The Cleveland Commentary on 2 Corinthians

The Cleveland Bible Commentary

2 Corinthians (NIV)

By Syd Cleveland

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2 Cor 1:1

2 Cor 1:20

THEY ARE "YES" IN CHRIST = "Paul contrasts the humanity of the messengers and the divinity of the Person who was the essence of their message. Indeed, in and through him the divine 'Yes' has come into effect as a permanent reality (v. 19), because all God's promises (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:1; Romans 9:4; Romans 15:8), whatever their number, find their fulfillment in him (v. 20a). 'They are "Yes" in Christ,' since He forms the climax and summation of the divine self-revelation. That is why, in their corporate worship offered to God through Christ, Christians joyfully utter the 'Yes' or 'Amen' of agreement (cf. Revelation 1:7; 3:14; 22:20). Such a response enhances God's glory (v. 20b)." -- NIV Bible Commentary, Zondervan, on 1 Corinthians 1:19-20

2 Cor 1:21

GOD ... MAKES ... US ... STAND FIRM = Everything in salvation is of God. We are not justified or sanctified through our own works.

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

HE ANOINTED US = The Greek word "chrio" (Strongs #5548) here means "to consecrate to a religious service."

"The cessation of anointing was to be a mark of God's displeasure if Israel proved rebellious (Deuteronomy 28:40; Micah 6:15), and the restoration of the custom was to be a sign of God's returning favor (Isaiah 61:3). Anointing is used as a symbol of prosperity in Psalm 92:10 and Ecclesiastes 9:8. ... Anointing had the significance of dedication to God." -- The Complete WordStudy Dictionary, New Testament, by Zodhiates, page 1485.

2 Cor 1:22

HIS SEAL OF OWNERSHIP ON US = The Holy Spirit plays three roles in the sealing of God's people: (1) the Holy Spirit is the "deposit" or "firstfruits" of what is to come (2 Corinthians 1:21, 22); (2) the Holy Spirit is the seal (Ephesians 1:13); (3) the Holy Spirit is God's Agent to do the work of sealing (Ephesians 4:30). "Seals were used in the ancient world in ways similar to today. Cargo was sealed before shipping or letters were sealed to guarantee the validity of the contents. A seal conveyed authenticity and ownership. In this sense, the Spirit is the seal given to believers to verify that they belong to God" -- The NIV Application Commentary, by Klyne Snodgrass, p. 54.

2 Cor 2:1

2 Cor 2:6

PUNISHMENT INFLICTED ON HIM = Refers back to the incident of expulsion mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:5, 13.

2 Cor 2:17

PEDDLE THE WORD OF GOD FOR PROFIT = Paul is not saying a teacher of the Word must not make a living from his occupation (see 1 Corinthians 9:3-14). Rather, the motive of a true teacher of the Word is to feed the flock, while the motive of a false teacher peddling the Word is to make a profit.

The phrase "the word of God" is used throughout Scripture to mean:

(1) a prophecy or directive from God to a prophet [1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2];

(2) the entire cannon of Scripture [Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6];

(3) the spoken word/preaching [Acts 4:31; 6:2-4];

(4) the "sword of the Spirit" [Ephesians 6:17];

(5) "Christ in you, the hope of glory" [Colossians 1:25-27];

(6) literally the word from God [1 Thessalonians 2:13].

(7) In John 10:35, "the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."

(8) In Acts 6:7; 8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.

(9) In Revelation 19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.

SPEAK BEFORE GOD = The false teacher will say whatever his listeners want to hear in order to please them and increase his profit (2 Corinthians 4:2). The true teacher is sent from God and sincerely speaks the Word as if standing before God. He recognizes his is a solemn obligation and that he will be held accountable by God.

2 Cor 3:1

2 Cor 3:6

MINISTERS OF A NEW COVENANT = The "new covenant" stands in contrast with the "ministry ... which was engraved in letters on stone" (specifically the Ten Commandments). The difference is NOT that the "new covenant" has done away with the Ten Commandments, but rather that, under the new covenant, God's Laws are written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). Our motivation for keeping God's Laws under the new covenant is our love for God and man (Matthew 22:36-40; Romans 13:8-10).

