CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>2 Corinthians 12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/2_corinthians/12-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/47_2Co_12_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="2 Corinthians 12:1 - Paul's Revelation" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/2_corinthians/12-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/2_corinthians/12-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/">2 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/2_corinthians/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-33.htm" title="2 Corinthians 11:33">◄</a> 2 Corinthians 12:1 <a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm" title="2 Corinthians 12:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New International Version</a> I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Living Translation</a> This boasting will do no good, but I must go on. I will reluctantly tell about visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Standard Version</a> I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> It behooves me to boast; it is not profitable indeed, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">King James Bible</a> It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/12.htm">New King James Version</a> It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: <a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1995</a> Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> It is necessary to boast, though it is not profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/amp/2_corinthians/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/csb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Boasting is necessary. It is not profitable, but I will move on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/asv/2_corinthians/12.htm">American Standard Version</a> I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/cev/2_corinthians/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I have to brag. There is nothing to be gained by it, but I must brag about the visions and other things that the Lord has shown me. <a href="/erv/2_corinthians/12.htm">English Revised Version</a> I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I must brag, although it doesn't do any good. I'll go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Good News Translation</a> I have to boast, even though it doesn't do any good. But I will now talk about visions and revelations given me by the Lord. <a href="/isv/2_corinthians/12.htm">International Standard Version</a> I must boast, although it does not do any good. Let's talk about visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/msb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/net/2_corinthians/12.htm">NET Bible</a> It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It is necessary to boast, though it is not profitable. But I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am compelled to boast. It is not a profitable employment, but I will proceed to visions and revelations granted me by the Lord. <a href="/web/2_corinthians/12.htm">World English Bible</a> It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast, but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> To boast, really, is not profitable for me, for I will come to visions and revelations of the LORD. <a href="/blb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> It behooves me to boast; it is not profitable indeed, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> To boast, really, is not profitable for me, for I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/slt/2_corinthians/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Indeed it is not profitable to me to boast. For I will come to visions and Revelation of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> If I must glory (it is not expedient indeed): but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If it is necessary (though certainly not expedient) to glory, then I will next tell of visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/12.htm">New American Bible</a> I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> It is necessary to boast; nothing is to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> BOASTING is proper, but there is no advantage in it, and I prefer to relate the visions and revelations of our LORD. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/12.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> It is necessary to boast, but it is not beneficial, for I myself come to visions and revelations of Our Lord.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/12.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> To boast is not suitable for me; I will come to visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> It behooves me to glory, indeed it is not profitable, I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/12.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> IT is not expedient doubtless for me to boast. I will yet come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/mace/2_corinthians/12.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Have not I reason to glory? for now I shall mention my visions and revelations from the Lord. <a href="/wey/2_corinthians/12.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> I am compelled to boast. It is not a profitable employment, but I will proceed to visions and revelations granted me by the Lord. <a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> It is needful for me to glory, though, indeed, not profitable; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/12.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> To boast indeed does not become me: but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. <a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=2191" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/12.htm">Paul's Revelation</a> 1<a href="/greek/1163.htm" title="1163: dei (V-PIA-3S) -- Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.">I must</a> <a href="/greek/2744.htm" title="2744: Kauchasthai (V-PNM/P) -- To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt.">go on boasting.</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4851.htm" title="4851: sympheron (V-PPA-NNS) -- From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.">Although there is nothing to gain,</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: eleusomai (V-FIM-1S) -- To come, go. ">I will go on</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3701.htm" title="3701: optasias (N-AFP) -- A vision, supernatural appearance. From a presumed derivative of optanomai; visuality, i.e. an apparition.">visions</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/602.htm" title="602: apokalypseis (N-AFP) -- An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure.">revelations</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriou (N-GMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">from the Lord.