TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12 verses 1–10
Here we may observe,
I. The narrative the apostle gives of the favours God had shown him, and the honour he had done him; for doubtless he himself is the man in Christ of whom he speaks. Concerning this we may take notice, 1. Of the honour itself which was done to the apostle: he was caught up into the third heaven, Co2 12:2. When this was we cannot say, whether it was during those three days that he lay without sight at his conversion or at some other time afterwards, much less can we pretend to say how this was, whether by a separation of his soul from his body or by an extraordinary transport in the depth of contemplation. It would be presumption for us to determine, if not also to enquire into, this matter, seeing the apostle himself says, Whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell. It was certainly a very extraordinary honour done him: in some sense he was caught up into the third heaven, the heaven of the blessed, above the aerial heaven, in which the fowls fly, above the starry heaven, which is adorned with those glorious orbs: it was into the third heaven, where God most eminently manifests his glory. We are not capable of knowing all, nor is it fit we should know very much, of the particulars of that glorious place and state; it is our duty and interest to give diligence to make sure to ourselves a mansion there; and, if that be cleared up to us, then we should long to be removed thither, to abide there for ever. This third heaven is called paradise (Co2 12:4), in allusion to the earthly paradise out of which Adam was driven for his transgression; it is called the paradise of God (Rev 2:7), signifying to us that by Christ we are restored to all the joys and honours we lost by sin, yea, to much better. The apostle does not mention what he saw in the third heaven or paradise, but tells us that he heard unspeakable words, such as it is not possible for a man to utter - such are the sublimity of the matter and our unacquaintedness with the language of the upper world: nor was it lawful to utter those words, because, while we are here in this world, we have a more sure word of prophecy than such visions and revelations. Pe2 1:19. We read of the tongue of angels as well as men, and Paul knew as much of that as ever any man upon earth did, and yet preferred charity, that is, the sincere love of God and our neighbour. This account which the apostle gives us of his vision should check our curious desires after forbidden knowledge, and teach us to improve the revelation God has given us in his word. Paul himself, who had been in the third heaven, did not publish to the world what he had heard there, but adhered to the doctrine of Christ: on this foundation the church is built, and on this we must build our faith and hope. 2. The modest and humble manner in which the apostle mentions this matter is observable. One would be apt to think that one who had had such visions and revelations as these would have boasted greatly of them; but, says he, It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory, Co2 12:1. He therefore did not mention this immediately, nor till above fourteen years after, Co2 12:2. And then it is not without some reluctancy, as a thing which in a manner he was forced to by the necessity of the case. Again, he speaks of himself in the third person, and does not say, I am the man who was thus honoured above other men. Again, his humility appears by the check he seems to put upon himself (Co2 12:6), which plainly shows that he delighted not to dwell upon this theme. Thus was he, who was not behind the chief of the apostles in dignity, very eminent for his humility. Note, It is an excellent thing to have a lowly spirit in the midst of high advancements; and those who abase themselves shall be exalted.
II. The apostle gives an account of the methods God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure; and this he speaks of to balance the account that was given before of the visions and revelations he had had. Note, When God's people communicate their experiences, let them always remember to take notice of what God has done to keep them humble, as well as what he has done in favour to them and for their advancement. Here observe,
1.The apostle was pained with a thorn in the flesh, and buffeted with a messenger of Satan, Co2 12:7. We are much in the dark what this was, whether some great trouble or some great temptation. Some think it was an acute bodily pain or sickness; others think it was the indignities done him by the false apostles, and the opposition he met with from them, particularly on the account of his speech, which was contemptible. However this was, God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us; and this is certain, that what the apostle calls a thorn in his flesh was for a time very grievous to him: but the thorns Christ wore for us, and with which he was crowned, sanctify and make easy all the thorns in the flesh we may at any time be afflicted with; for he suffered, being tempted, that he might be able to succour those that are tempted. Temptations to sin are most grievous thorns; they are messengers of Satan, to buffet us. Indeed it is a great grievance to a good man to be so much as tempted to sin.
2.The design of this was to keep the apostle humble: Lest he should be exalted above measure, Co2 12:7. Paul himself knew he had not yet attained, neither was already perfect; and yet he was in danger of being lifted up with pride. If God love us, he will hide pride from us, and keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered, to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan, which he did not send with a good design, but on the contrary, with ill intentions, to discourage the apostle (who had been so highly favoured of God) and hinder him in his work. But God designed this for good, and he overruled it for good, and made this messenger of Satan to be so far from being a hindrance that it was a help to the apostle.