2 Cor 3:7

ENGRAVED IN LETTERS ON STONE = God used His finger to write the Ten Commandments on stone (Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 9:10).

FADING THOUGH IT WAS = Here Paul draws a parallel between the "glory" which faded from Moses' face, to the fading "glory" of the Ten Commandments "engraved in letters on stone" (see 2 Corinthians 3:11).

2 Cor 3:9

THE MINISTRY THAT CONDEMNS MEN = The Old Covenant of the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 4:13).

THE MINISTRY THAT BRINGS RIGHTEOUSNESS = The New Covenant in Christ's blood (Luke 22:20).

2 Cor 3:11

WHAT WAS FADING AWAY = In context Paul is speaking about the Ten Commandments "engraved in letters on stone" (2 Corinthians 3:7). The Ten Commandments are specifically called the "Covenant" in Deuteronomy 4:13. This Old Covenant ended at the cross, however there was a forty-year transition period between Christ's crucifixion in 30 A.D. and the final destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. During that time the Israelites continued to keep the Old Testament laws regarding weekly Sabbaths, annual holy days, sacrifices, clean and unclean and so on. When these Israelites converted to Christianity they brought the "Law of Moses" with them, causing a great conflict in the church by trying to convince the Gentile Christians to be circumcised and serve the Old Covenant. The Jerusalem Council was held to settle the issue once and for all. The Council decided Gentile converts to Christianity were not obligated to live by the Old Covenant. Instead they were simply to refrain from food sacrificed to idols, blood, meat of strangled animals, and immorality (see Acts chapter 15). These were the very minimum requirements that would enable Jews to fellowship together with Gentiles in the Christian churches. Therefore Paul can write in 55 A.D. that the Old Covenant which came with such "glory" on Mount Sinai "was fading away" because they were in that forty-year time of transition between the cross and the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. His argument is that the Gentiles are not to become Jews because the New Covenant began at the cross and the Old Covenant would completely fade away at the destruction of the temple (see Hebrews 8:8-9, 13).

"The believer has been made free from the law, but liberty does not mean license. To offset this danger of antinomianism, the Scriptures teach that we have not only been delivered from the law, but also 'joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit for God' (Romans 7:4). We are thus not 'without the law of God but under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21; cf. Galatians 6:2). Freedom from law should not result in license but love (Galatians 5:13; cf. 1 Peter 2:16). The believer is, consequently, to keep his eyes on Christ as his example and teacher, and by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His law (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:18). This does not mean that the precepts of the Decalogue which are grounded in the character of God have no authority today. As a matter of fact, careful investigation reveals that every commandment of the Decalogue, except the fourth, is reaffirmed in the New Testament. They are repeated for our instruction as to what the will of the Lord is, but not as precepts that we are to endeavor to keep in order to become righteous." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, p. 170.

2 Cor 3:14

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

2 Cor 3:16

TO THE LORD = This is not speaking of Christ, for this "Lord" is defined in the next two verses (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) as the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead. Thus the divine title of "Lord" is here applied to the Holy Spirit.

2 Cor 3:17

THE LORD IS THE SPIRIT = Not that Jesus is the Holy Spirit, but that the Holy Spirit is "Lord," i.e. is "God." This statement is similar to the ones made in 1 Corinthians 12:3 where "Jesus is Lord," and Acts 10:36 where "Jesus ... is Lord of all." Matthew 11:25, and many others, states "God the Father is Lord." Thus the term "Lord" is an indicator of the Holy Spirit's divinity and equality within the Trinity.

2 Cor 3:18

REFLECT = Paul has in mind the glory which shone from Moses' face after being with God on Sinai (Exodus 34:29-30).

THE LORD'S GLORY = A reference to Christ, the second member of the Godhead. The first member of the Godhead (God the Father) is mentioned in the next verse (2 Corinthians 4:1). Also see Matthew 17:2.

ARE BEING TRANSFORMED = The Greek word "metamorphoo" (Strongs #G3339) means to "change, transfigure, transform." It is the root of our English word "metamorphous." Grammatically it is in the present passive indicative case meaning the transforming goes on continuously.

