Paul continues his boasting by speaking of visions and revelations he had experienced. He refers to himself in the third person, but these are his personal experiences. He describes being caught up to paradise, hearing inexpressible things—experiences most people would consider boasting about. But Paul boasted instead of his weaknesses, not these glorious revelations. He did not call attention to himself, and he did not want others to think more of him than was warranted.

Not only had Paul received surpassingly great revelations, he also received a thorn in his flesh and a messenger of Satan to torment him. This was so unbearable that Paul prayed repeatedly for the Lord to intervene. Here God taught Paul three things. First, this thorn was given by God to prevent Paul from becoming conceited (7). Second, it was provided for Paul to learn the sufficiency of God’s grace. And third, it was the testimony of God’s power being made perfect in Paul’s weakness. Nobody likes weakness, but Paul delighted in sufferings of all kinds because in his weakness he learned God’s strength. In his weakness God revealed his power through Paul.
Application: Lord, you are sovereign over my life, including my weaknesses. Use my weaknesses to declare your power.
One Word: God’s power made perfect in weakness