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2 Corinthians 12:8
Verse
Context
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I besought the Lord - That is, Christ, as the next verse absolutely proves, and the Socinians themselves confess. And if Christ be an object of prayer in such a case as this, or indeed in any case, it is a sure proof of his divinity; for only an omniscient Being can be made an object of prayer. Thrice - Several suppose this to be a certain number for an uncertain; as if he had said, I often besought Christ to deliver me from this tormentor: or, which is perhaps more likely, the apostle may refer to three solemn, fixed, and fervent applications made to Christ at different times; at the last of which he received the answer which he immediately subjoins. It is worthy of remark, that our Lord in his agony acted in the same way: at three different times he applied to God that the cup might depart from him; and in each application he spoke the same words, Mat 26:39-44. There is, therefore, a manifest allusion to our Lord's conduct in these words of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--"concerning this thing." thrice--To his first and second prayer no answer came. To his third the answer came, which satisfied his faith and led him to bow his will to God's will. So Paul's master, Jesus, thrice prayed on the Mount of Olives, in resignation to the Father's will. The thorn seems (from Co2 12:9, and Greek, Co2 12:7, "that he may buffet me") to have continued with Paul when he wrote, lest still he should be "overmuch lifted up." the Lord--Christ. Escape from the cross is not to be sought even indirectly from Satan (Luk 4:7). "Satan is not to be asked to spare us" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,.... Not in them simply considered, but as they were made use of to his advantage, for the exercise of his grace, and for his more abundant consolation; and especially as they tended to the glory of Christ, and made his grace, power, and strength the more conspicuous: by infirmities are meant all outward troubles, everything that is mean and abject, distressing and afflicting, whether from Satan or the world; it seems to be a general term, which includes and is explained by the following particulars: in reproaches; of Satan, the accuser of the brethren, who sometimes reproachfully insinuates that they are hypocrites, and serve God and Christ with mercenary views and selfish ends; and of the men of the world, who traduce them as deceivers, treat them with opprobrious language, and lead them with revilings and contumelies, endeavour to take away their characters, credit, and reputation; the faithful servants of Christ must go through bad report, and suffer shame for the name of Christ; but these reproaches with Moses are esteemed by them greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: in necessities; not of the soul, the better part, there being a sufficiency of grace in Christ to relieve all its wants; but of the body, the apostle was sometimes reduced to very necessitous circumstances, wanting the common necessaries of life, being hungry, thirsty, and naked, and yet cheerful: in persecutions; from place to place by the enemies of the Gospel, by whom he was severely handled by beating, scourging, and imprisonment; but his stripes were the marks of the Lord Jesus; his chains were his crown, and his prison a palace to him: in distresses, or "straits"; both as to body and mind, encompassed with such difficulties that he knew not what way to take, or course to steer: and all for Christ's sake; not for any real crime done by him, but for a profession of Christ, preaching his Gospel, and for the glory of his name; and which made all these afflictions so delightful to him, having in the midst of them the love of God to comfort him, the power and strength of Christ to support him, and the grace of the Spirit to assist him, and the presence of all the three Persons with him; this he suggests to be the ground and reason of his delight and pleasure, in such otherwise disagreeable circumstances: for when I am weak, then am I strong; when he was attended with all the above mentioned infirmities, when laden with reproaches, surrounded with necessities, followed with persecutions, and brought into the utmost straits and difficulties, and was most sensible of his weakness in himself to bear and go through all these things; then was he upheld by the divine arm, and strengthened by the power of Christ; so that he was not only able to sustain the conflict, but became more than a conqueror, and even to triumph in the midst of these adversities; he could and did readily take the advice in Joe 3:10, and express himself in the same language there directed to, and to which he seems to refer, "let the weak say I am strong"; for he that is weak in himself, and sees himself to be so, is strong in Christ, and has a comfortable experience of renewed strength from him, as his day is. The Jews have a saying (h) somewhat like this, "the righteous even , "when they are weak strengthen themselves"; as it is said, Gen 48:2, and the wicked, though in their strength, fall, according to Est 7:8.'' (h) Baal Hatturim in Gen. xlviii. 2.
2 Corinthians 12:8
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Standing Up Under Pressure
By Tom Macartney0PSA 119:11JHN 16:33ACT 7:542CO 12:8EPH 4:3EPH 6:10COL 3:162TI 1:7HEB 12:1Tom Macartney preaches about the growing stress and pressure in today's world, emphasizing that Christians have the grace to endure and triumph over challenges. He highlights the importance of looking up to Jesus, refusing to question God's goodness, accepting suffering, trusting God's sovereignty, recognizing the spiritual warfare, being wise to personal weaknesses, acting in faith, fostering unity in fellowship, and immersing oneself in God's Word for strength and guidance.