THE LORD, WHO IS THE SPIRIT = See note on 2 Corinthians 3:17.

2 Cor 4:1

GOD'S MERCY = Here the first person of the Godhead is mentioned, God the Father.

2 Cor 4:2

THE WORD OF GOD = This phrase is used throughout Scripture to mean:

(1) a prophecy or directive from God to a prophet [1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2];

(2) the entire cannon of Scripture [Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6];

(3) the spoken word/preaching [Acts 4:31; 6:2-4];

(4) the "sword of the Spirit" [Ephesians 6:17];

(5) "Christ in you, the hope of glory" [Colossians 1:25-27];

(6) literally the word from God [1 Thessalonians 2:13].

(7) In John 10:35, "the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."

(8) In Acts 6:7; 8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.

(9) In Revelation 19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.

2 Cor 4:16

INWARDLY WE ARE BEING RENEWED = "Physical weakness is an opportunity to be spiritually strengthened. ... What a delight to realize that sickness cannot rob us of faith and a dynamic knowledge of God. ... By God's grace we can have strong spirits even if we have decrepit bodies." -- Blame it on the Brain, Edward T. Welch, p. 51.

This profound spiritual truth helps us understand that the link between brain and soul, while strong, does not permit the body to rule over the soul. Because of the indwelling power of Christ, the soul is always able to control the body. Therefore there is no excuse for conscious sin even in the case of Alzheimer's disease.

2 Cor 4:17

LIGHT AND MOMENTARY TROUBLES = See note on Romans 8:18.

2 Cor 5:1

2 Cor 5:10

RECEIVE WHAT IS DUE HIM = Jesus brings His reward when He returns the second time: Revelation 22:12, 14.

2 Cor 5:17

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

NEW CREATION = According to Galatians 6:5 this "new creation" holds more weight with God than anything else!

2 Cor 5:19

THE WORLD ... MEN'S SINS = Here the grammatical construction consists of metonymy for the word "world" is used to mean the inhabitants.

2 Cor 6:1

GOD'S GRACE = Greek "charis" (Strongs 5485) meaning "grace, particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance; a favor done without expectation of return; unearned and unmerited favor."

IN VAIN = Greek "kenos" (Strongs 2756) meaning "empty, hollow; fruitless, without usefulness or success." We receive God's grace "in vain" when we refuse to "be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20); and when we "live for ourselves" (2 Corinthians 5:15).

2 Cor 6:6

IN THE HOLY SPIRIT = See note on Galatians 5:22-25.

2 Cor 6:14

YOKED = Greek "heterozugeo" (Strongs #G2086) meaning "unequally yoked, discordant." It is likely that Paul was thinking of the OT prohibition stated in Deuteronomy 22:10. The concept is the unbeliever will not be doing equal work with the believer -- in other words not pulling his fair share.

IN COMMON = See 2 Chronicles 19:2. Here Paul points out that believers have different interests and different goals than unbelievers have. In order to work harmoniously, both must be in agreement (Amos 3:3). This is not possible when ethics and goals are not shared in common.

FELLOWSHIP = Greek "metochay" (Strongs #G3352) meaning "fellowship, partnership."

LIGHT ... DARKNESS = The protagonists are completely dissimilar -- there is nothing in common to bind the believer with the unbeliever.

2 Cor 6:15

HARMONY = Greek "sumphonesis" (Strongs #G4857) meaning "agreement, harmony." Our word "symphony" is derived from this word -- many instruments playing in harmony.

BELIAL = A Greek transliteration (Strongs #G955) of the Hebrew "Beliyyaal" (Strongs #H1100) meaning "worthless, wickedness," a name for Satan. Belial describes lewd, profligate and vile people who have no respect for God or man. Corinth was well-known for its lewdness, thus Paul appeals to the Corinthian church to leave all that wickedness behind them.

COMMON = Greek "meris" (Strongs #G3340) meaning "a part, or a share" implying fellowship.

UNBELIEVER = Greek "apistos" (Strongs #G571) meaning "one who does not believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, one who is untrustworthy."

