Encore Presentation: Why Does God Allow Tragedy?

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Bible Study 2 Corinthians 12: 1-21

 

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Corinthians

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: King James Version

Bible Study 2 Corinthians 12: 1-21

Text:

12 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 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. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 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. 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. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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. 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. 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. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. 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.

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. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. 16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile. 17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? 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?

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. 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: 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.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. “ 

After recounting his various hardships for the cause of Christ, Paul transitions to discussing the revelations and visions he received from the Lord. It is well-documented that the Lord appeared to him on the road to Damascus, yet Paul typically remains quite reserved regarding these personal encounters. Here, he provides an account of another such occurrence.

Verse 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 Lord Jesus referenced the birds of heaven, which occupy the lower atmospheric regions. Beyond this expanse lies the celestial realm containing the stars. However, this is distinct from the third heaven, which serves as the location of the divine throne of God. In providing a timeline for this event, Paul notes that his ascent into the third heaven took place fourteen years prior to the composition of this letter. This chronology suggests the experience occurred around the period of his initial missionary journey.

Verse 3: “And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)”

Paul remains non-dogmatic regarding the exact nature of this experience—whether he had truly passed away and was taken to heaven or had simply lost consciousness and received a vision. Since he does not take a definitive stance, it is appropriate that we refrain from being dogmatic as well.

Verse 4: “ how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

While many would have authored lengthy, elaborate volumes or delivered extensive sermon series detailing such an extraordinary encounter, Paul provides only this brief account. His report is striking for its restraint; he conveys much while revealing very little. There is a total absence of descriptive flourish, self-promotion, or the glorification of man. This stands in sharp contrast to modern individuals who claim heavenly experiences and publish books for financial gain. Such people did not actually visit heaven; their primary motivation was profit.

Verse 5: “Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.”

Self-exaltation is absent from this account. The individual who ascended to the third heaven to hear words beyond human expression is identical to the man who escaped by being lowered in a basket through a wall.

Verse 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 intended for others to judge him solely through the direct evidence of his life and character.

Verse 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.”

Numerous interpretations have been proposed regarding the identity of this “thorn,” ranging from a physical malady (“in the flesh”) to a tormenting spirit (“a messenger of Satan”), or perhaps the persistent opposition of Jewish antagonists. Despite centuries of theological discourse, no singular consensus has emerged among the hundreds of scholars who have examined the text. Consequently, the “thorn” in Paul’s life serves as a universal metaphor for the diverse trials encountered by believers; indeed, few who serve God are entirely exempt from some form of personal struggle, limitation, or external hostility. 

Verse 8: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.”

In Paul's writings, "the Lord" typically serves as a reference to Christ rather than God the Father. While the majority of New Testament prayers are addressed to the Father, this specific instance highlights a prayer directed toward Christ.

Verse 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.”

God achieves His objectives even while allowing the obstacles that appear to impede His servants to remain. In our fractured world, His grace fulfills His divine intent through human frailty. Paul likely drew lasting fortitude and hope from this divine assurance during his later trials.

Verse 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.”

Paul possessed a spiritual clarity that allowed him to view his tribulations as grounds for celebration, recognizing that his hardships provided the space for Christ’s power to be fully manifest.

Verse 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 offers yet another apology, a recurring theme in his writings. Despite viewing himself as the least among the apostles, he asserts that he is in no way inferior to the most prominent of them, even while describing himself as "nothing". It seems that those who should have stood in his defense failed to do so, leaving him to justify his own position.

Verse 12: “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.”

Specific charismatic endowments, known as sign gifts, were bestowed upon the apostles to provide divine authentication of their ministry. These included the capacity for physical healing, the restoration of life to the deceased, and the exercise of glossolalia—interpreted here not as ecstatic utterances, but as the ability to communicate in diverse human languages and regional dialects. During his travels through the Galatian region, Paul encountered approximately fifty distinct linguistic variations; remarkably, he was able to converse in each without prior formal study. This immediate proficiency was essential for the rapid dissemination of the Gospel across the Roman Empire. In contrast, contemporary missionaries and translators must dedicate years to rigorous linguistic acquisition. The manifestation of these "signs of an apostle" served as definitive empirical evidence of Paul's authoritative office and apostolic calling.

Verse 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.”

The only way Paul could be seen as having treated the Corinthians unfairly was in his decision to avoid being a financial drain on them. Employing a bit of irony, he asked for their pardon regarding this specific "wrong."

Verse 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's initial visit took place during his second missionary journey, while his second, though unrecorded, happened during his time in Ephesus. Unlike other preachers driven by personal gain, Paul did not pursue financial support from the Corinthians.

Verse 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 observes, "The more I love you, the less I am loved in return," which might strike one as a grievance. However, the Holy Spirit required that he focus his account not on the glories of his heavenly visions, but on the trials and heartbreaks he endured on earth.

