Chapter 12:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Corinthians Galatians
2 Corinthians 12
Concise Complete
The apostle's revelations. (1-6) Which were
improved to his spiritual advantage. (7-10) The signs of an apostle were in him,
His purpose of making them a visit; but he expresses his fear lest he should
have to be severe with some. (11-21)
Verses 1-6
There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things
were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of
ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time,
and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he
knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars
of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world
what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that
foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope.
And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be
revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the
truth and will of God.
Verses
7-10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble,
and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and
revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether
some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out
of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God
loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual
burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to
be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and
overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every
malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give
ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the
second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and
are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the
prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he sometimes
grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our
troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no
reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is
enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all
afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus
his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we
are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak
in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most
the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
Verses
11-21 We owe it to good men, to stand up in the defence of their reputation;
and we are under special obligations to those from whom we have received
benefit, especially spiritual benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand
of good to us. Here is an account of the apostle's behaviour and kind
intentions; in which see the character of a faithful minister of the gospel.
This was his great aim and design, to do good. Here are noticed several sins
commonly found among professors of religion. Falls and misdeeds are humbling to
a minister; and God sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be
tempted to be lifted up. These vast verses show to what excesses the false
teachers had drawn aside their deluded followers. How grievous it is that such
evils should be found among professors of the gospel! Yet thus it is, and has
been too often, and it was so even in the days of the apostles.
Chapter 12:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 1 Corinthians Galatians
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