2 Cor 6:16

AGREEMENT = Greek "sugkatathesis" (Strongs #G4783) meaning "to consent, assent, agree."

2 Cor 6:18

SAYS THE LORD ALMIGHTY = This is a combined quotation taken from 2 Samuel 7:14 and 2 Samuel 7:8. The Greek "pantokrator" (Strongs #G3841) means "all-powerful one, the one who has dominion over all things." God is all powerful, thus, apart from His permission, nothing can resist His will. This word is used ten times in the NT: 2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 1:8; 4:8; 11:17; 15:3; 16:7, 14; 19:6, 15; 21:22.

"'The Almighty' maintains His control over the world from the beginning to the end of all times, even when the powers of this world resist His will, and He intends to 'come' and complete His good purpose for it." -- New Bible Commentary, by Wenham, Motyer, Carson, France, page 1426

"'The Almighty' carries the thought that none can resist the power of God, though we should bear in mind that the word denotes not so much the exercise of naked power as the all-embracing sovereignty which God exercises." -- Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, The Revelation of St. John, by Leon Morris, page 50

2 Cor 7:1

PURIFY = Greek "katharizo" (Strongs #G2511) meaning to "make pure, to cleanse, to free from filth." From this we get our English word "catharsis" meaning "purge or purify."

CONTAMINATES = Greek "molusmos" (Strongs #G3436) meaning "a stain, filthiness, defilement."

2 Cor 7:9

REPENTANCE = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3341) means "to change one's mind, to think differently, to reverse one's decision, repent." Theologically, repentance involves genuine regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God.

"Repentance is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202

2 Cor 7:10

GODLY SORROW = "Human sorrow (or worldly sorrow') is when we are sorry only for getting caught. Godly sorrow is when we are sorry for the sin and have a desire to be rid of it." -- Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, (Robert Louis Cole), page 178.

"Repentance is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202

2 Cor 7:11

GODLY SORROW = See note on 2 Corinthians 7:10.

2 Cor 8:1

GRACE GOD HAS GIVEN = God's grace is a life-changing force.

2 Cor 8:2

SEVERE TRIAL = The Macedonian Christians had been going through a time of severe persecution.

OVERFLOWING JOY = Christian joy comes from the knowledge that our sins are forgiven and the assurance that we are now saved through Christ.

EXTREME POVERTY = Due partly to their exploitation by the Roman conquerors and also to their civil wars.

RICH GENEROSITY = Derived from the understanding of Christ's generosity towards us by coming to earth to die for us. Even in a time of persecution and poverty, their joy welled up in rich generosity.

2 Cor 8:3

BEYOND THEIR ABILITY = True Christian generosity cannot be grudging.

2 Cor 8:4

SHARING = Both financially and personally (verse 5).

2 Cor 8:5

DID NOT DO AS WE EXPECTED = Paul was aware of their poverty and persecution and did not expect such a generous financial offerings in addition to their sincere request to personally assist with his work.

GAVE THEMSELVES FIRST TO THE LORD = A pre-requisite for all Christian activity.

AND THEN TO US = They offered themselves to Paul for any Christian service he could use them in.

2 Cor 8:6

SO WE URGED = The favorable response of the Macedonian Church encouraged Paul to urge Titus to complete the work of collecting financial gifts in the Corinthian Church. Paul refers to the beginning of this collection in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 16:2.

SINCE HE HAD EARLIER MADE A BEGINNING = Suggests that Titus was the one who carried the letter of 1 Corinthians to the Corinthian Church.

2 Cor 8:7

EXCEL IN EVERYTHING = The Corinthian Church excelled in many of the gifts of the Spirit, but they lacked generosity.

SEE THAT YOU ALSO EXCEL ... IN GIVING = An ungenerous Christian is an incomplete Christian.

2 Cor 8:8

NOT COMMANDING YOU = Christian generosity can never be commanded, but must always spring spontaneously from the realization of Christ's generous gift to us (verse 9).

TEST THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE = Just as faith is evidenced by works, so love is tested by the actions it produces.

2 Cor 8:9

HE BECAME POOR = In the sense that He took on humanity through the Incarnation (see Philippians 2:5-8).

