What is the explanation of 2 Corinthians chapter 12?

Answer 1

The third heaven referred to by Paul is the heaven most commonly associated with the word in our time - a place beyond the sky and also beyond the realm of the solar system, which is the place which God inhabits.

Paul also referred to the 'thorn in the flesh'. The impediment is not named but was some type of physical ailment which kept him aware of his humanity and frailty, and his dependence upon God. Paul emphasises the importance of seeing the positives which arise from unpleasant situations and the strengths that can be gained from them.

Paul also stresses his genuine concern for their spiritual well-being.

Answer 2

It means in some way, Paul was sent some kind of worry or annoyance to distract him from doing his work from Satan. He asked the Lord 3 times to take it away from him. But God refused for one reason: God was testing his faith. And then, Paul can tell everyone that when you are going through hard times, you can pray to God and he will help you. From now on he will pray to God in tough times. Like Martin Luther's saying: On days when I have nothing to do, pray for an hour. On days where I have alot to do, I pray for three hours.

Answer 3

Put your self on test and judge your self whether your living in faith, in trusting God there is no failure or you will never fall in any thing your doing when your with God, those who trust in God will never fail unless when your not faith full to God. Pray for the success in whatever your doing.

Answer 4

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul is talking about his planned trip to Corinth and assuring them that he will not be a burden to them. Although an apostle, he will be humble among the Corinthians.

In 12:1-7, he says that he knew a man caught up in the third heaven, and heard from him words that it is not lawful for Paul to repeat, and Paul will not desire glory, being aware of the risk of being exalted above all measure. The most obvious explanation of this is based on the belief then current that there were seven heavens, so Paul knew the man in the third heaven. However, some scholars point out that the "third heaven" referred to an exalted status in some early Gnostic Christian sects, and that Paul's epistles have some parallels to Gnostic teachings. On this information, it is possible that Paul shared some Gnostic beliefs, since he would not have been told any of the inner secrets or "unspeakable words" unless he was trusted and had been offerred promotion by the Gnostic group. Here he may have been saying that he did not wish to achieve the same exalted status as the man he knew fourteen years ago.