2 Coríntios 12
David Guzik · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - Visions and revelations: Whether they concern angels, Jesus, heaven, or other things, these things are more common in the New Testament than we might think. • Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, had a vision of an angel (Luke 1:8–23) • Jesus’ transfiguration is described as a vision for the disciples (Matthew 17:9) • The women who came to visit Jesus’ tomb had a vision of angels (Luke 24:22–24) • Stephen saw a vision of Jesus at his death (Acts 7:55–56) • Ananias experienced a vision telling him to go to Saul (Acts 9:10) • Peter had a vision of the clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:17–19 and 11:5) • Peter had a vision of an angel at his release from prison (Acts 12:9) • John had many visions on Patmos (Revelation 1:1) • Paul had a revelation of Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6–11 and 26:12–20) • Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia, asking him to come to that region to help (Acts 16:9–10) • Paul had an encouraging vision while in Corinth (Acts 18:9–11) • Paul had a vision of an angel on the ship that was about to be wrecked (Acts 27:23–25) 2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago--whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knows--such a man was caught up to the third heaven. Plummer- I can tell you of a man who was in ecstasy with Christ fourteen years ago—it was Christ’s doing and no credit to the man: whether he was still in the body, I cannot tell, or whether he was in rapture away from the body. I cannot tell; that is known to God alone: he was caught up, this man of whom I speak, even to the third heaven. I know a man: 2Co 12:3,5 in Christ: 2Co 5:17,21 13:5 Isa 45:24,25 Joh 6:56 15:4-6 17:21-23 Ro 8:1 Ro 16:7 1Co 1:30 Ga 1:22 5:6 fourteen years ago: Acts 14:6 Acts 22:17 in the body : 2Co 5:6-8 1Ki 18:12 2Ki 2:16 Eze 8:1-3 11:24 Ac 8:39,40 22:17 Php 1:22,23 Rev 1:10 4:2 God knows: 2Co 12:3 11:11 caught up : 2Co 12:4 Lu 24:51 1Th 4:17 Heb 9:24 Rev 12:5 third heaven: Ge 1:14-20 1Ki 8:27 Isa 57:15 2 Corinthians 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:17+ (CHURCH WILL BE CAUGHT UP) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up (harpazo) together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air (THIS IS MOST LIKELY THE FIRST HEAVEN), and so we shall always be with the Lord. Acts 8:39+ (AN "EARTHLY RAPTURE") When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched (harpazo) Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. PAUL'S FIRST CENTURY "TRIP INTO SPACE"
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - Some early Christians wrongly thought Paradise was the place where souls of believers went after death to await resurrection. Some of them (like the ancient theologian Origen) even believed Paradise was located somewhere on the earth’s surface. And heard inexpressible words (rhema), which a man is not permitted to speak - These were visions and yet Paul gives absolutely not one comment about what he saw. He is seeking to downplay this event, as its main purpose is to refute the experiences of the false teachers. This was a real event, one in which he heard actual words (aorist active indicative - mood of reality) uttered, even though he could not repeat what he heard. Inexpressible (arrhetos - only used here) means either "that cannot be expressed, since it is beyond human powers," or "that must not be expressed, since it is holy, not to be spoken." (BDAG) The implication is that he heard literal spoken words for he uses the noun rhema which places emphasis on something actually spoken. Permitted (exesti) is modified by the Greek absolute negative (ou) indicating that it was absolutely no lawful, right or permissible for him to speak these words. MacArthur on inexpressible words - The veil between earth and heaven remains in place. What God wants known about heaven is revealed in the Bible; as for the rest, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God” (Deut. 29:29+). (2 Corinthians) Utley on inexpressible words - Humanity’s curiosity is not to be eased in all areas of truth. As Lazarus did not speak of the grave, Paul would not, could not, share this experience. There is an obvious word play on “unspeakable” (arrētos, “speech,” and hrētos), or possibly this was a technical idiom of the mystery religion’s initiation rites. Possibly there simply was not human vocabulary adequate to express what he saw (cf. 1 Cor. 2:9). NET NOTE - In the NT, paradise is mentioned three times. In Luke 23:43 it refers to the abode of the righteous dead. In Rev 2:7 it refers to the restoration of Edenic paradise predicted in Isa 51:3 and Ezek 36:35. The reference here in 2 Cor 12:4 is probably to be translated as parallel to the mention