2 Cor 8:10

LAST YEAR YOU WERE THE FIRST = But this year the Macedonian Church has surpassed them (verses 1-5).

2 Cor 8:11

NOW FINISH THE WORK = Good intentions and good beginnings cannot take the place of a successful completion.

ACCORDING TO YOUR MEANS = God never asks more than we are capable of doing (see verse 12).

2 Cor 8:12

IF THE WILLINGNESS IS THERE = Christian service and charity are always based upon free will. Never is force to be used to command Christian alms or service (see verse 8).

ACCORDING TO WHAT ONE HAS = Once the willingness is there, the only matter to be decided is the amount. The amount is determined by what one has. This is why the widow gave more than all others when she gave her last two copper coins (Mark 12:41-44).

2 Cor 8:13

EQUALITY = While equality is espoused by society, it can only be a reality in the Kingdom of God (see verse 14).

2 Cor 8:14

EQUALITY = See verse 13.

2 Cor 8:19

CHOSEN = Greek means elected by raising hands. This is the only incident in the New Testament church where someone was elected in this manner. Verse 20 makes it clear that Paul followed this procedure to avoid criticism in the distribution of the offering. Paul could have been accused of misappropriating the funds if he had gone alone or appointed his own assistants.

2 Cor 8:23

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHURCHES = The Greek is literally "apostoloi" meaning "apostles."

2 Cor 9:1

2 Cor 9:6

SPARINGLY ... GENEROUSLY = See notes on 2 Corinthians 9:7-8.

2 Cor 9:7

NOT RELUCTANTLY OR UNDER COMPULSION = The practice of the early Christian church was "cheerful" giving (see note on Acts 5:4).

CHEERFUL GIVER = This New Testament principle of Old Testament tithing (Malachi 3:8-10) contains the same promise to bountifully bless the giver (2 Corinthians 9:6, 8). For a full discussion of the subject of paying Gospel workers, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.

2 Cor 9:8

MAKE ALL GRACE ABOUND TO YOU = In the context of the previous two verses (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), God repeats His Old Testament promise to bountifully bless the cheerful giver (Malachi 3:8-10).

2 Cor 9:11

BE MADE RICH = The Greek "ploutizo" (Strongs #G4148) means "to make rich, wealthy, enrich."

IN EVERY WAY = The Greek "pas" (Strongs #G3956) here means "in all things."

GENEROSITY = The Greek "haplotes" (Strongs #G572) means "faithfulness, generosity, benevolence." Specifically it means "faithful benevolence out of proper motivation." -- The Complete WordStudy Dictionary, New Testament, by Zodhiates, page 214.

2 Cor 10:1

2 Cor 10:5

WE TAKE CAPTIVE EVERY THOUGHT = One key to living a sanctified life is to control one’s thoughts. This requires a conscious decision as to what we permit our mind to think about. Taking our thoughts “captive” requires not only an act of the will, but also the forceful implementation of our will. There is often a struggle when authorities take a criminal captive, the same should be expected initially when taking our own thoughts captive. The battle between good and evil is indeed a battle – which is first played out in our minds.

"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit -- and man is his own gardener." -- James Allen

"Every temptation is first a thought introduced to your mind by your own carnality or the tempter himself. If you ruminate on that thought and consider it an option, you will eventually act on it, and that's sin. Instead, Paul instructs us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The first step for escaping temptation is to apprehend every thought as soon as it steps through the doorway of your mind." -- "The Bondage Breaker," Neil T. Anderson, page 138.

Also see Romans 13:14 and Philippians 4:13.

2 Cor 11:1

2 Cor 11:3

EVE WAS DECEIVED = Eve's sin was not as grievous as Adam's sin, for Adam was not deceived and sinned deliberately (1 Timothy 2:14).

BY THE SERPENT'S = The Greek "ophis" (Strongs #G3789) means a "snake, serpent." In the New Testament a serpent is the symbol of Satan (Revelation 12:9, 14-15).

2 Cor 11:4

A DIFFERENT GOSPEL = See Galatians 1:6-9.