3.The apostle prayed earnestly to God for the removal of this sore grievance. Note, Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh we should give ourselves to prayer. Therefore we are sometimes tempted that we may learn to pray. The apostle besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from him, Co2 12:8. Note, Though afflictions are sent for our spiritual benefit, yet we may pray to God for the removal of them: we ought indeed to desire also that they may reach the end for which they are designed. The apostle prayed earnestly, and repeated his requests; he besought the Lord thrice, that is, often. So that if an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we must hold on, and hold out, till we receive an answer. Christ himself prayed to his Father thrice. As troubles are sent to teach us to pray, so they are continued to teach us to continue instant in prayer.
4.We have an account of the answer given to the apostle's prayer, that, although the trouble was not removed, yet an equivalent should be granted: My grace is sufficient for thee. Note, (1.) Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not always answer it in the letter; as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. (2.) When God does not remove our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives us grace sufficient for us, we have no reason to complain, nor to say that he deals ill by us. It is a great comfort to us, whatever thorns in the flesh we are pained with, that God's grace is sufficient for us. Grace signifies two things: - [1.] The good-will of God towards us, and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses. [2.] The good work of God in us, the grace we receive from the fulness that is in Christ our head; and from him there shall be communicated that which is suitable and seasonable, and sufficient for his members. Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified; he ordains his praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings.
III. Here is the use which the apostle makes of this dispensation: He gloried in his infirmities (Co2 12:9), and took pleasure in them, Co2 12:10. He does not mean his sinful infirmities (those we have reason to be ashamed of and grieved at), but he means his afflictions, his reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses for Christ's sake, Co2 12:10. And the reason of his glory and joy on account of these things was this - they were fair opportunities for Christ to manifest the power and sufficiency of his grace resting upon him, by which he had so much experience of the strength of divine grace that he could say, When I am weak, then am I strong. This is a Christian paradox: when we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we see ourselves weak in ourselves, then we go out of ourselves to Christ, and are qualified to receive strength from him, and experience most of the supplies of divine strength and grace.
Although he asked three times, his request was not granted. It is not that he was disregarded but that he was making a plea which was against his own best interests.
"Concerning this thing I besought the Lord thrice."
That is, oftentimes. This also is a mark of great lowliness of mind, his not concealing that he could not bear those insidious plottings, that he fainted under them and was reduced to pray for deliverance.
Accordingly, whether we have our requests granted or not, let us persist in asking and render thanks not only when we gain what we ask but also when we fail to. Failure to gain, you see, when that is what God wants, is not worse than succeeding; we do not know what is to our advantage in this regard in the way he does understand. The result is, then, that succeeding or failing we ought to give thanks. Why are you surprised that we don’t know what is to our advantage? Paul, a man of such quality and stature, judged worthy of ineffable blessings, did not know what was advantageous in his requests: when he saw himself beset with trouble and diverse tribulations, he prayed to be rid of them, not once or twice but many times. “Three times I asked the Lord,” he says.… “Three” means he asked frequently without success. So let us see how he was affected by it: surely he didn’t take it badly? He didn’t turn fainthearted, did he? He didn’t become dispirited, did he? Not at all. On the contrary, what? God said, “My grace is sufficient for you; my power has its full effect in weakness.” Not only did he not free him of the troubles afflicting him, but he even allowed him to persevere in them. True enough; but how does it emerge that he did not take it badly? Listen to Paul’s own words when he learned what the Lord had decided: “I will gladly boast of my weaknesses.” Not only, he says, do I no longer seek to be rid of them, but I even boast of them with greater satisfaction. Do you see his grateful spirit? Do you see his love for God?… So we ought to yield to the Creator of our nature, and with joy and great relish accept those things that he has decided on and have an eye not to the appearance of events but to the decisions of the Lord. After all, he who knows better than we what is for our benefit also knows what steps must be taken for our salvation.
