Paul’s Sarcastic Boasting Continues
(Parallel teachings: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; Philippians 4:11-13; Isaiah 40:29-31)
(Thematic parallels: Matthew 26:36-46)
- 1 To boast is necessary, but indeed not profitable, yet I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.
- 2 I *knew a man in the Anointed fourteen years ago. (I don’t *know whether in the body or out of the body, I don’t *know; God *knows) Such a man was snatched up to the third heaven.
- 3 And I *knew such a man, (whether in the body or separate from the body, I don’t *know; God *knows)
- 4 that he was snatched up into paradise and heard unspeakably sacredfn“unspeakably sacred” is one word in Greek which refers to words which are so holy/sacred that they either cannot or should not be spoken by man. words that aren’t lawful for man to speak.
- 5 I will boast about such a man, but I won’t boast about myself except in my weaknesses.
- 6 For even if I wanted to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool for I would speak the truth. But I refrain, lest someone think of me more than what he sees in me or hears of me,
- 7 and the exceeding greatness of my revelations. Therefore, a thorn in the fleshfnquotation/allusion to Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24; Joshua 23:13; Job 1-2 is also contextually relevant, see footnote on “messenger”. Scholars disagree on what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is. The major views are: (1) It was a physical malady, most often suggested to be an eye condition because of Galatians 4:13-15 and 6:11. (Some also cite Acts 23:5, suggesting that Paul failed to recognize the high priest because of poor eyesight.) (2) It was a man or men who created major problems for Paul. (3) It was a demon (i.e. an “angel of Satan”; see footnote on “messenger”) who hindered him directly. (4) It was a demon who caused physical problems for Paul, and/or stirred up men to hinder him. was given to me so that I don’t exalt myself,fn“exalt myself” could also be translated “be exalted” because the middle and passive endings for this Greek word are the same. a messengerfn“messenger” could also be translated “angel”, since this word can mean either depending on the context. An “angel of Satan” would be a demon, see Revelation 12:7-9 of Satan to torment me so that I don’t exalt myself.fn“exalt myself” could also be translated “be exalted” because the middle and passive endings for this Greek word are the same.
- 8 I begged the Lord about this three times so that it might depart from me,
- 9 and He has said to me, “My grace is enough for you, for [My] power is completed in weakness.” Therefore I will rather boast most gladly in my weaknesses so that the power of the Anointed might encampfn“encamp” The Greek word here literally means to pitch a tent and live there. on me.
- 10 Therefore I’m pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in calamities, in persecutions, and in distresses for the sake of the Anointed, for when I’m weak, then I’m strong.
- 11 I have become like a foolish man; you compelled me to do this, for I ought to be commended by you. For I fell short of the ‘super apostles’ in nothing, even if I am nothing.
- 12 Indeed, the signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all endurance, by both signs and wonders, and miracles.
- 13 For in what were you inferior to the rest of the church assemblies, except that I myself didn’t burden you? Forgive me for this ‘injustice’!
Paul’s Upcoming Visit
(Parallel teachings: 1 Corinthians 9:12-18; Galatians 5:19-21)
- 14 Behold, this third time I’m ready to come to you, and I won’t burden you. For I don’t seek what’s yours, but you. For the children aren’t obligated to save up for the parents, but the parents to save up for the children.
- 15 But I will most gladly spend – and will be completely spent – for the sake of your souls. If I’m ^loving you abundantly, am I ^loved less?
- 16 But so be it. I didn’t burden you, but – being cunning – I took you by trickery.
- 17 Of any man whom I have sent to you, I didn’t exploit you through him, did I?
- 18 I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Titus didn’t exploit you, did he? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps?
- 19 Do you think that we’re defending ourselves to you all this time? We speak before God in the Anointed. And beloved, all things are for the sake of building you up.
- 20 For I fear, lest having come to you, I might, perhaps, not find you such as I desire, and I might not be found by you such as you desire. Lest perhaps there is quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, slanders, covert slanders, arrogance, and disorder.
- 21 Lest with me having come again, my God might humble me before you and I might mourn many of the men who *sinned beforehand and didn’t repent of the impurity, and fornication, and wanton debauchery that they did.