2 Cor 11:7

PREACHING ... FREE OF CHARGE = Some look to this text as an excuse to be selfish and not support the Gospel ministry. They say, "Paul did not take money from the Corinthians, instead he made tents to support himself. Therefore pastors ought to do the same!" This idea completely overlooks both the context of this verse and the clear teachings of the Bible. In the next two verses (2 Corinthians 11:8, 9), Paul makes it clear that he was entitled to financial support from the church and even "robbed other churches by receiving support from them" so he would not be "a burden to you in any way." Paul accepted financial support from churches, but he refused to accept it from the Corinthian church because of their wicked selfishness. The Corinthians would have tried to influence and control Paul if they had been "paying" him. Paul's further teaching on support of the Gospel ministry is found in: 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.

2 Cor 11:8

I ROBBED OTHER CHURCHES = Paul used this very strong term in order to impress upon the Corinthians that his receiving financial support from other churches without ministering to them in order to serve the Corinthian church amounted to robbery. It should have shamed the Corinthian church to discover that others were contributing so Paul could minister in Corinth. Paul restates this in the next verse (2 Corinthians 11:9) when he says "the brothers ... from Macedonia supplied what I needed." There is no way the Corinthian believers could misunderstand their selfishness caused a financial burden on Paul as well as on other churches.

2 Cor 11:9

NOT A BURDEN = In both Corinth and Thessalonica Paul refused to receive financial help from the local church. The reason for this was because of the special circumstances of those two churches. For a full understanding of the Bible's teaching about remunerating Gospel workers see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8.

2 Cor 11:23

EXPOSED TO DEATH = The Greek has literally "in deaths often." When the Greek word "thanatos" is in the plural (as it is here) it means "exposed to death." It does not mean that Paul died multiple deaths.

2 Cor 11:32

GUARDED = Greek "frewrewmenous" meaning "to guard, hold in custody, confine, protect." This is a military term used of garrisons in a city, and it occurs in Galatians 3:23; Philippians 4:7 and 1 Peter 1:5.

2 Cor 12:1

VISIONS AND REVELATIONS = The following experience that Paul speaks about is a vision and not real life.

2 Cor 12:2

I KNOW A MAN = Paul was speaking about himself as verses 5-7 indicate.

WHETHER ... IN ... OR OUT OF THE BODY = Verse 1 specifically states that it was a vision, thus these words must be taken to mean that the vision was so real that the man could not tell the difference between the vision and real life.

THIRD HEAVEN = This is called "paradise" in 2 Corinthians 12:4. Here Paul is not giving a geography lesson, or describing the universe as being composed of "three heavens," for the Jews believed there were seven heavens. He is simply saying he was taken into the most sublime condition possible for a human to experience.

2 Cor 12:3

See commentary on verse 2.

2 Cor 12:4

PARADISE = The Greek "paradeisos" (Strongs #G3857) means "a park, a forest, a garden." Here "paradise" is synonymous with "the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). Originally, in the Old Testament, "paradise" was a Persian word meaning "a pleasure garden." The Septuagint uses "paradise" when it speaks of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8; 3:1); or any other garden (Isaiah 1:30; Jeremiah 29:5; Ecclesiastes 2:5). Early Christian writers thought of paradise as an intermediate state between heaven and earth which is entered at death, much like the Catholic view of Purgatory. Tertullian considered paradise to be a huge cavern under the earth (Tertullian: Concerning the Soul, p. 55). As time passed, Christian thought evolved into the idea that paradise was heaven itself. See full note on Luke 23:43.

2 Cor 12:5

NOT BOAST ABOUT MYSELF = Paul draws a clear distinction between the "man" who had the vision and himself. To make Paul's words mean that he is speaking about himself is to deny this very clear statement (see commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:7).

2 Cor 12:7

ME ... SURPASSINGLY GREAT REVELATIONS = The Greek "apokalupsis" (Strongs #G602) means "to reveal, to disclose, to uncover."