of the "third heaven" in v. 2. Assuming that the "first heaven" would be atmospheric heaven (the sky) and "second heaven" the more distant stars and planets, "third heaven" would refer to the place where God dwells. This is much more likely than some variation on the seven heavens mentioned in the pseudepigraphic book 2 Enoch and in other non-biblical and rabbinic works. THOUGHT - The true measure of a man of God does not lie in his claims of visions and experiences with God, or the force of his personality, the size of his ministry, his educational degrees, or any other human criteria. A true man of God is marked by how much he has suffered in the war against the kingdom of darkness, how concerned he is for people, how humble he is, and how accurately he handles the supernatural revelation found in God’s Word (2Ti 2:15). Like Paul, such men patiently endure the suffering and humiliation of this life, knowing that such “momentary, light affliction is producing … an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17). (John
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - Paul felt it was important to mention this experience but not to dwell on it in any way. He wasn’t trying to “sell” himself to the Corinthian Christians. In fact, he holds back from his description (But I forbear), because he didn’t want to persuade the Corinthian Christians that he was just another “super apostle” (lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me). If the Corinthian Christians thought Paul was weak and different from the “super apostles,” that was fine with him. He wanted the Corinthian Christians to see the glory of God expressed in weakness, not to see him as “great” as the “super apostles” claimed to be.
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - Paul lets the Corinthian Christians know that when he comes, though he will receive a collection for the saints in Judea (2 Corinthians 8), he will not receive money from them for his personal support. He will continue his previous practice among the Corinthian Christians of supporting himself and he will not be burdensome to the Corinthian Christians. Adam
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - This is the testimony of every godly minister. They do not serve for what they can get from God’s people but for what they can give to God’s people. They are shepherds, not hirelings.. This is the heart of Jesus towards us. We often think that what God really wants is what we have; but He really wants us. Jesus selflessly seeks our good, and His heart is for us, not for what He can “get” from us. Alan Redpath - “Paul is only a faint shadow of the Lord Jesus; and if these qualities are found in his life, it is only because they were found completely in the life of Jesus Christ our Lord.”
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - There is hurt in those words! Yet, Paul did not allow that hurt to cripple him or even to rob his joy in serving and living. He would still very gladly spend and be spent for the Corinthian Christians. Utley on “more” This family of terms characterizes Paul’s emotional and extravagant literary style in II Corinthians.
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - Paul proves that the charge he is being crafty is false. He reminds the Corinthian Christians that neither Paul nor any of his associates had ever behaved in a financially inappropriate way before the Corinthians. Taken advantage (defrauded) (4122) pleonekteo from pleíon = more + écho = have <> pleonektes is one who wants more, person covetous of something that others have, a defrauder for gain) literally means to have more than another and then to take advantage of any one. To claim more. To covet. To have more than one's due. To selfishly attempt to gain more at all costs and by all means disregarding others and their rights. Defraud means to selfishly and greedily take something at someone else's expense. 5v in NT - 2 Co. 2:11; 2 Co. 7:2; 2 Co. 12:17; 2 Co. 12:18; 1 Thess. 4:6 2 Corinthians 12:18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps? Titus: 2Co 2:12,13 7:2,6 with: 2Co 8:6,18 Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit 2Co 8:6,16-23 Php 2:19-22 in the same steps: Nu 16:15 1Sa 12:3,4 Ne 5:14 Ac 20:33-35 Ro 4:12 1Pe 2:21 2 Corinthians 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him - Presumably this is the brother in 2Co 8:18 where Paul wrote "We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches." Utley on brother with him - This taking along the representatives from the churches was Paul’s way to de-arm the accusations related to this contribution to the Jerusalem Church. Titus did not take any advantage of (pleonekteo) you, did he? - This is a point blank question. This question about the integrity of Titus also expects a negative answer.
