Visions and Revelations, 2 Co.12:1-7 Subject of v.1: “I” –2-5: third person “a man in Christ”; “such a man”; “he”; “such a one” Subject of v.7: “I”... exalted by revela. –If not Paul… Why was he in danger of pride? Why did he receive the thorn?

Messenger Of Satan, 2 Co.12:7 Thorn in flesh Messenger of Satan Prevented pride in Paul –Job 1-2 God’s motives: prove value of obed. Satan’s motives: disprove value of serving God –Job 42, God’s victory –2 Co.12:9-10, another victory

Paul’s prayer, 2 Co.12:7-9 Thorn in the flesh, 7 Pleaded w. Lord 3x to remove it, 8 “He said to me” (9): He answered –His grace is mightier than the thorn –Paul’s weakness displays His power –Paul wanted God’s will to be done (Mt.26:39)

Evidence for Gospel, 2 Co.12:12 Signs: miraculous signs; proof (here of apostleship), Rv.2:2 Wonders: response of onlookers Mighty deeds: tokens of divine power Introduced incidentally, not as part of an argument to produce belief in miracles Refers to obvious matters of fact, known by Paul and Corinthians He could appeal to facts w/o fear of being challenged

2 Co.12:18 Corinthians raised the collection before Paul arrived, 1 Co.16:2 They chose own messengers, 16:3 Titus had gone to Corinth, 2:13; 7:6,13; 8:6a, he had begun… (previous trip) Titus and trusted brothers would help Corinthians finish raising money [2 Co.8:6b, 18, 22 (future trip) ] If Titus and others did not exploit them, why assume Paul did?

A potential mess, 2 Co.12:20 Contentions: discord, quarrel, 1 Co.1:11; 3:3 Jealousies: zeal, envy; self-assertion Outbursts of wrath: anger, rage; fit of temper. Ga.5:20; Ep.4:26, 31 Selfish ambitions: Ga.5:20 Backbitings: slander. 1 Pt.2:1 Whisperings: gossip, talebearing Conceits: pride, conceit. Vb.: 1 Co.4:6, 18f. Tumults: disorder, unruliness, Ja.3:6