Why would Paul be given a thorn in the flesh to keep him from being conceited because of "these ... revelations" if he was not the one who had been taken up to the "third heaven?" The words "these" and "revelations" are in the plural, but there is only one vision mentioned in verse 2. Therefore we know that Paul is referring to other visions that he himself experienced. They may be listed as follows: first, Paul had a great revelation of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19; 22:3-16; 26:9-18). Paul had no trouble speaking about that revelation in the first person. Second, Paul had a vision of the Lord while in the temple praying (Acts 22:17-21). Third, the Holy Spirit directly revealed to Paul that he was not to enter Asia (Acts 16:6, 7). Fourth, Paul had a vision of a man saying "come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). Paul had numerous revelations and visions that he could boast about, yet in that he was no greater than the "man" who had a vision of the third heaven. However, because of these other revelations, Paul said the Lord gave him a thorn in the flesh (which he enlarges on by saying it was "a messenger of Satan") to keep him from becoming conceited.

THORN IN MY FLESH = Many Christians believe it is possible this was a re-occurring disease of the eyes (see Galatians 4:15).

A MESSENGER OF SATAN = The Greek literally has "an angel of Satan to buffet me." An "angel of Satan" would be a demonic being. It is possible this demon "buffeted/tormented" Paul through a painful eye condition (see Job 2:7 and Luke 13:11-12 for a similar situation).

2 Cor 12:8

TO TAKE IT AWAY = In Greek "it" is in the masculine, singular case, suggesting the "messenger of Satan" of the previous verse, was a demon personage.

2 Cor 12:9

MY GRACE IS = The Greek "charis" (Strongs #G5485) means "grace, favor, the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God."

SUFFICIENT FOR YOU = The Greek "arkeo" (Strongs #G714) means "to satisfy, be sufficient, able to assist."

2 Cor 12:12

THINGS THAT MARK AN APOSTLE = Paul refers to the "signs, wonders and miracles" that he had done (see Acts 19:11).

2 Cor 12:19

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

2 Cor 12:21

REPENTED = The Greek "metanoeo" (Strongs #G3340) means "to change one's mind, to think differently, repent." Theologically, repentance involves genuine regret or sorrow, accompanied by a true change of heart toward God.

"Repentance is necessary for salvation, but merely as a preparation of the heart and not as a price paid for the gift of life." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 202

2 Cor 13:1

THIRD VISIT = Here Paul links his "third visit to you" with the judicial requirement that "every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." As Paul goes on to state in 2 Corinthians 13:2 he has given the Corinthians one warning already, will repeat that warning in this letter, and will warn them the third when he arrives in Corinth. All of these warnings are to prove that "Christ is speaking through" Paul (2 Corinthians 13:3). Thus this matter of whether or not Paul has divine authority is decided on the "testimony" of his three warnings to the Corinthians.

2 Cor 13:5

EXAMINE YOURSELVES = The Greek "pierazo" (Strongs #G3985) means "to test, try, prove." We are to confront ourselves with the demands of God's Word and evaluate whether or not we are loyal followers of Christ. No Christian can deliberately rebel against God and claim to be "in the faith."

2 Cor 13:14

LORD JESUS CHRIST ... GOD ... HOLY SPIRIT = These are the three members of the Trinity. The three members of the Trinity are mentioned in Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35; Luke 10:21; John 3:5; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:4; Romans 15:16, 30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 10:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 4:2.

THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT = Fellowship requires a personal being -- one does not have "fellowship" with inanimate objects. Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.

Sydney Cleveland, 172 Suncrest Drive, Greenwood, IN 46143 317 885-8122

scleveland@prodigy.net

Permission to use The Cleveland Bible Commentary in your personal study is freely given, however this Commentary is not in the public domain. The author retains all copyrights © and ownership of this commentary, world wide. This means you cannot copy, revise, change, republish, or distribute The Cleveland Bible Commentary in any way, including electronically, except as provided here. Nor may you use it in any manner other than for your own personal study, except as stated here, without my written permission. You may quote from The Cleveland Bible Commentary in materials used in your personal teaching at educational institutions, including churches and Bible classes sponsored by your church, as long as the quotation does not exceed twenty-five percent of the entire Cleveland Bible Commentary verse notes on any single chapter. For example, this means if I comment on twenty-four verses in Matthew chapter 19, you may directly quote my comments on six verses of your choice in Matthew 19 without requesting permission.

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