Bible Commentaries

I must needs glory (καυχασται δει — kauchasthai dei). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have δε — de while K M read δη — dē The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient (ου συμπερον — ou sumpheron).

Visions (οπτασιας — optasias). Late word from οπταζω — optazō See Luke 1:22; note on Acts 26:19.

Revelations of the Lord (apokalupseis Kuriou). Unveilings (from apokaluptō as in Revelation 1:1). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts 9:3; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 27:23.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3, etc.).

I know a man (οιδα αντρωπον — oida anthrōpon). Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality.

Fourteen years ago (προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων — pro etōn dekatessarōn). Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ — pro (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in John 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Acts 9:30; Acts 11:25). We have no details of that period.

Caught up (αρπαγεντα — harpagenta). Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω — harpazō to seize (see note on Matthew 11:12).

Even to the third heaven (εως τριτου ουρανου — heōs tritou ouranou). It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer).

I do not know (ουκ οιδα — ouk oida). Paul declines to pass on his precise condition in this trance. We had best leave it as he has told it.

Into Paradise (εις παραδεισον — eis paradeison). See note on Luke 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter viii) make Paradise in the third heaven. The rabbis had various ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any “celestial gradation” (Vincent).

Unspeakable words (arrēta rēmata). Old verbal adjective (a privative, αρρητα ρηματα — rētos from α — reō), only here in N.T.

Not lawful (ρητος — ouk exon). Copula ρεω — estin omitted. Hence Paul does not give these words.

But on mine own behalf (υπερ δε εμαυτου — huper de emautou). As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30).

I shall not be foolish (ουκ εσομαι απρων — ouk esomai aphrōn). Apparent contradiction to 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:16. But he is here speaking of the Paul “caught up” in case he should tell the things heard (condition of the third class, εαν — ean and first aorist subjunctive τελησω — thelēsō).

Of me (εις εμε — eis eme). To my credit, almost like dative (cf. εν εμοι — en emoi in 1 Corinthians 14:11).

By reason of the exceeding greatness (τηι υπερβοληι — tēi huperbolēi). Instrumental case, “by the excess.”

That I should not be exalted overmuch (ινα μη υπεραιρωμαι — hina mē huperairōmai). Present passive subjunctive in final clause of υπεραιρω — huperairō old verb to lift up beyond, only here in N.T. This clause is repeated at the end of the sentence.

A thorn in the flesh (σκολοπς τηι σαρκι — skolops tēi sarki). This old word is used for splinter, stake, thorn. In the papyri and inscriptions examples occur both for splinter and thorn as the meaning. In the lxx it is usually thorn. The case of τηι σαρκι — tēi sarki can be either locative (in) or dative (for). What was it? Certainly it was some physical malady that persisted. All sorts of theories are held (malaria, eye-trouble, epilepsy, insomnia, migraine or sick-headache, etc.). It is a blessing to the rest of us that we do not know the particular affliction that so beset Paul. Each of us has some such splinter or thorn in the flesh, perhaps several at once.

Messenger of Satan (αγγελος Σατανα — aggelos Satana). Angel of Satan, the affliction personified.

Buffet (κολαπιζηι — kolaphizēi). See Matthew 26:67; 1 Corinthians 4:11 for this late and rare word from κολαπος — kolaphos fist. The messenger of Satan kept slapping Paul in the face and Paul now sees that it was God‘s will for it to be so.

Concerning this thing (υπερ τουτου — huper toutou). More likely, “concerning this messenger of Satan.”

That it might depart from me (ινα αποστηι απ εμου — hina apostēi aph' emou). Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of απιστημι — aphistēmi in final clause, “that he stand off from me for good.”

He hath said (ειρηκεν — eirēken). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.

Is sufficient (αρκει — arkei). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ‘s grace suffices and abides.

Is perfected (τελειται — teleitai). Present passive indicative of τελεω — teleō to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See note on Philemon 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ‘s power and grace.

Most gladly rather (ηδιστα μαλλον — hēdista mallon). Two adverbs, one superlative (ηδιστα — hēdista), one comparative (μαλλον — mallon). “Rather” than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter “most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses.” Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Romans 5:2; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

May rest upon me (επισκηνωσηι επ εμε — episkēnōsēi ep' eme). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with ινα — hina (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Luke 9:34), the power (δυναμις — dunamis) of the Lord Jesus.

Wherefore I take pleasure (διο ευδοκω — dio eudokō). For this noble word see note on Matthew 3:17 and note on 2 Corinthians 5:8. The enemies of Paul will have a hard time now in making Paul unhappy by persecutions even unto death (Philemon 1:20-26). He is not courting martyrdom, but he does not fear it or anything that is “for Christ‘s sake” (υπερ Χριστου — huper Christou).

For when (οταν γαρ — hotan gar). “For whenever,” indefinite time.

Then I am strong (τοτε δυνατος ειμι — tote dunatos eimi). At that very time, but not in myself, but in the fresh access of power from Christ for the emergency.

I am become foolish (γεγονα απρων — gegona aphrōn). Perfect active indicative of γινομαι — ginomai In spite of what he said in 2 Corinthians 12:6 that he would not be foolish if he gloried in the other Paul. But he feels that he has dropped back to the mood of 2 Corinthians 11:1, 2 Corinthians 11:16. He has been swept on by the memory of the ecstasy.

For I ought to have been commended by you (εγω γαρ ωπειλον υπ υμων συνιστασται — egō gar ōpheilon huph' humōn sunistasthai). Explanation of “ye compelled me.” Imperfect active ωπειλον — ōpheilon of οπειλω — opheilō to be under obligation, and the tense here expresses an unfulfilled obligation about the present. But συνιστασται — sunistasthai is present passive infinitive, not aorist or perfect passive. He literally means, “I ought now to be commended by you” instead of having to glorify myself. He repeats his boast already made (2 Corinthians 11:5.), that he is no whit behind “the super-extra apostles” (the Judaizers), “though I am nothing” (ει και ουδεν ειμι — ei kai ouden eimi). Even boasting himself against those false apostles causes a reaction of feeling that he has to express (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Timothy 1:15.).

Of an apostle (του αποστολου — tou apostolou). “Of the apostle” (definite article). Note the three words here for miracles wrought by Paul (σημεια — sēmeia signs, τερατα — terata wonders, δυναμεις — dunameis powers or miracles) as in Hebrews 2:4.

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Wherein ye were made inferior (ο ησσωτητε — ho hēssōthēte). First aorist passive indicative of ησσοομαι — hēssoomai the text of Aleph B D instead of the usual ηττητητε — hēttēthēte from the common ητταομαι — hēttaomai to be inferior or less from the comparative ηττων — hēttōn See ησσων — hēssōn in 2 Corinthians 12:15. ο — Ho is the neuter accusative with the passive verb (Robertson, Grammar, p. 479).

Forgive me this wrong (χαρισαστε μοι την αδικιαν ταυτην — charisasthe moi tēn adikian tautēn). Consummate irony to the stingy element in this church (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:9).

Third time I am ready to come (τριτον τουτο ετοιμως εχω — triton touto hetoimōs echō). Had he been already twice or only once? He had changed his plans once when he did not go (2 Corinthians 1:15.). He will not change his plans now. This looks as if he had only been once (that in Acts 18). Note the third use of καταναρκαω — katanarkaō (2 Corinthians 11:9; 2 Corinthians 12:13, 2 Corinthians 12:14). They need not be apprehensive. He will be as financially independent of them as before. “I shall not sponge on you.”

Not yours, but you (ου τα υμων αλλα υμας — ou ta humōnτησαυριζειν — alla humas). The motto of every real preacher.

To lay up (thēsaurizein). For this use of the verb see note on 1 Corinthians 16:2 (Matthew 6:19-21; James 5:3).

I will most gladly spend and be spent (ηδιστα δαπανησω και εκδαπανητησομαι — hēdista dapanēsō kai ekdapanēthēsomai). Both future active of old verb δαπαναω — dapanaō (Mark 5:26) to spend money, time, energy, strength and the future passive of εκδαπαναω — ekdapanaō late compound to spend utterly, to spend out, (εκ — ek̇), to spend wholly. Only here in N.T.

I did not myself burden you (εγω ου κατεβαρησα υμας — egō ou katebarēsa humas). First aorist active of late verb καταβαρεω — katabareō to press a burden down on one. Only here in N.T.

Crafty (πανουργος — panourgos). Old word from παν — pan all, and εργο — ergo to do anything (good or bad). Good sense is skilful, bad sense cunning. Only here in N.T. and Paul is quoting the word from his enemies.