Faith for Seasons of Silence
By David Wilkerson0Patience in PrayerFaith2CO 12:8David Wilkerson addresses the challenges of unanswered prayers and the seasons of silence that believers often experience. He emphasizes that while faith is essential, it must be accompanied by virtues such as patience, self-control, and perseverance. Wilkerson highlights biblical examples, like Paul's struggle with his thorn, to illustrate that sometimes God's silence serves a greater purpose in our spiritual growth. Ultimately, he reassures that God's love and grace are at work, preparing us for the glory that awaits. The message encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, even in times of waiting.
The Principle of Praying Thrice
By Watchman Nee0The Power of PrayerUnity in PrayerMAT 18:19MAT 26:44LUK 18:1ROM 12:122CO 12:8EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of the principle of praying thrice, illustrating that prayer should not be limited to a set number of times but should continue until the burden is lifted and God's will is clear. He references Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane and Paul's petitions, highlighting that thorough prayer is essential for both personal and corporate prayer settings. Nee encourages believers to remain focused on a single prayer topic until it is fully addressed before moving on to others, fostering a sense of unity and shared burden in prayer meetings. He stresses the importance of being sensitive to the collective needs of the group, ensuring that prayers are offered with a genuine burden rather than jumping from one topic to another. Ultimately, the principle of praying thrice serves as a guide for effective prayer, urging believers to pray until they receive God's answer.
Exposition on Psalm 54
By St. Augustine01SA 24:4PSA 53:1ISA 40:6LUK 12:20JHN 18:36ROM 8:262CO 1:122CO 12:8COL 3:3St. Augustine preaches on the significance of Psalm 53, focusing on the hidden meanings within the text. He delves into the allegorical interpretation of the Ziphites as enemies of David, representing those who flourish in worldly pursuits but wither in judgment. Augustine emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and judgment, rather than being swayed by temporary worldly success. He encourages voluntary sacrifice of praise to God out of genuine love and gratitude, highlighting the joy found in praising God for His own sake. Through tribulations, one can gain a deeper understanding of God's goodness and deliverance from all troubles.
Sin--Sanctification--Unsaved Friends
By John Newton0PSA 139:23ECC 11:1JHN 15:5ROM 7:252CO 3:52CO 12:8EPH 2:10PHP 4:13HEB 12:21PE 5:7John Newton preaches about the struggles with in-dwelling sin, emphasizing the need for humility, patience, and trust in the Lord Jesus as the only Physician for the sickness of the soul. He encourages gratitude amidst grief, reminding believers to expect growth in grace while accepting God's appointed process of sanctification. Newton highlights the importance of feeling our insufficiency to fully appreciate the sufficiency of God's power and grace, drawing from examples of saints in Scripture. He concludes with a call to fix our eyes on Jesus, finding righteousness, peace, and power in Him, and to be hopeful in being used by God to impact others, even in the most unlikely circumstances.
Let Me Speak, Lastly, to Those Who Do Pray
By J.C. Ryle0Spiritual HealthThe Importance of PrayerGEN 24:12GEN 32:11PSA 119:145ECC 5:2MRK 11:24ACT 12:152CO 12:8PHP 4:6COL 4:2HEB 5:7J.C. Ryle emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of a believer, urging Christians to approach prayer with reverence, humility, and earnestness. He highlights the necessity of praying spiritually and regularly, while also encouraging perseverance and boldness in our requests to God. Ryle warns against the dangers of formality and encourages specificity in prayer, advocating for intercession and thankfulness as essential components. He concludes by stressing the importance of watchfulness over our prayer life, asserting that it reflects the state of our spiritual health. Ryle's heartfelt desire is for Christians to cultivate a spirit of prayerfulness in their lives and in the church.
Prevailing Prayer
By A.W. Tozer0Prevailing PrayerIntercessionMAT 7:7MRK 11:24LUK 18:1ROM 12:122CO 12:8PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:161JN 1:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the power and necessity of prevailing prayer, arguing that both the death of Christ for our sins and the promise of forgiveness through confession are essential truths for Christians. He critiques the notion that praying for the same thing more than once indicates a lack of faith, asserting that this belief contradicts Scripture and undermines the effectiveness of intercession and petition. Tozer illustrates his point by referencing biblical figures like David, Elijah, and Paul, who all engaged in persistent prayer. He concludes that true prayer is not limited to a single request but is a continual dialogue with God that reflects our dependence on Him.
