TRV
Translation
King James Version
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
Complete Jewish Bible
The things that prove I am an emissary — signs, wonders and miracles — were done in your presence, despite what I had to endure.
Berean Standard Bible
The true marks of an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
American Standard Version
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works.
World English Bible Messianic
Truly the signs of an emissary were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The signes of an Apostle were wrought among you with all patience, with signes, and wonders, and great workes.
Young's Literal Translation
The signs, indeed, of the apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds,
See also
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In the KJVVerse 29,035 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12 verses 11–21
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.
In these verses the apostle addresses himself to the Corinthians two ways: -
I. He blames them for what was faulty in them; namely, that they had not stood up in his defence as they ought to have done, and so made it the more needful for him to insist so much on his own vindication. They in manner compelled him to commend himself, who ought to have been commended of them Co2 12:11. And had they, or some among them, not failed on their part, it would have been less needful for him to have said so much on his own behalf. He tells them further that they in particular had good reason to speak well of him, as being in nothing behind the very chief apostles, because he had given them full proof and evidence of his apostleship; for the signs of an apostle were wrought among them in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. Note, 1. It is a debt we owe to good men to stand up in the defence of their reputation; and we are under special obligations to those we have received benefit by, especially spiritual benefit, to own them as instruments in God's hand of good to us, and to vindicate them when they are calumniated by others. 2. How much soever we are, or ought to be, esteemed by others, we ought always to think humbly of ourselves. See an example of this in this great apostle, who thought himself to be nothing, though in truth he was not behind the greatest apostles - so far was he from seeking praise from men, though he tells them their duty to vindicate his reputation - so far was he from applauding himself, when he was forced to insist upon his own necessary self-defence.
II. He gives a large account of his behaviour and kind intentions towards them, in which we may observe the character of a faithful minister of the gospel. 1. He was not willing to be burdensome to them, nor did he seek theirs, but them. He says (Co2 12:13) he had not been burdensome to them, for the time past, and tells them (Co2 12:14) he would not be burdensome to them for the time to come, when he should come to them. He spared their purses, and did not covet their money: I seek not yours but you. He sought not to enrich himself, but to save their souls: he did not desire to make a property of them to himself, but to gain them over to Christ, whose servant he was. Note, Those who aim at clothing themselves with the fleece of the flock, and take no care of the sheep, are hirelings, and not good shepherds. 2. He would gladly spend and be spent for them (Co2 12:15); that is, he was willing to take pains and to suffer loss for their good. He would spend his time, his parts, his strength, his interest, his all, to do them service; nay, so spend as to be spent, and be like a candle, which consumes itself to give light to others. 3. He did not abate in his love to them, notwithstanding their unkindness and ingratitude to him; and therefore was contented and glad to take pains with them, though the more abundantly he loved them the less he was loved, Co2 12:15. This is applicable to other relations: if others be wanting in their duty to us it does not follow therefore that we may neglect our duty to them. 4. He was careful not only that he himself should not be burdensome, but that none he employed should. This seems to be the meaning of what we read, Co2 12:16-18. If it should be objected by any that though he did not himself burden them, yet, being crafty, he caught them with guile, that is, he sent those among them who pillaged them, and afterwards he shared with them in the profit: "This was not so," says the apostle; "I did not make a gain of you myself, nor by any of those whom I sent; nor did Titus, nor any others - We walked by the same spirit and in the same steps." They all agreed in this matter to do them all the good they could, without being burdensome to them, to promote the gospel among them and make it as easy to them as possible. Or, this may be read with an interrogation, as utterly disclaiming any guile in himself and others towards them. 5. He was a man who did all things for edifying, Co2 12:19. This was his great aim and design, to do good, to lay the foundation well, and then with care and diligence to build the superstructure. 6. He would not shrink from his duty for fear of displeasing them, though he was so careful to make himself easy to them. Therefore he was resolved to be faithful in reproving sin, though he was therein found to be such as they would not, Co2 12:20. The apostle here mentions several sins that are too commonly found among professors of religion, and are very reprovable: debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults; and, though those who are guilty of these sins can hardly bear to be reproved for them, yet faithful ministers must not fear offending the guilty by sharp reproofs, as they are needful, in public and in private. 7. He was grieved at the apprehension that he should find scandalous sins among them not duly repented of. This, he tells them, would be the cause of great humiliation and lamentation. Note, (1.) The falls and miscarriages of professors cannot but be a humbling consideration to a good minister; and God sometimes takes this way to humble those who might be under temptation to be lifted up: I fear lest my God will humble me among you. (2.) We have reason to bewail those who sin and do not repent, to bewail many that have sinned, and have not repented, Co2 12:21. If these have not, as yet, grace to mourn and lament their own case, their case is the more lamentable; and those who love God, and love them, should mourn for them.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 11–21. Public domain.
