In the previous chapter, we read of false apostles that had infiltrated the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:13). False apostles were smooth talkers. They criticised Paul for his less than ordinary outward appearance and poor oratory skill (2 Corinthians 10:10). They felt that the one sent by God should be good looking and a great speaker. The Corinthians were seduced by the false teachers.
In this chapter, Paul continues to answer the critics who were denying he was a true apostle. How to recognise a true apostle from one who is false? One way is the origin of his divine revelations. Where did Paul get his revelations? He got them from heaven. Paul speaks of the visions and revelations he received when he was caught up into a place called third heaven or Paradise (v.1-5). Paul is referring to himself being taken into heaven and hearing things that no mortal can utter. None of his adversaries could measure up to such qualifications.
Paul would never want to boast about his encounter with the most heavenly kind but was forced to in order to help the church at Corinth return to the truth. Paul says he was given a “thorn in the flesh” to keep him from boasting (v.7).
We don’t know what was that “thorn in the flesh”. Apparently, it was irritating and maybe, painful, that he asked God to take away this thorn (v.8). He did not get a YES answer from God. Instead, he gets this reply from Him: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (v.9).
God provides Paul these two things to help him overcome the thorn in the flesh:
1. His Grace. God’s grace is sufficient for him, to support him under these trials and afflictions. In this, we are reminded of these two verses in the Bible:
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