2 Corinthians 12

http://www.esvbible.org/2+Corinthians+12/

Paul moves on to talk about revelations and visions. He says he knows someone who was snatched up one day and taken to Heaven before being put back on Earth. This could have happened spiritually or physically. Paul does not know which happened. The Lord works in mysterious ways. We cannot hope to know all the ways of the Lord while we live here on Earth. Whenever we think we have Him figured out, He will reveal more to us to teach that He is the infinite, all powerful God, and we have finite minds that cannot comprehend what is infinite. The man had such an incredible vision that there are no words that can describe what he saw. That's what's waiting for us when we die. Something that will blow our minds so much that there are no words in existence that can capture what it truly is. Paul says that he could brag about his own visions, but he doesn't because he would rather have God validate his ability through the people he has reached. Even the apostle Paul is tempted by Satan, and he knows it. That's one way to avoid temptation is to find the areas where you know Satan can strike, will strike, or has struck. That way, you are prepared. You have a defense because you know what areas of your life need the most prayer and you can direct your attention that way. God told Paul that His power is greatest when Paul is weak. God doesn't help those who don't need help or won't accept it. Paul says that is why he only brags about his weakness. If he does so, he gets to experience and show Christ's strength.

Paul does not understand why the Corinthians have turned away from him and towards what he calls super-apostles. He says he did everything for them that they could need to see or experience or know in order to believe that he truly was an apostle from God. He didn't even ask them for help. When he returns, he still won't ask them. He sees himself as a parent to the Church at Corinth because he teaches them the ways of Christ and the Good News. He says a child should not provide for a parent, but it should be the other way around. Paul will give them whatever it takes so that they will listen. It's not possessions that Paul wants, it's people. Everyone has this amazing opportunity to live forever in the most indescribable place, so Paul wants everyone to have the chance to enjoy it.

Paul discusses how the people in Corinth have not changed since their conversions. So many times we refuse to give up our old ways because they are what we are used to or they are easier or more fun and pleasant. God sets His rules in place to look out for us. Each rule he sets has a reason for our better good. Paul says he grieves when he sees sinful people who have not changed after claiming to be Christians for so long.