will CONTRIBUTE!
Pray, study the Bible, share the Gospel, GIVE to church, learn and grow so you can teach others.

14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Paul had tried to go to Corinth and 2nd and 3rd time, however it was not in the will of God that he should do so.

Now, he is purposing to come to them.
And, he vows NOT to be "burdensome" to them!
Again, he will NOT seek support!

He is not seeking to gain FROM them, but to contribute TO them!

And, he says, he will "gladly" give of himself to them, even though he may be less loved!

Every pastor, even though he receives support, should desire to be a PARENT for the people.
His focus should be upon soul-winning, and TEACHING soul-winning to the people.
He should "lay up," or PROVIDE educational teaching that will advance the Kingdom of Christ!

Now, let's be REALISTIC again.
Shouldn't this be the desire of EVERY Christian?

Every Christian should desire to GIVE and DO!

When you are a member of a church, concentrate more on CONTRIBUTING!
GLADLY be SPENT for OTHERS!

16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

Indeed, Paul had sent Titus and another brother to gather a collection from the church at Corinth.
This collection was for the poor saints in Judea. (2Cor 8:6-21)

Perhaps it had been rumored in the church that Paul "caught" them "with guile."
In other words they assumed he gathered the money for his own use.

But this was not so.
No one was seeking "gain" from them.
Titus and Paul had the same desire - to help those who were poor in Judea.

Yes, there are those who seek to take advantage of the church.
But let that NOT be the cause of quibling!
Instead, let us all desire the three "E's" of the church:
Evangelism, Education (Biblical), and Edifying - encouraging one another.

19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

The collection Paul received from them was used for the purpose it was intended.
And, he makes no "excuse" for this.

The poor in Judea recognized the giving of the church at Corinth, and therefore it was "edifying."

Paul is concerned that when he comes to Corinth again, he will find a quibling church.

Today, we should be concerned that NO ONE who enters our church will find the nature of envying, debates, strifes, backbitings!!

Instead, let us be loving one another, esteeming each other better than ourselves, and PROMOTING THE GOSPEL of Christ!!

PLEASE CONTINUE WITH US IN BIBLE STUDY TOMORROW.
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