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| 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. |
I will come – False brethren had charged that Paul had falsely assumed to be one of the ambassadors of Christ. (2 Cor. 11:5) R4517:6
Visions and revelations – The Apostle's mind thus illuminated, he was able to write with great intelligence, clearness and power. Nearly all of our knowledge of the deep things comes from Paul's epistles. R5339:4; F215, F216
The Lord more than made up to Paul what he lacked to make him a competent and reliable witness to us. R1523:1, 1472:5, 1148:4, 665:5, 435:2
Not due and hence not permitted to be plainly expressed in Paul's day. R1525:6, 551:6
Hypnotism is now being used to make the visions and revelations granted the apostles appear very ordinary. R2033:2
Of the Lord – Paul did not preach foolish speculations or human reasonings because of the popular craving for something new. He confined himself to the Scriptures and to exhortations inspired by revelations made to him. R1719:6
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| 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. |
Caught up – Caught away down the stream of time. A70
Caught away (in the spirit--that is, mentally). R900:6
Snatched away. R529:1*
To the third heaven – To the new condition of things as they will be under the spiritual control of Christ. A70; HG539:2
The Millennial reign of Christ. R1744:3, 1558:3, 551:6, 529:2*; A70
A glimpse of the next dispensation, "the world to come." HG539:2
"New heavens." (2 Pet. 3:13) R2832:2; Q830:T; HG539:2
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| 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) |
I cannot tell – Paul saw things so vividly he could not tell whether it was physical or merely mental. R551:6; A70; HG539:2
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| 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. |
Into paradise – "A new earth." (2 Pet. 3:13) R2832:2; Q830:T
The new earth brought to perfection under restitution blessings. R2832:1; D648
The new dispensation or Kingdom of God where he saw things to come. R900:6
As our Lord knew matters fully after he was begotten of the holy Spirit, so Paul was caught away to the third heaven and received knowledge of wonderful things. R5066:1
Unspeakable words – Doubtless the plan and purpose of God, as now made manifest in this harvest period. R1744:3, 901:1
It is not lawful – He must not explain these visions; their meaning was a secret entrusted to him. R5339:4
Not then due to be understood by the Church in general. R2832:1, 1744:3, 901:1, 551:6
Paul is the clearest eye the Church has ever had, though he was not permitted to make known what he saw; but his writings have a rich depth and fullness possessed by no other New Testament writer. R365:1
Doubtless these were the same things which John afterward saw and was permitted to express to the Church in symbols, which may only be understood as they become due. A70
For a man to utter – Not to be uttered clearly because it was not yet the due time. R900:6
But the illumination which they gave to the apostle's mind has through his writings been reflected, giving a force, shading, and depth of meaning to his words. F215; A27; R901:1; NS557:3; OV6:1
Paul had the gift or office of revelation in a remarkable degree, being in visions and revelations of the Lord more abundant than they all. R365:1
From this standpoint of knowledge he was able to guide the Church by his teachings all through the age--from the beginning down to the closing days of her course. R901:1
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| 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. |
I will not glory – Paul did not approve of boasting. He boasted not of himself, but of things others would think to be for his shame. R5942:1
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| 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. |
Tischendorf writes regarding relative values of ancient manuscripts: "2 Cor. 4:13-12:6 are not found in the R1147:2
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| 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. |
Exalted above measure – The "thorn" was left as a reminder of previous error and hence served to keep Paul humble. R1540:4, 5933:5, 5416:6, 4821:5, 3794:1
In God's dealings with his people at all times we can see his care in guarding them against pride and self-sufficiency. R1920:6
The abundance of the revelations – The broad view of God's plan thus given to the Apostle enabled him to realize the real position of the saints, and the weighty interests involved in their development as members of the Body of Christ. R901:1
The writings of the twelve apostles were especially supervised by the Lord, and their doctrinal utterances inspired. SM672:3; OV412:1
Thorn in the flesh – In a measure a retribution, a correction. R5933:5, 5624:4
Not the sufferings of Christ. R5117:4
Kept him in remembrance of the great blunder he made in his zeal without knowledge, and of the Lord's mercy to him. R4356:6, 5416:6, 4821:5
Paul's Christian brethren would have gladly plucked out their own eyes for him. Although a learned man, Paul wrote very few of his own epistles and was largely dependent upon his companions. R2825:1
Following his blindness in the way to Damascus, Paul's sight was never again normal. History has styled him the "bleared-eye Jew." This would explain why Paul did not baptize more of his converts. (1 Cor. 1:14) R2118:2,4, 5963:2, 4486:2, 1540:4; F651
Figurative--an affliction. R1540:4, 435:6
Messenger of Satan – Physical sufferings resulting from heredity are ministers of Satan. R5117:4
It came not from the hand of the Lord, though by his permission. R1744:3
To buffet me – To tempt, annoy. A68
Trying his patience, his humility, etc. F651
To oppose, cause much difficulty. R5117:4