With guile (δολωι — dolōi). Instrumental case of δολος — dolos bait to catch fish with. The enemies of Paul said that he was raising this big collection for himself. Moffatt has done well to put these charges in quotation marks to make it plain to readers that Paul is ironical.

Did I take advantage (επλεονεκτησα — epleonektēsa). Paul goes right to the point without hedging. For this verb from πλεον — pleon and εχω — echō to have more, see note on 2 Corinthians 2:11, note on 2 Corinthians 7:2.

By any one of them (τιναδι αυτου — tinȧ̇di' autou). An anacoluthon for τινα — tina is left in the accusative without a verb and δι αυτου — di' autou takes up the idea, “as to any one by him.”

Whom (ων — hōn). The genitive relative is attracted from the accusative ους — hous into the case of the unexpressed antecedent τουτον — touton). Μη — Mē expects the negative answer as does μητι — mēti in 2 Corinthians 12:18.

The brother (τον αδελπον — ton adelphon). Probably the brother of Titus (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:18).

Did Titus take advantage of you? (μητι επλεονεκτησεν υμας Τιτοσ — mēti epleonektēsen humas Titoṡ). That puts the issue squarely.

By the same Spirit (τωι αυτωι πνευματι — tōi autōi pneumati). That translation refers to the Holy Spirit and makes the case instrumental. The locative case, “in the same spirit,” makes it mean that Paul‘s attitude is the same as that of Titus and most likely is correct, for “in the same steps” (τοις αυτοις ιχνεσιν — tois autois ichnesin) is in locative case.

Ye think all this time (παλαι δοκειτε — palai dokeite). Progressive present indicative, “for a long time ye have been thinking.”

We are excusing ourselves (απολογουμετα — apologoumetha). He is not just apologizing, but is in deadly earnest, as they will find out when he comes.

Lest by any means, when I come, I should find you not such as I would (μη πως ελτων ουχ οιους τελω ευρω υμας — mē pōs elthōn ouch hoious thelō heurō humas). An idiomatic construction after the verb of fearing (ποβουμαι — phoboumai) with μη πως — mē pōs as the conjunction and with ουχ — ouch as the negative of the verb ευρω — heurō (second aorist active subjunctive of ευρισκω — heuriskō), μη — mē the conjunction, ουχ — ouch the negative. See Robertson, Grammar, p. 995.

And I be found (καγω ευρετω — kagō heurethō). Same construction with first aorist passive subjunctive.

Such as ye would not (οιον ου τελετε — hoion ou thelete). Neat change in voice just before and position of the negative here.

Lest by any means (μη πως — mē pōs). Still further negative purpose by repeating the conjunction. With graphic pen pictures Paul describes what had been going on against him during his long absence.

Backbitings (καταλαλιαι — katalaliai). Late and rare word. In N.T. only here and 1 Peter 2:1. If it only existed nowhere else!

Whisperings (πσιτυρισμοι — psithurismoi). Late word from πσιτυριζω — psithurizō to whisper into one‘s ear. An onomatopoetic word for the sibilant murmur of a snake charmer (Ecclesiastes 10:11). Only here in N.T.

Swellings (πυσιωσεις — phusiōseis). From πυσιοω — phusioō to swell up, late word only here and in ecclesiastical writers. Did Paul make up the word for the occasion? See note on 1 Corinthians 4:6 for verb.

Tumults (akatastasiai). See note on 2 Corinthians 6:5.

When I come again (παλιν ελτοντος μου — palin elthontos mou). Genitive absolute. Paul assumes it as true.

Lest my God humble me (μη ταπεινωσηι με ο τεος μου — mē tapeinōsēi me ho theos mou). Negative final clause (μη — mē and first aorist active subjunctive), going back to ποβουμαι — phoboumai in 2 Corinthians 12:20. He means a public humiliation as his fear. The conduct of the church had been a real humiliation whether he refers to a previous visit or not.

That have sinned heretofore (των προημαρτηκοτων — tōn proēmartēkotōn). Genitive plural of the articular perfect active participle of προαμαρτανω — proamartanō to emphasize continuance of their sinful state as opposed to μη μετανοησαντων — mē metanoēsantōn (did not repent) in the aorist tense.