It is a sublime phrase-a man in Christ. We reach our full stature only when we are in Him. We are but fragments of manhood until the true man is formed in us. Of course the presence of Jesus is always with us, but its manifestation is reserved for special emergencies, when it is peculiarly needed. It is thought that this supreme revelation was synchronous with Paul's stoning at Lystra, Acts 14:1-28. While the poor body was being mangled, his spirit was in the third heaven, that is, in Paradise. What a contrast between being let down in a basket and being caught up into glory! How indifferent to the derisions of men is the soul that lives in God!
We do not know what this thorn, or stake, was-whether eye trouble, or imperfect utterance, or some deformity in appearance-but it was the source of much suffering and many temptations. At first Paul prayed for its removal, but as soon as he learned that its continuance was the condition of receiving additional grace, he not only accepted it, but even gloried in its presence. May we not believe that all disabilities are permitted to drive us to realize and appropriate all that Jesus can be to the hard-pressed soul! [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 12
1For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations, 9yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities; 11blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting 14He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father; 20although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:5
But on mine own behalf [υπερ δε εμαυτου] As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30). [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 12:5 mean?
Concerning-such a manI will boasthowevermyselfnotifnotintheweaknesses
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 12:5
As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (2 Corinthians 11:30). [source]