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TertullianAD 220
To His Wife Book II
"If, then, a marriage of this kind (contracted before conversion) stands ratified before God, why should not (one contracted after conversion) too go prosperously forward, so as not to be thus harassed by pressures, and straits, and hindrances, and defilements, having already (as it has) the partial sanction of divine grace? "Because, on the one hand, the wife in the former case, called from among the Gentiles to the exercise of some eminent heavenly virtue, is, by the visible proofs of some marked (divine) regard, a terror to her Gentile husband, so as to make him less ready to annoy her, less active in laying snares for her, less diligent in playing the spy over her. He has felt "mighty works; he has seen experimental evidences; he knows her changed for the better: thus even he himself is, by his fear, a candidate for God.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul humbles himself only to rise to his true height. He talks about his patience because for a long time he put up with them as if they were sick people. His intention was to cure them of their errors by using the medicine of signs and wonders.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 27 on 2 Corinthians
"Although I be nothing, the signs of an Apostle were wrought among you."
'Look not thou at this,' he says, 'whether I be mean and little, but whether thou hast not enjoyed those things which from an Apostle it was meet thou shouldest enjoy.' Yet he did not say 'mean,' but what was lower, "nothing." For where is the good of being great, and of use to nobody? even as there is no advantage in a skilful physician if he heals none of those that be sick. 'Do not then,' he says, 'scrutinize this that I am nothing, but consider that, that wherein ye ought to have been benefitted, I have failed in nothing, but have given proof of mine Apostleship. There ought then to have been no need for me to say aught.'
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 27 on 2 Corinthians
"The signs of an Apostle were wrought among you in all patience, and by signs and wonders." Amazing! what a sea of good works hath he traversed in a few words! And observe what it is he puts first, "patience." For this is the note of an Apostle, bearing all things nobly. This then he expressed shortly by a single word; but upon the miracles, which were not of his own achieving, he employs more. For consider how many prisons, how many stripes, how many dangers, how many conspiracies, how many sleet-showers of temptations, how many civil, how many foreign wars, how many pains, how many attacks he has implied here in that word, "patience!" And by "signs" again, how many dead raised, how many blind healed, how many lepers cleansed, how many devils cast out! Hearing these things, let us learn if we happen upon a necessity for such recitals to cut our good deeds short, as he too did.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 350
Paul rightly puts patience before signs and wonders, because attitudes matter more than abilities.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:12, the Apostle Paul powerfully defends his genuine apostleship to the Corinthian church, asserting that the undeniable miraculous works—"signs, wonders, and mighty deeds"—performed among them, coupled with his steadfast endurance through suffering, served as conclusive evidence of his divine commission and the authenticity of his unique office. This verse functions as a climactic summary of the tangible proofs that validated his ministry, contrasting his divinely empowered service with the superficial claims of false apostles.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse stands as a crucial summation at the close of Paul's deeply personal and often painful defense of his apostolic authority, primarily spanning 2 Corinthians chapters 10-12. Throughout these chapters, Paul is compelled to "boast" (a concept he approaches with irony and reluctance, preferring to boast in his weaknesses) in response to the "super-apostles" or false teachers who had infiltrated the Corinthian church. These rivals questioned his legitimacy, perhaps due to his lack of rhetorical flair or his physical appearance, and boasted of their own credentials. Paul counters their empty boasts by highlighting the profound suffering he endured for the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) and, paradoxically, the divine power manifested through his weakness, culminating in his recounting of a "thorn in the flesh" and a heavenly vision (2 Corinthians 12:1-10). Verse 12 then serves as a direct, irrefutable appeal to the Corinthians' own experience, reminding them of the tangible, supernatural evidence of his ministry that they had personally witnessed.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Corinthian church, situated in a bustling, cosmopolitan Roman city known for its wealth, diverse philosophical schools, and moral laxity, was particularly susceptible to various influences. In this environment, persuasive rhetoric and impressive displays were highly valued. False teachers, likely Hellenistic Jewish Christians, arrived in Corinth boasting of their superior eloquence, Jewish heritage, and perhaps even their own spiritual experiences, seeking to discredit Paul and gain influence. They may have accused Paul of being weak, lacking in impressive signs, or even of being deceitful. Paul's defense, therefore, is not merely theological but also deeply practical, addressing the specific cultural expectations and the challenges posed by these rivals. His emphasis on "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds" directly confronts the Corinthian expectation for visible power, while his inclusion of "patience" subtly critiques the self-aggrandizing nature of his opponents who likely lacked such enduring character.
Key Themes: 2 Corinthians 12:12 is deeply interwoven with several key themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians. Foremost is the Validation of Apostolic Authority, where Paul meticulously defends his unique calling from God against detractors. He consistently points to both his suffering and the divine power at work through him as evidence, emphasizing that true apostleship is marked by God's authentication, not human credentials. Another critical theme is Divine Power in Human Weakness, a paradox central to Paul's theology in this letter. He argues that God's power is most clearly demonstrated when human weakness is evident (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), and the miraculous "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds" are manifestations of this divine strength operating through his frail humanity. Finally, the theme of Suffering and Endurance is paramount. Paul's "patience" is not merely a virtue but a defining characteristic of his ministry, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to Christ despite immense persecution and opposition (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). This endurance, alongside the miraculous, serves as a hallmark of authentic ministry, distinguishing it from the superficiality of the "super-apostles."
