2 Corinthians 12
Lutheran reading notes
In 2 Corinthians chapter 12, the message of the gospel develops the theme of Paul’s defense of ministry and encouragement to believers. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. {I will come: Gr. For I will come}
2 Corinthians 12:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2 Corinthians 12:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. {lawful: or, possible}
2 Corinthians 12:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
2 Corinthians 12:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2 Corinthians 12:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
2 Corinthians 12:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. {for you: Gr. for your souls}
2 Corinthians 12:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
2 Corinthians 12:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
17
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
2 Corinthians 12:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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?
2 Corinthians 12:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:19 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
2 Corinthians 12:20 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 12:21 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.