2 Coríntios 12
Guzik - “It is not his purpose to make the Corinthians squirm, but to bring them to their senses, to help them to rid themselves of the narcotic effect produced on them by the false apostles who had invaded their community.” Barton - All of his efforts were dedicated to building up the Corinthians in the faith and were directed to this purpose, whether it was delaying a visit (2Co 1:23-24) or writing a stern letter of warning (2Co 7:8-9), whether it was his willingness to endure suffering (2Co 1:6) or his refusal to take money (2Co 11:7; 2Co 12:14-15). Paul knew that God himself could see his motives, that everything he did was out of love for the Corinthians (2Co 11:11) and concern for their spiritual welfare (2Co 11:2-3). (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) Beloved (agapetos) describes the Corinthians as in a very special relationship with Paul. Beloved is a term of endearment and is someone that you love, and someone you are deeply devoted to. In the context of the New Testament agape love speaks of God’s divine and infinite love, a love that seeks the ultimate spiritual welfare of the one loved. Agapetos could be translated “divinely loved ones.” Defending (626) apologeomai from apó = from + lógos = speech) literally means to speak oneself off, hence to plead for oneself, to defend or speak or plead for oneself before a tribunal or elsewhere. Lk. 12:11; Lk. 21:14; Acts 19:33; Acts 24:10; Acts 25:8; Acts 26:1; Acts 26:2; Acts 26:24; Rom. 2:15; 2 Co. 12:19 Upbuilding (edification, edifying) (3619) oikodome from oikos = dwelling, house + doma = building or demo = to build) is literally the building of a house and came to refer to any building process. Oikodome can refer to the actual process of building or construction. Another literal meaning is as a reference to a building or edifice which is the result of a construction process (Mt 24:1, Mk 13:1, 2 are the only literal uses of oikodome in the NT). Figuratively the idea is the process of edification or building up spiritually or spiritual strengthening. (See sermon by Alexander Maclaren entitled "Edification") 18v in NT - Matt. 24:1; Mk. 13:1; Mk. 13:2; Rom. 14:19; Rom. 15:2; 1Co. 3:9; 1Co. 14:3; 1Co. 14:5; 1Co. 14:12; 1Co. 14:26; 2Co. 5:1; 2 Co. 10:8; 2Co. 12:19; 2Co. 13:10; Eph. 2:21; Eph. 4:12; Eph. 4:16; Eph. 4:29 Beloved (27) agapetos from agapao = to love, agape = unconditional love borne by Spirit - Gal 5:22-note) means beloved, dear, very much loved. Agapetos describes the love of another, this love being called out of the "giver's" heart by preciousness of the recipient of the love (the "beloved'). Agapetos is used only of Christians as united (by covenant, the New Covenant) with God and/or with each other in love. Agapetos in Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 4:14; 1 Co. 4:17; 1 Co. 10:14; 1 Co. 15:58; 2 Co. 7:1; 2 Co. 12:19; 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances; NET 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that somehow when I come I will not find you what I wish, and you will find me not what you wish. I am afraid that somehow there may be quarreling, jealousy, intense anger, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. BGT 2 Corinthians 12:20 φοβοῦμαι γὰρ μή πως ἐλθὼν οὐχ οἵους θέλω εὕρω ὑμᾶς κἀγὼ εὑρεθῶ ὑμῖν οἷον οὐ θέλετε· μή πως ἔρις, ζῆλος, θυμοί, ἐριθείαι, καταλαλιαί, ψιθυρισμοί, φυσιώσεις, ἀκαταστασίαι· NLT 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I won't like what I find, and you won't like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior. ESV 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish-- that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. NIV 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I may find you to be not what I wish 2Co 12:21 13:9 may be found by you to be not what you wish : 2Co 1:23,24 2:1-3 10:2,6,8,9 13:2,10 1Co 4:18-21 5:3-5 disputes: 1Co 1:11 3:3,4 4:6-8,18 6:7,8 11:16-19 14:36,37 Ga 5:15,19-21 Ga 5:26 Eph 4:31,32 Jas 3:14-16 4:1-5 1Pe 2:1 gossip: Ps 41:7 Pr 16:28 Ro 1:29 arrogance: 2Pe 2:18 Jude 1:16 2 Corinthians 12 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Galatians 5:19-21+ (COMPARE 2Cor 12: 20-21 - NOTE SIMILARITY TO THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who (present tense - habitually) practice (prasso) such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 (STRIFE IN PAST) Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same 11 For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels (eris) among you. 12 Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 3:3-5 (STRIFE AND JEALOUSY - FACTIONS) for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy (zelos) and strife (eris), are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? 