To polish. SM324:2
Because Satan is the prince (ruler) of the present evil world, evil prospers and the wicked flourish. He has no interest in Jesus' followers except to oppose, tempt, annoy and buffet them. HG538:3
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| 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. |
Besought the Lord thrice – The saints are never invited to pray for their own physical healing. R2837:6; F651
The Lord did not answer the first and second time. CR468:5; R2006:6
That it might depart – In all the records we find no instance of the exercise of the gift of healing on behalf of any of the apostles or any of the Church. R2006:6, 5624:4, 1754:6
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| 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. |
My grace – My favor. R1745:1
Spiritual, not earthly favors. R2009:3
Sometimes our Lord may be pleased to grant physical relief and at other times he may do as he did to Paul--give us the more grace to bear the physical ills. R2281:1
Instead of removing the difficulty, the Lord promised the more grace, the more strength, the more endurance to meet the difficulty. R4433:5, 5952:4; CR468:5
The Lord gives consolation of heart that will enable his children to rejoice in tribulation. R5758:4
If the Lord's grace is proportionate to our trials, let us receive with rejoicing all the trials he may send that we may have the more of his grace. R4184:6
His grace justifies us, by his grace we will have part in the divine nature. CR469:6
Is sufficient – God would give Paul that which would be better for him as a new creature. R5624:4
It shall cost us our earthly life--laying down our lives in God's service for the brethren, and in doing good unto all men as we have opportunity; but he promises us succor and every needed assistance. F374
To the faithful, in every time of need, he will make up the deficiency. R5437:4, 5477:2; Q440:T
"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." (Heb. 13:5) R5058:3
I will be with thee in six troubles, and in the seventh I will not forsake thee. (Job 5:19) R4784:2
"I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13) R1558:5
What trials and difficulties he does not remove from us, he permits for wise and loving purposes. R4433:5
Grace is helpful in all things, taking away of the thorn would have been relief in only one. R4433:5, 5963:2
The moment of discouragement is the opportune moment for the discouraged one to recognize his need of the Savior and to cry unto him, and forthwith receive the re-enforcements promised. NS619:6
On the eve of the Apostle's departure to Jerusalem, the Adversary was permitted to stir up persecution. The Apostle knew "All things work together for good." (Rom. 8:28) R4432:1
It was not necessary for the Apostle to say one unkind word in reference to the goddess Diana. It is not necessary for us to do or say a single unkind word or act toward our friends in Babylon. R4433:1
This would not mean that we might not sometimes fall into temptation. R5668:6
For thee – All of us who are of the one Body and energized by its one Spirit. R4433:2
My strength – There is a wonderful power in the religion of Jesus, our Redeemer. R4432:6
Be of good cheer; I have overcome. (John 16:33) A214
The weakest are provided for, the strongest get what they need--no one is required to do more than he is able to perform. R5886:4
Our source of strength when battling with the current of life is never to be forgotten--"When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee." (Isa. 43:2) R4005:4
We have much advantage over the apostles prior to Pentecost. That was before their anointing of the holy Spirit, whereas our testings come to us at the time we are of the anointed Body. R4167:6
The more we exercise faith, the more of it we will have, becoming stronger in the Lord and in the power of his might; thus by divine grace and under the Master's assistance we come off conquerors. R2568:5
Made perfect in weakness – Made manifest in your weakness. R1745:1, 5510:1; HG652:3
This is one of the "exceeding great and precious promises" (2 Pet. 1:4) upon which we may stand wh R1802:5*
This is the secret of every successful Christian life. R5942:4, 1745:1
Our weaknesses and imperfections are covered by our Redeemer's robe of righteousness, which constitutes our "wedding garment." Thus we stand before the Father complete in the Beloved. R5855:3
My strength, operating through this imperfect earthen vessel, will be more manifest to men than if the vessel were a perfect and polished one. R1920:6
If Paul's thorn had been removed, permitting him to take back his consecration to sacrifice, it would mean his letting go of spiritual blessings which God bestows upon us when we sacrifice earthly things. R4433:4
As we note our progress in the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit, let us rejoice if the progress was great, and lament the fact if it was small, but not to the degree of discouragement or surrender. R4100:5
If we knew of our future trials, we should be unjustly overwhelmed, but as we take one step after another we find God's promises true: We are sustained. We have no more than we can bear. We can overcome. R4164:3
The hour of temptation would deceive the very elect if it were possible, but it will not be possible because of their love and zeal and the consequent blessings that divine favor will provide for them. R4167:6
This chapter gives examples of Christian experience--keeping ourselves unspotted from the world as we put off the old man, growing in grace and knowledge, and laboring in the Lord's vineyard. R1022:4
Charmed with the prospect of becoming "joint-heirs of Jesus Christ," believers are not daunted by the trials and difficulties of the way, especially when they hear the Redeemer's Word encouraging them. HG652:3