[Syncletica] also said, ‘When the devil does not use the goad of poverty to tempt us, he uses wealth for the same purpose. When he cannot win by scorn and mockery, he tries praise and flattery. If he cannot win by giving health, he tries illness. If he cannot win by comfort, he tries to ruin the soul by vexations that lead us to act against our monastic vows. He inflicts severe sicknesses on people whom he wants to tempt and so makes them weak, and thereby shakes the love they feel towards God. But although the body is shattered and running a high temperature and thirsting unbearably, yet you, who endure all this, are a sinner; you should therefore remember the punishments of the next world, the everlasting fire, the torments of judgement. Then you will not fail in the sufferings of this present time, indeed you should rejoice because God has visited you. Keep saying the famous text: “The Lord hath chastened and corrected me: but he hath not given me over unto death” (Ps. 118:18). Iron is cleaned of rust by fire. If you are righteous and suffer, you grow to a higher sanctity. Gold is tested by fire. When a messenger from Satan is given to you to be a thorn in your flesh, lift up your heart, for you have received a gift like that of St Paul. If you suffer from fever and cold, remember the text of Scripture, “We went through fire and water,” and “thou broughtest us out into a place of rest” (Ps. 66:12). If you have overcome suffering, you may expect rest, provided you are following what is good. Cry aloud the prophet’s words, “I am poor and destitute and in misery” (Ps. 66:29). Threefold suffering like this shall make you perfect. He said also, “Thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble” (Ps. 4:1). So let this kind of self-discipline test our souls, for our enemy is always in sight.’
If the Father gives us everything we ask in the name of the Son, what then does it mean that Paul asked the Lord three times and did not deserve to be heard, but it was said to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness"? Did not that most excellent preacher ask in the name of the Son? Why then did he not receive what he asked? How then is it true that whatever we ask the Father in the name of the Son, the Father gives us, if the Apostle asked in the name of the Son that the angel of Satan be removed from him, and yet did not receive what he asked? But since the name of the Son is Jesus, and Jesus means savior, or is also called salvation, therefore he asks in the name of the Savior who asks for that which pertains to true salvation. For if something that is not expedient is asked for, the Father is not being asked in the name of Jesus. Hence it is that Paul also is not heard, because if he were freed from the temptation, it would not profit him unto salvation.
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 12:8 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:8, the Apostle Paul recounts his earnest and repeated plea to the Lord concerning a persistent and debilitating affliction, famously known as his "thorn in the flesh." This verse captures a moment of intense personal struggle and fervent prayer, setting the stage for one of the most profound revelations of divine grace and power in the New Testament, where God's strength is perfected in human weakness.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is embedded within a highly personal and deeply theological section of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, specifically 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. Paul has just described extraordinary, ineffable revelations, having been "caught up to the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). To prevent him from becoming conceited due to these unparalleled spiritual experiences, a "thorn in the flesh" was given to him—a "messenger of Satan" to torment him (2 Corinthians 12:7). Verse 8 directly details Paul's immediate and very human response to this severe and unwelcome trial: his desperate, repeated appeals to God for its removal. It is the crucial setup for the Lord's transformative answer in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's ministry was characterized by immense suffering, opposition, and physical hardships, as he often details (e.g., 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). In the Greco-Roman world, suffering was often interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor or weakness, contrasting sharply with the Hellenistic ideal of human strength and self-sufficiency. For Paul to admit to a persistent, tormenting weakness, especially one he prayed so fervently to have removed, was counter-cultural and potentially damaging to his apostolic credibility in the eyes of some Corinthians who valued outward displays of power. However, Paul redefines strength through weakness, aligning with the paradoxical nature of the Gospel where Christ's power is made perfect in human frailty. The concept of a "messenger of Satan" also reflects the biblical worldview of spiritual warfare, where physical ailments or opposition could be attributed to demonic influence, even if ultimately permitted by God for a higher purpose.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within 2 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. It highlights the theme of Persistence in Prayer, as Paul's "thrice" (τρίς) underscores the earnestness and repetition of his petitions, echoing the persistent prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane. It also foregrounds the theme of Human Weakness and Divine Power, demonstrating that even a great apostle like Paul experienced profound personal struggles and a natural desire for relief from suffering. This vulnerability becomes the canvas upon which God's Sufficient Grace is painted, a theme that culminates in the subsequent verse. Furthermore, it touches upon the Purpose of Suffering in the life of a believer—not as punishment, but as a means for God's power to be magnified and for humility to be cultivated, preventing spiritual pride.