</a> 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-17.htm">Acts 22:17-18</a> Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a> As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. ... <a href="/galatians/1-12.htm">Galatians 1:12</a> I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-17</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, / nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8</a> And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-13.htm">2 Corinthians 5:13</a> If we are out of our mind, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">2 Corinthians 11:16-18</a> I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then receive me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little. / In this confident boasting of mine, I am not speaking as the Lord would, but as a fool. / Since many are boasting according to the flesh, I too will boast. <a href="/philippians/3-3.htm">Philippians 3:3-7</a> For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— / though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: / circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; ... <a href="/revelation/1-10.htm">Revelation 1:10-11</a> On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, / saying, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” <a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> In the thirtieth year, on the fifth day of the fourth month, while I was among the exiles by the River Kebar, the heavens opened and I saw visions of God. <a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-4</a> In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ... <a href="/daniel/10-7.htm">Daniel 10:7-8</a> Only I, Daniel, saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but a great terror fell upon them, and they ran and hid themselves. / So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. <a href="/genesis/28-12.htm">Genesis 28:12-13</a> And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder. / And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a> So Jacob named the place Peniel, saying, “Indeed, I have seen God face to face, and yet my life was spared.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.expedient.<a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">2 Corinthians 8:10</a> And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.<a href="/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7</a> Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.<a href="/john/18-14.htm">John 18:14</a> Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.to glory.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">2 Corinthians 12:11</a> I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.<a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">2 Corinthians 11:16-30</a> I say again, Let no man think me a fool; if otherwise, yet as a fool receive me, that I may boast myself a little… I will come.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">2 Corinthians 12:7</a> And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.<a href="/numbers/12-6.htm">Numbers 12:6</a> And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.<a href="/ezekiel/1-1.htm">Ezekiel 1:1</a> Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/7-12.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-18.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Doubtless</a> <a href="/acts/16-19.htm">Employment</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Expedient</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Good</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-30.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-10.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Revelations</a> <a href="/acts/2-17.htm">Visions</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/galatians/2-3.htm">Although</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Boasting</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">Compelled</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Doubtless</a> <a href="/genesis/46-32.htm">Employment</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Expedient</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-17.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-5.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/galatians/1-3.htm">Granted</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Necessary</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-10.htm">Needs</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Proceed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-8.htm">Profitable</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-7.htm">Revelations</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Visions</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 12</div>1. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">For commending of his apostleship, though he might glory of his wonderful revelations,</a> 9. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">yet he rather chooses to glory of his infirmities;</a> 11. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-11.htm">blaming the Corinthians for forcing him to this vain boasting.</a> 14. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-14.htm">He promises to come to them again; but yet altogether in the affection of a father;</a> 20. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">although he fears he shall to his grief find many offenders, and public disorders there.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I must go on boasting. Paul's statement here is a continuation of his defense against false apostles who were challenging his authority and credibility. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul reluctantly engages in boasting to counteract the influence of these false teachers. This phrase highlights the tension between humility and the necessity to assert his apostolic authority. The cultural context of Corinth, a city known for its love of rhetoric and public speaking, makes this boasting a strategic move to connect with the audience on their terms.Although there is nothing to gain, Paul acknowledges that boasting is not spiritually beneficial. This reflects the biblical principle that true worth is found in humility and service, as seen in Jesus' teachings (<a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>). Paul’s admission underscores the futility of human pride and the importance of focusing on spiritual growth and the edification of the church rather than personal accolades.I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. Paul transitions to discussing his spiritual experiences, which serve as evidence of his genuine apostolic calling. Visions and revelations were common ways God communicated with His prophets and apostles, as seen in the experiences of Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6.htm">Isaiah 6:1-8</a>) and John (<a href="/revelation/1-9.htm">Revelation 1:9-20</a>). This phrase indicates that Paul's authority is divinely sanctioned, not self-appointed. The mention of "the Lord" emphasizes the source of these revelations, aligning with the biblical theme that true prophecy and revelation come from God alone.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is known for his missionary journeys and extensive contributions to the New Testament. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and immorality. The church in Corinth faced many challenges, including divisions and moral issues. 3. <a href="/topical/v/visions_and_revelations.htm">Visions and Revelations</a> Paul refers to supernatural experiences given by God. These are significant in understanding divine truths and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_humility_in_boasting.htm">The Humility in Boasting</a> Paul acknowledges that boasting is not beneficial, yet he proceeds to highlight God's work in his life. This teaches us to focus on God's power rather than our achievements. