2 Corinthians 11:30-12:18

II Corinthians 11, continued

II Corinthians 11:30-33 – Damascus was Paul’s original destination when he was blinded on the road, leading to his conversion. From the time of his conversion, there were threats on his life. See Galatians 1:17. Paul uses this as an illustration of the threats he was under.

II Corinthians 12:1-2 – See Galatians 1:12; 2:1. Paul received the gospel via direct revelation. In their way of speaking, the first heaven was the sky, the second heaven was the domain of the sun, moon, and stars, and the third heaven was paradise, the abode of God.
II Corinthians 12:3-4 – Paul’s vision happened about 42 A.D. This would be about ten years after his conversion.
II Corinthians 12:5-6 – Paul did not tell more to prevent accusations of boasting from his opponents.
II Corinthians 12:7-8 – Paul was given a thorn in the flesh to torment him. It was a painful experience to prevent pride.
II Corinthians 12:9-10 – God’s power is perfected in man’s weakness. We must not view our troubles as impediments but as ways that God is helping perfect us.
II Corinthians 12:11-13 – Paul is reminding them that they were taught by someone with authority.
II Corinthians 12:14-15 – Paul was again going to refuse to accept support from them. See I Corinthians 4:15; II Corinthians 6:13. Paul saw himself as their parent. He was coming to give, not to take.
II Corinthians 12:16-18 – Paul is using sarcasm and irony here to refute the claim that he sent in to take advantage of them.