The Sacrament of Pain
By Peter Taylor Forsyth0PSA 30:11ISA 61:3ROM 8:282CO 12:81TH 5:18Peter Taylor Forsyth preaches about the transformative power of prayer in the midst of pain, emphasizing the importance of praying for pain's conversion rather than just its removal. He highlights the concept of making pain a sacrament, capturing and exploiting it for God's glory, and converting it into a form of prayer. Forsyth encourages turning pain into praise, thanking God in all circumstances, and recognizing how our own struggles can be a blessing to others, ultimately leading to a true Eucharist of giving thanks.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I besought the Lord - That is, Christ, as the next verse absolutely proves, and the Socinians themselves confess. And if Christ be an object of prayer in such a case as this, or indeed in any case, it is a sure proof of his divinity; for only an omniscient Being can be made an object of prayer. Thrice - Several suppose this to be a certain number for an uncertain; as if he had said, I often besought Christ to deliver me from this tormentor: or, which is perhaps more likely, the apostle may refer to three solemn, fixed, and fervent applications made to Christ at different times; at the last of which he received the answer which he immediately subjoins. It is worthy of remark, that our Lord in his agony acted in the same way: at three different times he applied to God that the cup might depart from him; and in each application he spoke the same words, Mat 26:39-44. There is, therefore, a manifest allusion to our Lord's conduct in these words of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--"concerning this thing." thrice--To his first and second prayer no answer came. To his third the answer came, which satisfied his faith and led him to bow his will to God's will. So Paul's master, Jesus, thrice prayed on the Mount of Olives, in resignation to the Father's will. The thorn seems (from Co2 12:9, and Greek, Co2 12:7, "that he may buffet me") to have continued with Paul when he wrote, lest still he should be "overmuch lifted up." the Lord--Christ. Escape from the cross is not to be sought even indirectly from Satan (Luk 4:7). "Satan is not to be asked to spare us" [BENGEL].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities,.... Not in them simply considered, but as they were made use of to his advantage, for the exercise of his grace, and for his more abundant consolation; and especially as they tended to the glory of Christ, and made his grace, power, and strength the more conspicuous: by infirmities are meant all outward troubles, everything that is mean and abject, distressing and afflicting, whether from Satan or the world; it seems to be a general term, which includes and is explained by the following particulars: in reproaches; of Satan, the accuser of the brethren, who sometimes reproachfully insinuates that they are hypocrites, and serve God and Christ with mercenary views and selfish ends; and of the men of the world, who traduce them as deceivers, treat them with opprobrious language, and lead them with revilings and contumelies, endeavour to take away their characters, credit, and reputation; the faithful servants of Christ must go through bad report, and suffer shame for the name of Christ; but these reproaches with Moses are esteemed by them greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: in necessities; not of the soul, the better part, there being a sufficiency of grace in Christ to relieve all its wants; but of the body, the apostle was sometimes reduced to very necessitous circumstances, wanting the common necessaries of life, being hungry, thirsty, and naked, and yet cheerful: in persecutions; from place to place by the enemies of the Gospel, by whom he was severely handled by beating, scourging, and imprisonment; but his stripes were the marks of the Lord Jesus; his chains were his crown, and his prison a palace to him: in distresses, or "straits"; both as to body and mind, encompassed with such difficulties that he knew not what way to take, or course to steer: and all for Christ's sake; not for any real crime done by him, but for a profession of Christ, preaching his Gospel, and for the glory of his name; and which made all these afflictions so delightful to him, having in the midst of them the love of God to comfort him, the power and strength of Christ to support him, and the grace of the Spirit to assist him, and the presence of all the three Persons with him; this he suggests to be the ground and reason of his delight and pleasure, in such otherwise disagreeable circumstances: for when I am weak, then am I strong; when he was attended with all the above mentioned infirmities, when laden with reproaches, surrounded with necessities, followed with persecutions, and brought into the utmost straits and difficulties, and was most sensible of his weakness in himself to bear and go through all these things; then was he upheld by the divine arm, and strengthened by the power of Christ; so that he was not only able to sustain the conflict, but became more than a conqueror, and even to triumph in the midst of these adversities; he could and did readily take the advice in Joe 3:10, and express himself in the same language there directed to, and to which he seems to refer, "let the weak say I am strong"; for he that is weak in himself, and sees himself to be so, is strong in Christ, and has a comfortable experience of renewed strength from him, as his day is. The Jews have a saying (h) somewhat like this, "the righteous even , "when they are weak strengthen themselves"; as it is said, Gen 48:2, and the wicked, though in their strength, fall, according to Est 7:8.'' (h) Baal Hatturim in Gen. xlviii. 2.