A Vision of Paradise and a Thorn in the Flesh

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

 

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(NKJV)

 

In John 3:1-21 and John 4:1-26, Jesus has discourses with two individuals. These conversations illustrate the need to worship in spirit and truth as Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:23. Over-emphasis on truth without spirit can lead to one becoming puffed up with knowledge and prideful but over-emphasis on spirit can lead to emotionalism with no basis of truth, leading to deception. For the Church to effectively lift up Christ and draw people to Jesus, it must achieve a balance of truth and spirit.

 

Paul realizes it is unprofitable for him to boast and will now focus on visions and revelations of the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:1). Paul then mentions knowing a man who fourteen years earlier was caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). This man, whether in or out of the body, was caught up into paradise and heard inexpressible words (2 Corinthians 12:3-4). Paul will boast of this man but will not boast of himself except for in his infirmities (2 Corinthians 12:5). Paul might desire to boast but will not be a fool and speak the truth so no one would think of him above what they see or hear from him (2 Corinthians 12:6).

 

Paul’s discourse now turns to his thorn in the flesh. Scripture does not provide details of what this is only that God gave it to Paul to prevent him from being exalted above measure (2 Corinthians 12:7). Whatever this thorn in the flesh is, Paul pleaded with the Lord to remove it three times with the Lord telling him His grace was sufficient for him with Paul’s strength made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9). Paul takes pleasure in infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, and distresses for Christ’s sake for when he is weak, then he is strong (2 Corinthians 12:10).  

 

Like Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John, Paul knew a man, most likely him, who received a vision of the third heaven (Ezekiel 1:4-28; Isaiah 6:1-13; Revelation 4:1-11). Receipt of such a vision from God is an opportunity for one to boast but Paul knows this is not profitable and why Paul speaks in the third person of this vision received by one he knows in Christ (2 Corinthians 12:2). He later speaks of a thorn in the flesh given to him because of the abundance of revelations he has received, indicating the one Paul knows in Christ is himself (2 Corinthians 12:7). Scripture does not reveal details about this thorn in the flesh leading to speculation among Bible scholars as to what this could be. The lack of details in scripture as to what the thorn in the flesh is means we are not to focus on that but on why God gave it to Paul, to keep him from boastful pride regarding revelations from God (2 Corinthians 12:7). 

 

All believers must avoid boastful pride and remind themselves God’s grace is sufficient, and that strength is made perfect in the weakness of the flesh for it causes us to rely on the strength of God. In Jesus’ discourse with the Samaritan woman at the well, He told her that true worshippers of God worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The fact that you can read this post and view the Bible verses referenced with a click illustrates the ease with which one can access truth. However, this ease of access to truth is accompanied by an ease of access to deceptive teaching, requiring one to have discernment (Philippians 1:9).

 

When we think of the Holy Spirit we often think of the dynamic of power as evidenced in Acts 2 when believers and Peter manifested miraculous signs and once timid Peter boldly declared the Gospel. The Church needs this power dynamic and is something Jesus told His followers to wait for before beginning to share the Gospel (Acts 1:4, 8). However, it is the Holy Spirit that also brings discernment of Scripture so believers can discern truth from deception (John 14:26). In the information age with easy access to information, discernment is even more important and why the Church needs more emphasis on the Spirit of worship in the Church today. However, the gift of the Holy Spirit only comes to an individual as they repent of their sins (Acts 2:38), so repentance is needed in the Church.

 

If you are reading this and have never prayed and repented of your sins or if you have unrepentant sins in your life, I invite you to pray with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

Continue praying for repentance and revival in the Church so it can return to its mission of lifting up Christ and making disciples (John 12:32; Matthew 28:19-20). May God challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.