2 Corinthians 12:1-10

 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

In this passage Paul offers his third and final contrast between himself and the Uber apostles. It appears that these false teachers appealed to their experiences or revelation as proof of their ministry. Perhaps they came to Corinth with a “God told me” attitude. Beware of the self-identified personal messenger from God. They are playing a one-upsmanship with Paul, and Paul is about to win. Before looking at this contrast, there is another thing to notice. The chapter break here is at an unfortunate point. The last two verses of chapter 11 are part of Paul’s experiences in ministry. Paul is about to talk about unprecedented spiritual experiences. But he puts bookends on each end of these experiences. He talks about his flight from Damascus, where he slinks out of town and runs for his life like a stray dog. This was the beginning of his ministry, not a very auspicious start. The other bookend is his “Thorn in the Flesh.” The consistent companion, a messenger or angel of Satan, whose purpose it is to be a constant reminder of his weakness.

If the Uber Apostles wanted to brag about their experience, Paul would reluctantly talk about his own experiences. Paul is reluctant to say much, using only three verses to describe these experiences. This is because Paul never wanted to be the center of attention. That is reserved for Christ. Notice Paul uses the plural “visions” and “revelations.” This was no one-off experience. Also notice he was caught up to both of the “third heaven” and to “paradise.” There is good reason to believe that these are not the same place. We are not giving much detail about these experiences. Perhaps it is so that we will not make having experiences our goal. Perhaps it is because these events were beyond words and an accurate description would be impossible. Maybe it is because simply acknowledging them is all that is needed to accomplish Paul's purpose. Perhaps it is for all these reasons and more. What Paul wants is not an ecstatic community in pursuit of experience but rather a faithful community of disciples undeceived by the uber apostles and faithful in hard times.

Paul moves to the other bookend of his ministry experience. Unlike the humiliation of his flight from Damascus, which was short-lived, this misery stays with him. There is no end, it seems, to the speculation as to what this “thorn in the flesh” actually was. Proposals and suggestions abound. But since Paul does not tell us specifically, we apparently don't need to know the details. What we can know is helpful and practical for our lives as disciples. First, we are sometimes given unpleasant things that are used to our benefit. Paul was given this storm. Who gave it to Paul? If not given by God, it was certainly with his permission for Paul's benefit. Second, we cannot always pray our problems away. Those who claim that with the proper prayer of positive attraction we can name and claim our troubles away, and any unanswered prayer indicates a lack of faith, are not reflecting Paul’s reality or Christian doctrine. They reveal a pagan heart and worldview, a head that is nearly empty, and a soul enslaved by the god of this age. Proclaimers of that teaching are demonic workers dressed as angels of light. Third, it is in hardship and struggles that God's power is manifested. When we imagine it is our gift, skill, and beauty that is causing something to happen, what is happening is too small. What we need to learn is to be content in our weaknesses so God's glory will be manifested.

“Lord, change any wrong attitude I have about suffering, AMEN