Skip to content
ScriptureDepth

2 Corinthians 12

ScriptureDepth's study of 2 Corinthians 12

“He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul recounts God’s response to his plea regarding a 'thorn' in the flesh, establishing that divine grace sustains him in weakness, which is crucial for his authority.

What 2 Corinthians 12 is about

Paul recounts a vision of a man caught up into the third heaven and Paradise, where he heard unspeakable words (vv. 1-4). He expresses that he will boast only in his weaknesses instead of his experiences, as his thorn in the flesh was given to prevent excessive pride (vv. 5-7). Paul shares that he prayed three times for this thorn to depart, and the Lord replied, ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (vv. 8-9). He finds strength in his weaknesses, stating, ‘For when I am weak, then am I strong’ (vv. 10). Paul asserts his apostolic authority, claiming he performed signs and wonders among the Corinthians (vv. 11-12). He asks why he has not been a burden to them and expresses his desire to serve them (vv. 13-15). Paul clarifies his relationship with them, stating he did not deceive them or take advantage of them (vv. 16-19). Finally, he voices his concerns about their spiritual condition and hopes to find them in good standing (vv. 20-21).

Paul's words leave the reader contemplating the role of weakness and strength in faith, as well as the state of their spiritual life.

Read the full chapter text ↓

2 Corinthians 12 at a glance

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:1–5Paul's Vision and Humility
  2. 2 Corinthians 12:6–10The Thorn in the Flesh
  3. 2 Corinthians 12:11–15Apostolic Authority Asserted
  4. 2 Corinthians 12:16–19Clarifying Relationships
  5. 2 Corinthians 12:20–21Concerns for the Corinthians

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

One thing to notice

Paul expresses a deep concern for the Corinthians' spiritual state in the latter part of the chapter. He fears finding them in a condition of 'strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger' (v. 20) and mourning for unrepentant sin (v. 21). This concern for their holiness stands in contrast to his earlier claims of authority and service.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read 2 Corinthians 12 (WEB)

Paul's Vision and Humility 2 Corinthians 12:1–5

Verse 1. It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Verse 2. I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don’t know, or whether out of the body, I don’t know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven. Verse 3. I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don’t know; God knows), Verse 4. how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Verse 5. On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

The Thorn in the Flesh 2 Corinthians 12:6–10

Verse 6. For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me, or hears from me. Verse 7. By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Verse 8. Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. Verse 9. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

Verse 10. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

Apostolic Authority Asserted 2 Corinthians 12:11–15

Verse 11. I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing. Verse 12. Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works. Verse 13. For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong. Verse 14. Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

Verse 15. I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

Clarifying Relationships 2 Corinthians 12:16–19

Verse 16. But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception. Verse 17. Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you? Verse 18. I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn’t we walk in the same spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same steps? Verse 19. Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

Concerns for the Corinthians 2 Corinthians 12:20–21

Verse 20. For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots; Verse 21. that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed.

World English Bible (public domain)

Back to the summary ↑

Go deeper

Ask the AI about 2 Corinthians 12

Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.

Ask the AI about 2 Corinthians 12Start your free week

Main themes in 2 Corinthians 12

Strength through weakness

Paul explores strength through weakness in vv. 9-10, stating, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' He shows a readiness to 'take pleasure in weaknesses' for the sake of Christ, indicating that awareness of one's limitations can lead to true strength. Throughout the chapter, Paul acknowledges his frailty and how it contributes to his effectiveness in ministry.

Divine grace

In v. 9, Paul recounts God's words to him: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' This moment illustrates how divine grace serves as both comfort and empowerment amid trials. The theme continues as Paul chooses to 'glory in my weaknesses' rather than boast, showing how grace enables him to embrace his struggles and find strength in them.

Spiritual humility

Spiritual humility appears in vv. 5-6, as Paul expresses his intention to boast in his weaknesses rather than his accomplishments. He desires to be seen for who he truly is, stating, 'that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me.' This humility continues as Paul contrasts his authority as an apostle with his reluctance to boast about it, demonstrating his modest view of his own role.

Apostolic authority

Apostolic authority is asserted in vv. 11-12, where Paul argues he is not inferior to the 'very best apostles,' having performed 'signs and wonders and mighty works' among the Corinthians. He clarifies that his authority stems not from boasting but from the evidence of his ministry and sacrifices made for them. Paul’s insistence on his authority is framed within his deep concern for the Corinthians, showing how authority is exercised with care for the community.

Chapter outline

How 2 Corinthians 12 unfolds

  1. 2 Corinthians 12:1–5 Paul's Vision and Humility

    Paul describes a man caught up into 'the third heaven' fourteen years prior (vv. 2-4). He refrains from boasting about this experience, stating that he will only boast in his weaknesses (v. 5).

  2. 2 Corinthians 12:6–10 The Thorn in the Flesh

    Paul discusses a 'thorn in the flesh' given to him to prevent excessive pride due to his revelations (v. 7). He recounts pleading with the Lord for its removal, receiving the response that 'my grace is sufficient for you' (vv. 8-9).

  3. 2 Corinthians 12:11–15 Apostolic Authority Asserted

    Paul declares he has 'become foolish in boasting' and states he performed 'signs of an apostle' among the Corinthians (vv. 11-12). He asks them to forgive him for not being a 'burden' (v. 13) and expresses his commitment to them (vv. 14-15).

  4. 2 Corinthians 12:16–19 Clarifying Relationships

    Paul clarifies his relationships with the Corinthians by questioning if he or those he sent took advantage of them (vv. 16-17). He emphasizes that his actions were for their edification, not for gain (v. 19).

  5. 2 Corinthians 12:20–21 Concerns for the Corinthians

    Paul expresses his concern about his upcoming visit, fearing he may find the Corinthians in disarray (vv. 20-21). He worries about unrepentant sin among them, which could lead to mourning on his part.

Key verses

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9Paul recounts God’s response to his plea regarding a 'thorn' in the flesh, establishing that divine grace sustains him in weakness, which is crucial for his authority.

Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.

One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.

Study questions

Questions for studying 2 Corinthians 12

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v4, what does Paul say he heard while caught up into Paradise?
  2. observeWhat does Paul say was given to him to prevent excessive exaltation in v7?
  3. interpretPaul's words in v9, 'My grace is sufficient for you': how do they relate to his request for relief from his thorn?
  4. interpretIn v20, what specific fears does Paul express about his upcoming visit to the Corinthians?
  5. applyWhen have you felt a 'thorn in the flesh' that led to personal growth or reliance on grace?

For Bible groups

Study 2 Corinthians 12 with your group

A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.

Print the group handout

Cross-references

Passages that echo 2 Corinthians 12

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with 2 Corinthians 12

Studied in

Where 2 Corinthians 12 comes up on ScriptureDepth

Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth

Where to go from here

2 Corinthians 12: frequently asked questions

What is 2 Corinthians 12 about?+
Paul recounts a vision of a man caught up into the third heaven and Paradise, where he heard unspeakable words (vv. 1-4).
What is the key verse in 2 Corinthians 12?+
2 Corinthians 12:9: “He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
What are the main themes of 2 Corinthians 12?+
The main themes of 2 Corinthians 12 are Strength through weakness, Divine grace, Spiritual humility, Apostolic authority.

Studying 2 Corinthians with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.

Study Notes