Lesson 4853

 (Lesson 4853) (05-14-25) 2nd Corinthians 12:1-13 

   “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 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. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 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. 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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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. 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. Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 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.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul reluctantly recounted a profound spiritual experience to defend his apostolic authority. He described being caught up to the "third heaven" or Paradise, where he heard inexpressible words not lawful for man Jewish man to utter. To prevent pride from this revelation, he was given a "thorn in the flesh," a messenger of Satan to buffet him. Despite pleading with the Lord three times for its removal, God responded, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Paul chose to brag about his infirmities so that the power of Christ might remain upon him. He was proud of his weaknesses, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake, understanding that being weak made him strong. He reminded the Corinthians that he was not lesser to the most well known of the apostles, yet he considered himself nothing. He concluded by noting that the only thing they lacked compared to other churches was that he had not been a burden to them, and he asked for their forgiveness for that. ~