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_visions_and_revelations.htm">The Role of Visions and Revelations</a> Visions and revelations are tools God uses to communicate with His people. We should be open to God's guidance while discerning and testing all things against Scripture. <a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_divine_experiences.htm">The Purpose of Divine Experiences</a> Such experiences are meant to edify the church and glorify God, not to elevate the individual. Our spiritual experiences should lead to greater service and humility. <a href="/topical/t/the_balance_of_experience_and_scripture.htm">The Balance of Experience and Scripture</a> While personal experiences with God are valuable, they must align with biblical truth. Scripture remains the ultimate authority. <a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_spiritual_pride.htm">The Challenge of Spiritual Pride</a> Paul’s reluctance to boast reminds us of the danger of spiritual pride. We must guard our hearts and give glory to God for any spiritual insight or experience.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 12</a> <a href="/q/why_is_paul's_2_cor_12_journey_unclear.htm">Why doesn't Paul clarify whether his experience in 2 Corinthians 12 was a physical or purely spiritual journey, and what evidence supports either view?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_'third_heaven'_about.htm">What does "caught up to the third heaven" mean?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_out-of-body_experiences.htm">What does the Bible say about out-of-body experiences?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_2_corinthians.htm">Who is the author of 2 Corinthians?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>XII.(1) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come . . .--The English "doubtless" corresponds to a Greek illative particle. To boast, then, is not expedient for me. The MSS., however, present a considerable variety of readings. The best-authenticated text is probably that which would be represented in English by, I must needs glory. It is not, indeed, expedient, but I will come . . . The sequence of thought would seem to be that the Apostle felt constrained by the taunts of his opponents to indulge in what looked like self-assertion in vindication of his own character; that he was conscious, as he did so, that it was not, in the highest sense of the word, expedient for him; and that, under the influence of these mingled feelings, he passed over other topics on which he might have dwelt, and came at once to that which had been made matter of reproach against him.Visions and revelations of the Lord.--It need scarcely be said that the history of the Acts is full of such visions (<a href="/context/acts/9-4.htm" title="And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?">Acts 9:4-6</a>; <a href="/acts/16-9.htm" title="And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.">Acts 16:9</a>; <a href="/acts/18-9.htm" title="Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:">Acts 18:9</a>; <a href="/acts/22-18.htm" title="And saw him saying to me, Make haste, and get you quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive your testimony concerning me.">Acts 22:18</a>; <a href="/acts/23-11.htm" title="And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as you have testified of me in Jerusalem, so must you bear witness also at Rome.">Acts 23:11</a>; <a href="/acts/27-23.htm" title="For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,">Acts 27:23</a>). One other instance is referred to in <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm" title="And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.">Galatians 2:2</a>. There is scarcely any room for doubt that this also had been made matter of reproach against him, and perhaps urged as a proof of the charge of madness. In the Clementine Homilies--a kind of controversial romance representing the later views of the Ebionite or Judaising party, in which most recent critics have recognised a thinly-veiled attempt to present the characteristic features of St. Paul under the pretence of an attack on Simon Magus, just as the writer of a political novel in modern times might draw the portraits of his rivals under fictitious names--we find stress laid on the alleged claims of Simon to have had communications from the Lord through visions and dreams and outward revelations; and this claim is contrasted with that of Peter, who had personally followed Christ during his ministry on earth (Hom. xvii. 14-20). What was said then, in the form of this elaborate attack, may well have been said before by the more malignant advocates of the same party. The charge of insanity was one easy to make, and of all charges, perhaps, the most difficult to refute by one who gloried in the facts which were alleged as its foundation--who did see visions, and did "speak with tongues" in the ecstasy of adoring rapture (<a href="/1_corinthians/14-18.htm" title="I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than you all:">1Corinthians 14:18</a>). It may be noted as an instance of St. Luke's fairness that he, ignorant of, or ignoring, the charge of madness that had been brought against St. Paul, does not grudge the Apostle of the Circumcision whatever glory might accrue from a true revelation thus made through the medium of a vision (<a href="/context/acts/10-10.htm" title="And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,">Acts 10:10-11</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. This rendering follows the best-attested reading; but it is at least doubtful whether, instead of δεῖ or δὲ, the ironic δὴ of Κ, Μ, and the Greek Fathers is not the true reading. In mere vowel variations, especially in passages where the meaning does not lie on the surface, the diplomatic (external) evidence is less important. If St. Paul wrote δὴ, it means, "of course it is not expedient for me to boast." I will come; for I will come; if the reading of D is correct. In that case it is hardly possible to define the counter currents of feeling which caused the use of the conjunction. Visions and revelations. The word used for "visions" means presentations perceived in a state which is neither sleeping nor waking, but which are regarded as objective; "revelations" are the truths apprehended as a result of the visions. Optasia, for "visions," only occurs elsewhere in <a href="/luke/1-22.htm">Luke 1:22</a>; <a href="/luke/24-23.htm">Luke 24:23</a>; <a href="/acts/26-19.htm">Acts 26:19</a> (comp. <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm">Galatians 2:2</a>). <a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>I must δεῖ (dei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1163.htm">Strong's 1163: </a> Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary. go on boasting. Καυχᾶσθαι (Kauchasthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_2744.htm">Strong's 2744: </a> To boast; I glory (exult) proudly. From some base akin to that of aucheo and euchomai; to vaunt. Although there is nothing to gain, συμφέρον (sympheron) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4851.htm">Strong's 4851: </a> From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage. I will go on ἐλεύσομαι (eleusomai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. visions ὀπτασίας (optasias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> A vision, supernatural appearance. From a presumed derivative of optanomai; visuality, i.e. an apparition. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. revelations ἀποκαλύψεις (apokalypseis) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_602.htm">Strong's 602: </a> An unveiling, uncovering, revealing, revelation. From apokalupto; disclosure. from [the] Lord. Κυρίου (Kyriou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 12:1 It is doubtless not profitable for me (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 11:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 11:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 12:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 12:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>