Verse 16: “But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.”

Paul addresses the possibility that his detractors viewed his lack of financial demand as a deceptive tactic. In response, he clarifies that he at no point used third parties to take advantage of the Corinthians.

Verse 17: “Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?”

Paul prioritized the straightforward preaching of God's Word over sophisticated techniques. Rather than dispatching associates to profit from the Corinthians, he maintained a ministry of simplicity.

Verse 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?”

Paul faced accusations from false apostles who claimed he sent assistants to gather the Jerusalem offering with the secret intent of embezzling funds for himself. These opponents branded him as a thief and a deceitful hypocrite, suggesting he was secretly taking money from the Corinthians despite his claims to the contrary. This allegation was particularly distressing for Paul, as it attacked the integrity of his close friends and associates. Incensed that such baseless fabrications could be taken seriously, Paul reminded the Corinthians that his representatives had never exploited them during previous visits concerning the collection. Ultimately, the facts showed that neither Paul nor his team had committed any form of fraud against the Corinthian church.

Verse 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.”

In this passage, Paul reiterates that his speech is intended for the edification of the church and the glory of God rather than his own personal acclaim. He demonstrates a profound consciousness that his actions and writings are conducted entirely "before God in Christ".

Verse 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:”

In this passage, the apostle identifies various transgressions frequently observed among those who profess religious faith. He categorizes debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, and tumults as deeply reprovable behaviors. While individuals committing these sins often resist correction, faithful ministers are called to provide necessary and sharp reproofs, both privately and publicly, regardless of whether they cause offense. Paul expressed significant grief over the possibility of discovering scandalous sins within the community that had not been properly addressed through repentance. He cautioned that such a discovery would lead to a period of profound lamentation and collective humiliation.

Verse 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.”

Paul shares a deep, paternal connection with the church in Corinth, and he recognizes that returning to find certain members continuing in their rebellion would be a source of personal shame, much like the humiliation parents feel when their children misbehave.

 

Faith Believes the Warning

Scripture: Hebrews 11:7 (KJV)
"By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet…"

Personal Reflection

Noah believed what no one else believed. He accepted God's warning of coming judgment despite never having seen rain or a flood. Faith accepts God's Word even when the evidence of the senses appears contrary.

The world around Noah laughed because they trusted their eyes more than God's revelation. Yet faith is not built upon appearances. It rests upon the character of God. Since God cannot lie, His warnings are as certain as His promises.

We live in similar days. The world mocks the coming judgment of God. Many deny heaven, hell, and eternity. Others dismiss biblical morality as outdated. Yet the Word of God remains true.

The Christian must learn to live by revelation rather than by sight. We believe in an unseen Christ, an unseen kingdom, and an unseen inheritance because God has spoken.

Noah's faith caused him to act. He did not merely agree intellectually with God's warning; he ordered his entire life around it. Likewise, if we truly believe in eternity, it will affect how we live, spend our time, and serve Christ.

Contemplation

Does my life show that I truly believe God's warnings and promises?

Puritan Quote

John Flavel wrote:

"Faith gives a real subsistence to things hoped for and a clear evidence of things not seen."

Prayer

Father, strengthen my faith to trust Your Word above my feelings and circumstances. Help me live in light of eternity. Amen.

Application

Read 2 Peter 3 today and ask yourself whether your life reflects a belief in Christ's return.

 

Grace Before Service

Scripture: Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD."

Personal Reflection

Before Noah ever lifted a hammer or cut a piece of gopher wood, he found grace in the eyes of God. This is the divine order. Grace always precedes service. Noah was not saved because he built the ark; he built the ark because he had been saved by grace.

This truth guards us from two dangers. First, it protects us from legalism. We do not work our way into God's favor. Salvation is entirely of grace. Second, it protects us from laziness. Grace does not make us idle; it makes us useful. The grace that saves also transforms and compels us to obedience.

Many believers struggle because they unconsciously reverse this order. They believe that God loves them because they serve Him faithfully. Yet Scripture teaches the opposite. God loved us while we were yet sinners. Our service is a grateful response to His mercy.

Noah's entire life became an expression of gratitude for the grace he had received. Every nail he drove into the ark was an act of faith and worship. So it should be with us. Every act of service, every word of witness, every labor in Christ's kingdom should flow from thankful hearts.

The Christian serves not to become accepted but because he has already been accepted in the Beloved.

Contemplation

Am I serving Christ to earn His favor, or because I already possess His favor through grace?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Till grace comes into the heart, sin is in its full dominion."

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your grace found me when I was lost. Teach me to serve You joyfully because I have already received Your mercy. Amen.

Application

Begin today by thanking God specifically for His saving grace before engaging in any act of service.

