The Affliction of the Thorn Part 2 (2 Cor. 12:7–10) By Babatunde Olugboji

In the context of Paul’s life and ministry, God’s promise of his grace translates to experiencing divine power in ways he could not have achieved on his own. This represents God’s hidden strategy for his followers, revealing an unexpected pathway to heavenly strength.

Here, God’s “grace” is not merely the objective, forgiving grace referenced in Romans 3:24, which speaks of justification as a gift through redemption in Christ Jesus. Instead, Paul employs “grace” in a broader sense, referring to the presence of God that sustains, empowers, calms, supports, comforts, emboldens, and satisfies. When God says, “My grace is sufficient for you,” it conveys the message, “I am sufficient for you.” The choice of the term “grace” serves to reassure Paul that he does not need to earn or merit God’s presence; it is freely given.

This concept is further elucidated by the subsequent phrase: “for my power is made perfect in weakness,” indicating that this grace serves as a conduit for divine strength. God’s presence will uphold Paul, while his power will fortify him. It is crucial to recognize that it is not Paul’s own strength that is at play, but rather God’s. Paul’s role is one of weakness, which is not a drawback; rather, it is exactly what God requires.

This encapsulates the enigma, the awe, and the magnificence of apostolic Christianity: our vulnerabilities draw, rather than deter, the divine power of God. The shortcomings and limitations we instinctively dread and avoid are, in fact, the very places where God chooses to reside.

A Transformed Perspective on Weakness

Consequently, Paul’s ambitions undergo a radical transformation. He received a vision of heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:1–6, but he also gained insight into how heaven connects with fallen humanity in verses 7–10, specifically through human frailty. The initial revelation elevated him to great heights, while the subsequent one brought him to profound depths (it is possible that Paul reflected on both his heavenly vision and his thorn in the flesh when he stated in Romans 8:39 that neither “height nor depth” can “separate us from the love of God in Christ”).

This second revelation has reshaped his basis for pride. Rather than defining himself by his strengths, he finds his identity in the very weaknesses that the world and the flesh reject. True divine power does not reside in competence; it is found in vulnerability and frailty. It is in these places that God’s grace ignites and where God himself abides.

Paul indeed employs ancient terminology to describe the divine power that rests upon him. The Greek verb for “rest” (episkēnoō) is derived from the root word for tabernacle, the mobile temple that housed God’s presence in ancient times. However, whereas God’s power was previously restricted from the weak and sinful, it is now the very frailty of sinners that invites the power of God. Once again, Paul subtly suggests that a new era has emerged through Christ. In this new era, the operation of God’s power deviates from our expectations.

There is a lot we can learn from this passage.

To be continued…

Have a great week

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