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in 2 Corinthians 12:12 to strengthen his argument. The most prominent is Triadic Structure, specifically the use of the three synonymous yet distinct terms: "signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds." This common biblical idiom (e.g., Acts 2:22) creates a sense of completeness and emphasis, cumulatively stressing the undeniable supernatural nature of Paul's ministry. Each term adds a nuanced layer to the understanding of miraculous power: sēmeîon for divine authentication, téras for awe-inspiring impact, and dýnamis for inherent divine power. Furthermore, there is a subtle use of Juxtaposition by placing "in all patience" alongside the miraculous displays. This highlights Paul's unique argument that true apostolic authority is not only demonstrated through overt power but also through the enduring, suffering character of the minister, contrasting his authentic, Spirit-wrought patience with the likely self-aggrandizing and impatient nature of his opponents. This combination of external power and internal character creates a powerful and holistic picture of genuine apostleship.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 12:12 encapsulates the profound theological truth that God authenticates His chosen messengers through both supernatural power and transformed character. The "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds" were not mere spectacles but divinely ordained proofs, validating Paul's unique office as an apostle, one commissioned directly by the resurrected Christ. This authentication was necessary for the foundational establishment of the early church and the authoritative proclamation of the Gospel. Crucially, Paul integrates "patience" into this list of apostolic signs, elevating character to the same level of importance as miraculous power. This teaches that genuine spiritual authority is not merely about what one can do, but who one is—a person shaped by God through suffering and faithful endurance. This holistic view guards against a superficial understanding of ministry that prioritizes outward charisma or power over inner integrity and steadfastness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 12:12 provides profound insights for believers today, guiding our discernment of authentic ministry and our understanding of what truly validates a servant of God. While the specific office of apostle with its foundational signs was unique to the early church's establishment, the underlying principles remain timeless. We are called to look beyond mere outward displays of charisma or claims of power. True spiritual authority, as exemplified by Paul, is characterized by both the evident work of God's Spirit—manifesting in spiritual fruit, changed lives, and the faithful proclamation of truth—and, crucially, by the enduring character of the minister. Paul's emphasis on "patience" reminds us that steadfastness through adversity, humility in suffering, and unwavering commitment to Christ are as vital, if not more so, than any extraordinary gifts. This verse challenges us to cultivate a ministry, whether public or private, that is marked by both divine empowerment and Christ-like endurance, reflecting God's glory rather than human ambition. It encourages us to be discerning, testing the spirits and evaluating ministry based on its fruit, its faithfulness to Scripture, and the character of those who lead.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What are "the signs of an apostle" that Paul refers to?
Answer: The "signs of an apostle" (Greek: sēmeia apostolou) refer to the specific, divinely empowered credentials that authenticated an individual as a true apostle, particularly in the foundational era of the church. As seen in 2 Corinthians 12:12, these included "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds." "Signs" (Greek: sēmeîon) were miraculous acts that pointed to a deeper spiritual truth or divine origin, confirming God's approval of the messenger. "Wonders" (Greek: téras) emphasized the awe-inspiring and astonishing nature of these events, designed to capture attention. "Mighty deeds" (Greek: dýnamis) referred to acts of divine power, demonstrating God's inherent strength and ability to intervene supernaturally. Beyond these overt miracles, Paul also implicitly includes "all patience" as a sign, indicating that enduring character under suffering was also a crucial mark of his genuine apostleship, distinguishing him from those who sought only glory or ease. This combination of supernatural power and steadfast character served as irrefutable proof of his divine commission.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 12:12 speaks directly to Paul's apostolic authentication, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in how Paul's ministry, marked by both power and patience, mirrored and extended the very nature of Christ's own ministry. Jesus Himself was attested by God through "signs and wonders and mighty deeds" (Acts 2:22), demonstrating His divine authority and inaugurating the Kingdom of God. Yet, Christ's power was inextricably linked to His profound patience and endurance, culminating in His suffering on the cross (Isaiah 53:7). Paul's "patience" in suffering, therefore, is not merely a personal virtue but a reflection of Christ's own patient endurance, through which God's power was perfectly displayed in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). The signs and wonders performed through Paul were a continuation of the Spirit's work, testifying to the living Christ and His ongoing redemptive mission, just as Jesus promised His followers would do "greater works" because He was going to the Father (John 14:12). Thus, Paul's apostolic signs serve as a powerful testament to the resurrected Christ, whose power continues to work through His humble, patient servants for the advancement of His Kingdom.