Most gladly therefore – If having the affliction meant more divine grace, then Paul was content. R4356:6
I rather glory – Paul had more abundant revelations than the other apostles, and he had made more converts and established more churches, but it was his sufferings he considered most important. R552:1
Since I shall have correspondingly more of the grace of God wherewith to resist them and be profited by them. SM324:2
My infirmities – Physical restitution is not the hope set before the "Little Flock." R749:4, 2364:6
May rest upon me – Work through Paul as a ready instrument--meek, willing, and energetic. R1921:1
The more our enemies assail and falsely charge us with evil, the more the Lord blesses us and his work under our care. R4660:6
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| 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. |
I take pleasure – Paul was a strong character, naturally positive and firm. He ruled himself. When the truth reached him, he was firm and steady. He is a noble example of steadfastness, endurance, untiring zeal, devotion. R1041:4
When I am weak – When fully loyal to the Lord, I feel my own weakness and insufficiency. R5550:5
When I realize my own weakness and cannot successfully battle alone against the flesh and its infirmities. R5510:1, 3667:4; CR437:5
This was really the strength of Solomon's character--he was meek, teachable, like a little child. R5714:6
Then – God's grace is sufficient for all God's people when their weakness is recognized and confessed and abhorred, and his mercy appreciated, sought, and accepted. R4821:5
Am I strong – And reversely, "when I am strong in self-assurance, I am then weak." R4379:1, 2878:2
The moment when we feel self-confident is the dangerous one. R3667:5
By reason of his assistance, we are stronger in the power of the Lord's might than we could have been in our own strength. (Eph. 6:10) R3667:5
By relying upon the Lord for grace and help and guidance and strength. R3667:5, 5550:5, 5510:1,4
He shall divide the spoil with the strong. (Isa. 53:12) R3592:1
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| 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. |
In nothing am I behind – In the understanding of the divine program. R5941:6
Since all apostles must be eye witnesses of Jesus resurrection, Paul was caused to see Jesus. God never recognized any but twelve apostles. Rev. 21:14 speaks of the names of the R162:5
There were eleven apostles until St. Paul was received of the Lord. We have them still with us represented by their teachings. R5831:3
Though I be nothing – It is Christ in me. R552:1
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| 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. |
Truly the signs – Greek, seemion; proof or evidence. D598
Of an apostle – While some plume themselves with the conceit that they have that ministration now in all its fullness, to Paul, "the ministration of the Spirit" was an object of hope. R1323:5*
In all patience – This scripture is listed with Jas. 5:10, 11 and 2 Cor. 6:4-10 as a R3585:4
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
Not be burdensome – "I have coveted no man's silver or gold or apparel." (Acts 20:33) F287
Not yours, but you – Paul was laying down his life for the brethren--our object should be like his. R3143:4
But the parents – Implying reasonable forethought and provision on the part of parents for those whom they have brought into being. R2488:1; F578
In one sense, God is the Father of the whole human race. A good father educates his children. The fact that he has not yet had these children instructed in Christ shows that his due time for this is future. R33:3*
For the children – Includes not only food and raiment, but also intellectual and moral instructions. The child fairly well born and who receives a reasonable education and guidance to maturity has a rich legacy in himself. F578
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| 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. |
Be spent for you – This and Eph. 4:28 ("give to him that needethumstances. It is well to use the spirit of a sound mind in attaining enough to be able to give. R2513:2
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| 16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. |
I did not burden you – False brethren had insinuated that the collections taken for the poor at Jerusalem were probably in part, at least, for Paul. R4518:1
Being crafty – Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove (Matt. 10:16), Paul exercised wisdom in hiding from them for a time truths which they could not appreciate. R3675:1
We should take advantage of our hearers' present religious views, as Paul did. R825:4
Caught you with guile – Paul quotes his enemies as charging him with guile. An evil mind can put an evil construction on the noblest words and deeds. R3675:1
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| 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? |
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| 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? |
Walked we not – They were walking in the spirit and steps of the Master. R3238:4
All in this pathway have the same spirit, mind or disposition--to do the Father's will and to serve his cause. R3238:4
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| 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. |
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| 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: |
Backbitings – Evil speaking, backbiting, slandering are strictly forbidden, even if the evil be true. R4803:1
Professed Christians are often the most pronounced scandalmongers. R4803:1
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| 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. |
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