4 For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men? 5 What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? PAUL'S APPREHENSION ABOUT PERSISTENT SIN For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish - NLT = "For I am afraid that when I come I won't like what I find, and you won't like my response" Paul expresses his concern about the spiritual condition of his spiritual children. He has fears that they might not be in good spiritual condition. The choice is theirs. In that event they would learn he would not hesitate to address their spiritual maladies headon with full apostolic authority! David Guzik - Looking forward to his next visit, Paul warns the Corinthian Christians. If they are not in a state pleasing to Paul (before the Lord), then they will find him to be in a state not pleasing to them. Barton - On his last visit to Corinth, Paul had warned those who were persisting in sin to repent of their ways (2Co 13:2). He had even postponed his plans to visit Corinth in order to give them time to put their church in order (2Co 1:23-2:4). According to Titus's report, the Corinthians had made some progress in this. They had taken appropriate action against the anonymous offender (2Co 2:5-11; 7:11). (1 & 2 Corinthians Life Application Bible Commentary) That perhaps there will be strife (see eris - see passages above), jealousy (see zelos - see passages above), angry tempers (thumos - violent temper that flares up in an instant), disputes (eritheia), slanders (katalalia), gossip (psithurismos), arrogance (phusiosis), disturbances (akatastasia) - Paul is firing words like bullets out of a machine gun and they are all painful "bullets" describing his fear that the church is a spiritual "truckwreck." This is like Paul's warning shot over the bow! Note that these sins in 2Co 12:20-21 are very similar to the list of sins of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21. Note also that those who practice these sins "that those who (present tense - habitually) practice (prasso) such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Gal 5:21+) James explains why jealousy and disputes (selfish ambition) has the potential for such creating disorder and disturbances in the church at Corinth - "if you have bitter jealousy (zelos) and selfish ambition (eritheia) in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth....For where jealousy (zelos) and selfish ambition (eritheia) exist, there is disorder (akatastasia) and every evil thing. (James 3:14, 16+) Paul had described their arrogance (phusiosis), on several occasions - 1Co 4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1. (each verse uses the related verb phusioo)
2 Coríntios 12:9
Guzik - My grace is sufficient: How did God’s grace make the difference? How did it meet Paul’s need at this point? Grace could meet Paul’s need because it expresses God’s acceptance and pleasure in us. When we receive His grace, we enjoy our status of favor and approval in God’s eyes. Grace means that God likes us, that He is favorably disposed towards us and that we have His approval and promise of care. Grace could meet Paul’s need because it was available all the time. When we sin or fail, it does not put us outside the reach of God’s grace. Since grace is given freely to us in Jesus, it can’t be taken away later because we stumble or fall. When we come to God by faith through the blood of Jesus, His grace is ever ready to meet us and to minister to our insufficiencies. Grace could meet Paul’s need because it was the very strength of God. So much of the power of this world is expressed in things that can only bring harm and destruction, but God loves to show His power through His goodness and grace. Sometimes we associate goodness with cowardice or timidity. When we do, we take a worldly perspective about power and strength, and we deny God’s truth about the strength of grace and love. Grace is not weak or wimpy. Instead, it is the power of God to fulfill what we lack. David Guzik - My grace is sufficient for you: You may emphasize any aspect of this you please. i. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Grace is the favor and love of God in action. It means He loves us and is pleased by us. Can you hear it from God? “My love is enough for you.” Isn’t it true? ii. “My grace is sufficient for you.” Whose grace is it? It is the grace of Jesus. Isn’t His love, His favor, enough? What will Jesus fail at? Remember too that Jesus suffered thorns, so He cares and He knows. iii. “My grace is sufficient for you.” It is right now. Not that it will be some day, but right now, at this moment, His grace is sufficient. You thought something had to change before His grace would be enough. You thought, “His grace was sufficient once, His grace may be sufficient again, but not now, not with what I am going through.” Despite that feeling, God’s word stands. “My grace is sufficient for you.”
2 Coríntios 12:9
Guzik - To summarize, instead of using his experience to glorify himself (as the “super apostles” among the Corinthian Christians did), Paul relates how his whole glorious experience humbled him more than ever.