Chapter 12
The
apostle’s revelations
|
1–6
|
Which
were improved to his spiritual advantage
|
7–10
|
The
signs of an apostle were in him, His purpose of making them a visit; but he
expresses his fear lest he should have to be severe with some
|
11–21
|
Verses 1–6
There can
be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought
down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient
prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken
up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew
not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of
that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what
he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation
the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while
this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be
revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the
truth and will of God.
Verses 7–10
The
apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to
prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and
revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether
some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good
out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If
God loves us, he will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual
burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to
be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and
overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every
malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give
ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the
second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and
are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts
the prayer of faith, yet he does not always give what is asked for: as he
sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not
take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us,
we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us,
and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and
comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our
weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in
ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we
feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from
him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
Verses 11–21
We owe it
to good men, to stand up in the defence of their reputation; and we are under
special obligations to those from whom we have received benefit, especially
spiritual benefit, to own them as instruments in God’s hand of good to us. Here
is an account of the apostle’s behaviour and kind intentions; in which see the
character of a faithful minister of the gospel. This was his great aim and
design, to do good. Here are noticed several sins commonly found among professors
of religion. Falls and misdeeds are humbling to a minister; and God sometimes
takes this way to humble those who might be tempted to be lifted up. These vast
verses show to what excesses the false teachers had drawn aside their deluded
followers. How grievous it is that such evils should be found among professors
of the gospel! Yet thus it is, and has been too often, and it was so even in
the days of the apostles.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Visit www.e-sword.net
or www.ccel.org
