Pre-Lent · Sexagesima Sunday
2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9
Paul Boasts About His Sufferings
February 8, 2026
Overview & Insights
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
In the last section of the letter (2 Cor. 10–13) Paul makes a frontal attack on his opponents to prepare the Corinthians for his third visit to Corinth. In chapter 10 he has already dealt with two of the opponents’ accusations against him. Now, in 11:1–12:13, the apostle condescends to boasting about himself at the provocation of the opponents and in the face of a lack of concrete support from the Corinthians. These opponents, who evidently bill themselves as “apostles,” had made a strong impression on the church at Corinth with their subversive teachings and robust appeal. Their boasting provoked Paul to engage in similar boasting, even though he recognized it to be utterly foolish. He had already resorted to self-commendation earlier in the letter (cf. 1:12–14; 6:3–10).
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Commentary
2 Corinthians 12:2-10 - Center for Excellence in Preaching Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching notes on the thorn in the flesh and grace made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 11 Commentary (Enduring Word) Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse study of Paul's fool's boast and his catalogue of sufferings.
2 Corinthians 12 Commentary | Precept Austin Precept Austin
Detailed study notes on the vision of paradise and the thorn given to keep Paul humble.
2 Corinthians 11:19 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on Paul bearing with fools and boasting in weakness.
Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12 Blue Letter Bible
Classic exposition of the thorn in the flesh and sufficient grace.
Background & Word Study
2 Corinthians (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Background on the letter's defense of Paul's apostolic ministry.
Book of 2 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of Paul's theme of strength through weakness.
2 Corinthians 11:19 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word study of boasting, weakness, and the thorn (skolops).
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does Paul boast of his weakness?
Rather than his labors and visions, Paul boasts of his thorn in the flesh, learning that Christ's power rests on him precisely where he is weak.
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