2 Corinthians 12:1

¶ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

It is {G4851} not {G3756} expedient {G4851} for me {G3427} doubtless {G1211} to glory {G2744}.{G1063} I will come {G2064} to {G1519} visions {G3701} and {G2532} revelations {G602} of the Lord {G2962}.

I have to boast. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Commentary

In 2 Corinthians 12:1, the Apostle Paul reluctantly shifts gears in his defense of his apostolic ministry. Having spent the previous chapters addressing the challenges posed by false apostles and defending his own authority and suffering, he now feels compelled to share extraordinary, personal spiritual experiences. He begins by stating, "It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory." This sets the stage for a discussion he would rather avoid, as boasting, even in divine revelations, goes against his humble disposition and the very nature of the gospel he preaches.

Context

This verse serves as a crucial transition point in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. Throughout 2 Corinthians chapters 10 and 11, Paul has been forced to defend his authenticity and authority against rival teachers who boasted of their own credentials and spiritual prowess. He reluctantly engaged in a form of "foolish" boasting about his sufferings and labors for Christ (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Now, in chapter 12, he takes this "boasting" to an even more personal, spiritual level, though he stresses its impropriety. He is about to reveal profound visions and revelations of the Lord, which he only shares to further validate his divine calling, not to exalt himself.

Key Themes

  • Reluctant Boasting: Paul's opening phrase highlights his profound humility. He considers boasting, even in divine experiences, to be "not expedient" or profitable for himself. His motivation is not self-exaltation but the necessary defense of the true gospel and his legitimate apostleship against those who challenged it.
  • Divine Revelation as Validation: The "visions and revelations of the Lord" he is about to describe are not mere personal anecdotes but serve as powerful evidence of his direct commission and intimate relationship with God. They underscore the authenticity of his message and ministry, distinguishing him from those who lacked such genuine divine encounters.
  • The Nature of Spiritual Experiences: Paul's sharing of these experiences, though forced, provides insight into the reality of supernatural encounters within Christian life. However, his reluctance emphasizes that such experiences are given by God for His purposes, not for human pride or competition.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "expedient" is symphero (συμφέρω), meaning "to be profitable," "advantageous," or "useful." Paul is saying it's not beneficial or appropriate for him to boast. The word "glory" comes from kauchaomai (καυχάομαι), which means "to boast," "brag," or "take pride in." Paul frequently uses this term, often to caution against pride in human accomplishments, but here he is compelled to use it in a specific, ironic context. The phrase "visions and revelations" combines optasias (ὀπτασίας), referring to direct, visible manifestations, and apokalypseis (ἀποκαλύψεις), meaning "unveilings" or "disclosures," emphasizing divine insight and understanding given by God.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the importance of humility, especially concerning spiritual gifts and experiences. While God does grant profound insights and encounters, the purpose is always for His glory and the building up of His church, not for personal boasting or comparison. Paul's example teaches us to prioritize the message of Christ and humble service over self-promotion or the display of spiritual achievements. Our ultimate boast should always be in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:31), not in our own experiences or perceived spiritual status.

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Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:12

    For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

  • 1 John 5:20

    And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:7

    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.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:10

    And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

  • Acts 23:11

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • Ezekiel 11:24

    Afterwards the spirit took me up, and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

  • Acts 18:9

    Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: