What does 2 Corinthians 12:5 mean?

Explanation

[2 Corinthians 12:5] pertains to the Apostle Paul speaking about his experiences with divine revelations and spiritual visions.

In context, Paul is discussing a person (scholars often believe he is speaking about himself in the third person) who has been caught up into Paradise and has heard inexpressible things.

Despite the extraordinary nature of these revelations, Paul chooses to "glory," or boast, not in these experiences themselves, but in his weaknesses, or infirmities.

The "boasting" in this context refers to taking pride in or feeling a sense of accomplishment.

Paul indicates that he will not take pride in his personal achievements or revelations, as he might be prone to arrogance or be credited incorrectly with superhuman status.

Instead, he is willing to find contentment and a reason to boast in his weaknesses, because it is in weakness that the strength and grace of Christ are most evident (as he goes on to explain in the following verses).

In saying he will "not glory, but in mine infirmities," Paul emphasizes the paradox that his weaknesses, which would ordinarily be seen as negative attributes, are actually the occasions through which the power of Christ is made manifest in his life.

Historical Context

The Second Epistle to the Corinthians is a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth approximately in the year 55 AD.

Corinthians was a Christian community that Paul had established during his earlier missionary journeys.

This epistle was written against the backdrop of Paul defending his apostleship and addressing various challenges and questions that had arisen within the Corinthian church.

During this time, there were false apostles boasting about their spiritual experiences and diminishing Paul's authority. In response, Paul uses this passage to creatively assert his authority without falling into the same boastful tone.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse emphasizes the Christian principle of finding strength in God's grace despite human weakness. In Paul's theology, boasting in one's weakness is a means to highlight the power and sufficiency of God's grace.

Roman Catholic perspective often sees this verse as a testament to the virtue of humility, wherein the faithful should recognize their fallibility and rely completely on divine grace.

Protestant interpretations vary, but Martin Luther's theological framework, for example, might interpret this verse as emphasizing the doctrine of "Sola gratia," meaning grace alone, suggesting that it is only through God's grace, not human merit, that one is saved and empowered.

Eastern Orthodox theology might focus on the concept of theosis or deification, where human beings can become more like God through divine grace, especially in the midst of suffering and weakness.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse serves as an encouragement for believers to embrace their vulnerabilities as opportunities for God to work in their lives. In modern application:

It serves as an antidote to the contemporary culture which often celebrates self-reliance and personal accomplishment. 2.

It invites individuals to be comfortable with not being perfect and to see their imperfections as places where God's strength can shine. 3.

It also can be used to encourage those who suffer from disabilities, chronic illnesses, or emotional weaknesses, offering them a perspective that their struggles can be a backdrop for spiritual growth and divine intervention.

Cross-References

• "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

• "But he [Jesus] answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.

And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." (Matthew 15:26-27)

• "For when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)
• "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key phrases are:

• "ἀσθενείαις" (astheneiais) - translates to "infirmities," "weaknesses," or "impairments," encompassing physical weaknesses, diseases, and socio-emotional shortcomings.
• "καυχήσομαι" (kauchēsomai) - translates to "will I glory" or "will I boast." This is not boasting out of pride but paradoxically boasting in things that would generally be seen as negative.

The use of these terms places emphasis on an acceptance and embracing of hardship and vulnerability as opposed to the celebration of worldly success, typical of the cultural norm of the period.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparatively, in other ancient religions and philosophical traditions, such as Stoicism, there is often a theme of embracing adversity as a pathway to virtue. In those contexts, however, the source of strength is typically internal, whereas Paul points to strength coming externally, from Christ.

In Buddhism, there are parallels in the concept of turning obstacles into the path, where difficulties become opportunities for growth, although the frameworks for understanding and dealing with these are different from Paul's Christian outlook.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific or psychological standpoint, the concept of finding strength in weakness can be compared to the modern understanding of post-traumatic growth, where people can develop in positive ways following adversity.

Research has found that such experiences can lead to increased personal strength, improved relationships, and a greater appreciation for life, aligning somewhat with the positive reframing Paul endorses in this verse.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians often interpret this passage as Paul's counter-cultural perspective on the concepts of power and weakness.

They note that Paul's resistance to boast in visions and revelations defies the social norms of his time where such experiences would typically be a source of personal pride and authority.

Commentators like John Stott and N.T.

Wright highlight that Paul's stance serves as an exemplar of Christian humility, pointing always to Christ's power rather than human accolades.

The consensus among various expert commentaries is that Paul's teachings in this passage, and others like it, form the core of a Christian understanding that it is in the context of human weakness that God's strength is most gloriously displayed.