2 Corinthians 12:9

The Biblical Illustrator - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

2 Corinthians 12:1-10It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory.On Paul being caught up to the third heavenIn the words of the apostle, in his Epistle to the Colossians, I call upon you, “If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God.” “Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth.” Yes, to such an exercise of the affections we have constant need to exhort one another. Perhaps we know too little of the... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - 2 Corinthians 12:7-11

2 Corinthians 12:7-11And lest I should be exalted above measure … there was given me a thorn in the flesh.St. Paul’s thorn in the fleshI. These verses treat of Christian trials under the figure of a thorn in the flesh. We should inquire not what the thorn was, but why it was sent. Some trials are evidently not of the nature of a thorn.1. A thorn is a small, invisible cause of suffering; some secret trouble.2. St. Paul’s thorn was something evil, for he calls it a messenger of Satan. Pain can be... read more

Joseph Exell

The Biblical Illustrator - 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

2 Corinthians 12:8-9For this thing I besought the Lord thrice.Christian trial and ungranted prayerIf it is useful to consider prayers granted for encouragement, it is also desirable to reflect on prayers not granted for instruction. We delight to pass in review Abraham, Hezekiah, etc. But it must not be forgotten there are opposite cases that represent in shade, as the others in light, the will and mercy of God. Was it not so with Moses, beseeching the Lord to cancel His prohibition; with... read more

John Trapp

John Trapp Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:9

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. Ver. 9. My grace is sufficient for thee ] God sometimes gives pardoning grace where yet he denies prevailing grace. He roots not out all our Canaanites at once, but leaves some to try and exercise us. "I thank God in Christ, sustentation I have, but suavities spiritual I taste not any,"... read more

Samuel Bagster

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge - 2 Corinthians 12:9

My grace: 2 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Exodus 3:11, Exodus 3:12, Exodus 4:10-Ezra :, Deuteronomy 33:25-Daniel :, Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 43:2, Jeremiah 1:6-1 Samuel :, Matthew 10:19, Matthew 10:20, Luke 21:15, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Colossians 1:28, Colossians 1:29, 1 Timothy 1:14, Hebrews 4:16 for: Psalms 8:2, Isaiah 35:3, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 40:29-Obadiah :, Isaiah 41:13-Nehemiah :, Daniel 10:16-Psalms :, Ephesians 3:16, Philippians 4:13,... read more

John Wesley

Wesley's Explanatory Notes - 2 Corinthians 12:9

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.But he said to me — ln answer to my third request.My grace is sufficient for thee — How tender a repulse! We see there may be grace where there is the quickest sense of pain. My strength is more illustriously displayed by the weakness of the instrument. Therefore I will glory in my weaknesses... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1-12

3. By revelations, divine infliction, and miracles, 2 Corinthians 12:1-12. As it becomes not him to glory, he relates the revelations as being another man’s, avoiding any undue personal exaltation from them, 2 Corinthians 12:1-6. He emphasizes the thorn in the flesh as his self-humiliating glory, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. He apologizes for even this glorying, and yet refers to their own memories for apostolic miracles wrought by him among them, 2 Corinthians 12:11-12. read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:1-21

II. MEASUREMENT OF THE APOSTLE WITH HIS OPPONENTS, SHOWING HIS OWN SUPERIORITY, 2 Corinthians 11:22 to 2 Corinthians 13:10. From this long level of preliminary apologies and explanations the apostle now suddenly takes an upward spring, and maintains an eagle flight to the end of the epistle. Claiming to boast not of great talents or grand exploits, and with an occasional flash of irony, he rehearses his sufferings and humiliations for Christ, as well as his revelations and self-sacrifices;... read more

Daniel Whedon

Whedon's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 12:9

9. He said… grace… sufficient My sustaining power must be a substitute for the removal vainly asked. Let thy natural weakness remain, supplemented by a divine power. Yet it is apparent from the history that the thorn was ultimately withdrawn. It seems to have commenced about the year 44, and ended about 58. Made perfect Is brought to the complete intended result, namely, its manifested exhibition in the triumphs of the gospel. In weakness Which shows the power to be divine. Gladly His... read more

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