2 Corinthians 12
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Paul's saying, the boasting has been a waste and foolish, let's talk about the visions and revelations God has given me.
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.
The inner man or outer man, he couldn't tell which body he was in. He couldn't tell if he was in his spiritual body or earthly body, but what he did know was he was in heaven at the end of the three would ages of time. Ref. to ages: 2 Peter 3:5-10 5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: An age before this flesh. A time where the earth's design was and is not. Did you know the north pole was green with vegetation? 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: This is the whole world "perished" so we see it isn't speaking of Noe and the ark, but an age of time before this flesh age. 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. This is this age of this flesh. "Perdition" = perish. Done and gone will evil be. The reason for this age is to choose. Where are you in your choice? Christ Jesus or the world and satan? That's the ONLY two choices you have. 8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. God has a time line in His plan and the end of that plan is upon us. He gave His Son for all that will accept Him before the end of this age. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. That's The 7th Trump folks. NOT before! Lets skip down to verse 13. 2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. The third age.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
He just can't tell if he's in the flesh or spiritual body.
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
The "unspeakable words" are perhaps better explained as "inexpressible utterances". Paul finds it impossible to put into words that humans could understanding.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
His emotions are running wild. He feels honored to be chosen to see this, yet knows it is by the glory of The Lord it's happening. He went through many tribulations and understands Christ brought him through it all and it is Christ that allows him to see paradise.
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.
Paul doesn't want others that hear him to worship him, but ONLY The One that sent him, that blessed him, that saved him. We should never look on a human as one to be worshiped.
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.
Because he was blessed to see the 3rd heaven and tell others, he knows if the people get caught up on him being chosen to see it and they start to lift him above others, it may go right to his head and by so he might lose focus on Christ. Paul had medical problems and by that it kept him in check if you will. His eye sight wasn't very good and is why he had Timothy, Luke and others write his letters for him. I'm able to say without the problems I have, I probably wouldn't be able to do what I do for our Father. He keeps me grounded, focused and working on helping others come to His Word in the 2nd level, the meat. I try to help break it down. The Holy Spirit give the understanding to us.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Paul ask God to remove the "thorn" in his side, his disability, three times.
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.
All you people that say you're Christians, look at this very carefully, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. That yoke is a connection with God. He helps you pull the load. He handles the things you have tried and can't do yourself. 30 Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The yoke of Christ, will make life easier and it lightens the pressures that the world places on you. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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.
We are given power, it's up to our faith as how to use it. I know I'm on The right path by the ones that hate me. If evil likes what you say and do, get off that path.
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.
Paul doesn't want them to think he's being boastful about his blessing of seeing the 3rd heaven, but because they've listened to the fake pastors, he needs to let them know about some things.
12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
They had seen many things happen right before their eyes when he was with them in Corinth, so he shouldn't sound boastful about anything now.
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.
He soiled them a little bit. Paul refused to be paid to bring them The Word of God. He didn't want to be a burden in that aspect. The fakes couldn't hold anything on him for it either. There isn't anything wrong with being paid to pastor, but if you don't need it, you shouldn't take it. If they insist, be careful it's not to trap you into their bidding. Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
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.
Paul isn't coming back to Corinth for anything but to teach. He doesn't have need of money, clothing or goods, but their attention for Truth and for the sake of their souls. A good dad gives The Word of Truth to the children that they may live happy lives. That they may be wealthy in The Truth.
15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.
Paul was just looking for the gifts of God to give them the means in which they may see The Way of Christ. The way in which they can be saved. It has never been about Paul, but about The Truth, The Word, The Way, Christ Jesus Yahshua.
16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
The fake pastors want you Corinthians to believe I, Paul didn't take money, but I'm so sneaky I sent others to get money for me.
17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
Do you believe I took anything from you by those I sent? Of course he didn't. Anyone that knew Paul would know how He was. Paul did nothing but try to help people go the way of Christ. He did nothing but speak The Truth of God. Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. "fruits" = actions.
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?
As Paul asked for nothing, Titus or anyone Paul sent to Corinth ask for nothing also. Their fruits were the same as Paul's. They wanted nothing for themselves, but to give what they had. The Word†
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.
Apologize, I think not! They have nothing to apologize for. They have done nothing but help them in Corinth. All they did was bring The Word of God in truth and actions and for that, they will not apologize.
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:
Paul hopes they stick to The Truth, staying in The Word, keeping focused on Christ and ignore those fake "pastors" and "christians" that have tried to cause a division within the church.
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.
Uncleanness = ἀκαθαρσία akatharsía, ak-ath-ar-see'-ah; from G169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally:—uncleanness. G2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)):—foul, unclean. Fornication = πορνεία porneía, por-ni'-ah; from G4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:—fornication. adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc. Lasciviousness = ἀσέλγεια asélgeia, as-elg'-i-a; from a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed σελγής selgḗs (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices):—filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness. We know together this is talking about homosexuality. All three words are in relation to the sexual behavior taking place within the church community. Paul wished they would clean those evil people out of the church before he arrives, but if they're there, he'll clean them out himself. The church of God doesn't have a bunch of trouble makers in it. It doesn't have those of homosexuality or incestuous behavior running things.