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul's concise statement in this verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is Repetition, conveyed through the word "thrice" (τρίς). This numerical specificity emphasizes the intensity and persistence of Paul's prayer, underscoring that his plea was not a fleeting thought but a sustained, earnest supplication. This repetition also serves as a literary foreshadowing, preparing the reader for the equally profound and repeated divine response in the following verse. The "thorn in the flesh" itself, introduced in the preceding verse, functions as a potent Metaphor for a persistent, painful affliction, the exact nature of which remains ambiguous, allowing for broader application. Furthermore, the entire passage is a raw and honest Personal Narrative or Confession, where Paul lays bare his vulnerability and desperate prayer life, lending authenticity and relatability to his apostolic witness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's persistent prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:8 offers profound theological insights into the nature of prayer, divine sovereignty, and the Christian experience of suffering. It affirms that it is not only permissible but vital for believers to bring their deepest burdens and desires for relief before God, even when those desires are not immediately met. This verse sets the stage for the paradoxical truth that God's power is often most perfectly displayed not in the absence of weakness, but within it. It underscores that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His answers may transcend our expectations, ultimately leading to a deeper revelation of His grace and strength. The "thorn" became an instrument of humility and a conduit for divine power, transforming Paul's weakness into a platform for God's glory.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's experience in 2 Corinthians 12:8 provides a powerful template for our own prayer lives and how we navigate suffering. It validates the human desire for relief from pain, illness, or oppressive circumstances, assuring us that it is right and good to earnestly beseech the Lord for deliverance, even repeatedly. We are encouraged to be transparent and persistent in our prayers, bringing our deepest struggles and vulnerabilities before God, just as Paul did. This verse teaches us that genuine faith does not always mean immediate deliverance from trials, but it always involves bringing those trials before the One who has the power to act. It prepares us to receive God's answer, which may not be the removal of the problem, but rather the profound and sufficient provision of His grace to endure, to grow, and to experience His power perfected in our weakness. Our prayers, even when seemingly unanswered in the way we desire, are never in vain, for they deepen our reliance on God and open us to His transformative work.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh" that he prayed to have removed?
Answer: The exact nature of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is one of the most debated questions in biblical scholarship, and the text intentionally leaves it ambiguous. While many theories exist—ranging from physical ailments (like an eye disease, malaria, or epilepsy) to spiritual opposition (like false apostles or persistent persecution)—the Bible does not provide a definitive answer. The ambiguity is significant, as it allows believers throughout history to identify with Paul's struggle, whatever their specific "thorn" might be. What is clear is that it was a real, painful, and persistent affliction, described as a "messenger of Satan" (2 Corinthians 12:7) designed to keep him humble amidst extraordinary revelations.
Why did Paul pray "thrice" for the thorn to depart?
Answer: The word "thrice" (Greek: trís) indicates that Paul prayed on three distinct occasions, or perhaps engaged in three intense periods of prayer, for the removal of his affliction. This repetition emphasizes the earnestness, intensity, and persistence of his supplication. It was not a casual request but a fervent, sustained appeal to God, demonstrating the depth of his suffering and his profound desire for relief. This mirrors other biblical examples of persistent prayer, such as Jesus praying three times in Gethsemane for the cup to pass from Him. It shows that it is appropriate to bring our deepest and most urgent requests to God repeatedly.
Does God always answer our prayers for relief from suffering?
Answer: As seen in Paul's experience, God does not always answer our prayers for relief by removing the suffering. While He certainly has the power to do so and often does, sometimes His answer is to provide sufficient grace to endure the suffering, demonstrating His power in our weakness. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Lord tells Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." This reveals that God's answers are always for our ultimate good and His glory, even if they don't align with our immediate desires. He may choose to sustain us through a trial rather than remove it, using it to deepen our faith, humility, and reliance on Him.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's earnest prayer for the removal of his "thorn in the flesh" and the Lord's subsequent response in 2 Corinthians 12:9 find profound resonance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul, in his human weakness, cried out for relief, so too did Christ, in the Garden of Gethsemane, repeatedly pray for the "cup" of suffering to pass from Him (Matthew 26:39). Yet, in ultimate submission to the Father's will, Jesus declared, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:39). Christ's willingness to embrace the cross, despite His human agony, demonstrates the ultimate example of divine strength perfected through profound weakness and suffering. His crucifixion, a display of utter human vulnerability, became the very means by which God's power triumphed over sin and death, securing salvation for humanity (1 Corinthians 1:18). Thus, Paul's experience mirrors Christ's: the power of God is not found in the absence of suffering, but in the divine strength that sustains and ultimately glorifies through it, empowering believers to live out their faith in the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead (Romans 8:11).