Paul's Vision and His Thorn - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Understand It
- Who was the man in Christ whom Paul described? (12:2)
- Why did Paul tell the Corinthians about his vision, despite his misgivings? (12:2-4)
- Why was Paul reluctant to speak about his vision? (12:3-6)
- What happened during the revelation Paul described? (12:4)
- Why did Paul refrain from boasting? (12:6)
- For what reason might Paul have become conceited? (12:7)
- What prevented Paul from developing a proud spirit? (12:7)
- Why did Paul have a "thorn"? (12:7)
- Who was responsible for giving Paul a "thorn in the flesh"? (12:7)
- What was Paul’s response to his "thorn"? (12:8, 10)
- What purpose can suffering serve? (12:9)
Apply It
- What weakness can you turn over to the Lord through prayer this week?
- In what area of your life do you want to rely more on God’s strength and power, rather than your own?
Paul's Concern for the Corinthians - 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
Understand It
- How did Paul maintain humility while defending himself against his opponents at Corinth? (12:11)
- What tone did Paul use in this passage? (12:11-13)
- Why should the Corinthians have recognized the apostles? (12:12)
- What did Paul want from the Corinthians? (12:14)
- To what did Paul liken his relationship with the Corinthians? (12:14)
- Why did Paul ask the Corinthians, "If I love you more, will you love me less?" (12:15)
- How do we know that Paul had a deep affection for the Corinthians? (12:15-18)
- Why was Paul’s conscience clear about the men he had sent to Corinth? (12:17-18)
- What prompted Paul to write this letter? (12:20-21)
- In what ways did Paul fear that the Corinthians might cause him to be humbled before God? (12:21)
Apply It
- What simple act of concern can you show for the people in your church this week?
- In the future, how can you follow Paul’s example in healing divisions between Christians?