 

Worship Before the Throne

Scripture: Revelation 5:12 (KJV)
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

Personal Reflection

Every act of worship on earth points forward to a greater worship yet to come. The day is approaching when every redeemed sinner will stand before the throne of God and behold the Lamb face to face.

The worship of heaven is centered entirely upon Christ. There are no distractions there, no divided affections, no wandering thoughts. Every eye is fixed upon the Lamb who was slain and who redeemed His people by His blood.

What a glorious day that will be! Faith will become sight. Prayer will become praise. Struggle will give way to victory. We shall no longer worship through weakness and imperfection but with hearts fully purified and minds completely renewed.

The saints in heaven do not praise themselves for choosing Christ. They praise Christ for saving them. They do not celebrate their own faithfulness but His faithfulness. Their song is one of grace from beginning to end.

This heavenly reality should transform our worship now. Every hymn, every prayer, every act of devotion is preparation for eternity. We are learning on earth the song we shall sing forever in heaven.

The believer's hope is not merely escaping judgment. Our hope is seeing Christ. The greatest joy of heaven is not the absence of sorrow but the presence of the Savior.

Until that glorious day, we worship by faith. Soon we shall worship by sight.

Contemplation

Do I long for Christ's appearing and the worship of heaven?

Puritan Quote

Richard Baxter wrote:

"My knowledge of that life is small, the eye of faith is dim; but 'tis enough that Christ knows all, and I shall be with Him."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, keep my heart fixed upon eternity. Help me live in anticipation of the day when I shall see You face to face and worship You forever. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Application

Read Revelation chapters 4 and 5 slowly. Imagine yourself among the redeemed worshipping before the throne, and spend time praising Christ as the Lamb who was slain for your salvation.

 

Worship That Produces Obedience

Scripture: Romans 12:1 (KJV)
"Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

Personal Reflection

True worship never ends when the church service concludes. Worship that remains confined to a building or a schedule is incomplete. Genuine worship transforms the way we live.

Abel's worship was demonstrated through his obedience. His faith moved him to bring the sacrifice God required. Worship and obedience have always been inseparably connected. A person cannot claim to love God while continually disregarding His commands.

The apostle Paul teaches that believers are to present themselves as living sacrifices. Unlike the sacrifices of the Old Testament, which were slain and placed upon the altar, the Christian is called to live daily upon the altar of devotion and obedience.

Every act of obedience becomes an act of worship. When we forgive those who have wronged us, we worship. When we resist temptation, we worship. When we serve others in Christ's name, we worship. When we submit to God's will in difficult circumstances, we worship.

Many desire the emotions of worship without the demands of obedience. Yet Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Obedience is not the cause of our salvation but the evidence of our love.

The truest measure of worship is not how high we raise our hands but how faithfully we surrender our lives. Worship that does not affect conduct is merely sentiment. Worship that changes behavior demonstrates genuine faith.

Contemplation

Does my daily life reflect the worship I profess on Sunday?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

"Obedience is the daughter of faith and the evidence of love."

Prayer

Father, let my worship be more than words. Help me present my life as a living sacrifice and glorify You through joyful obedience. Amen.

Application

Choose one command of Scripture that you have been neglecting and take a specific step today toward obeying it.

 

The Beauty of Christ in Worship

Scripture: Psalm 27:4 (KJV)
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD."

Personal Reflection

At the heart of all true worship stands the Lord Jesus Christ. Worship is not primarily about music, buildings, ceremonies, or even emotions. Worship is about seeing and savoring the glory of Christ.

David's great desire was to behold the beauty of the Lord. This beauty is not merely physical splendor but the perfection of God's character revealed in His Son. In Christ we see infinite holiness joined with infinite mercy. We see justice satisfied and grace extended. We see majesty clothed in humility and power displayed through sacrifice.

The reason worship often grows cold is that our vision of Christ grows dim. When our eyes are fixed on the world, our hearts become distracted. When our eyes are fixed on Christ, worship naturally follows.

The gospel continually gives us fresh reasons to worship. We remember that Christ left the glory of heaven, took upon Himself our humanity, bore our sins upon the cross, endured God's wrath in our place, rose victorious from the grave, and now intercedes for us at the Father's right hand.

There is no end to His beauty. The saints in heaven have worshipped Him for centuries and have not exhausted the wonders of His glory. Neither will we.

The more clearly we behold Christ through Scripture, the more deeply our hearts will adore Him.

Contemplation

What occupies my thoughts more than Christ? What hinders me from beholding His beauty?

Puritan Quote

John Owen wrote:

"A constant view of the glory of Christ will revive our souls and cause our spiritual lives to flourish."

Prayer

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to behold Your glory. Captivate my heart with Your beauty and draw me into deeper worship. Let me treasure You above all earthly things. Amen.

Application

Read one Gospel chapter today and focus specifically on the person and work of Christ. Spend time praising Him for what you discover.

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