12:1 It {1} is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
(1) He continues in his purpose, and because those braggarts boasted of revelations, he reckons up those things which lift him up above the common capacity of men. But he uses a preface, and prudently excuses himself.
12:1 Paul's Revelations and Thorn in the Flesh
SUMMARY OF II CORINTHIAN 12:
Visions and Revelations. Caught Up into Paradise. The Thorn in the Flesh. God's Answer to Prayer. Weakness Made Strength. The Signs of the Apostle. Coming Now the Third Time to Corinth. Paul's Unselfish Course at Corinth.
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. It was distasteful for him to speak on himself, and he could only do it when compelled by the disparagement of adversaries.
I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. Supernatural things revealed to the spiritual eye and divine truths revealed to the human spirit.
12:1 It is not expedient - Unless on so pressing occasion. Visions are seen; revelations, heard.
12:1-6 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.
