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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 2 Corinthians 12:9 - 12:9
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
He hath said (eirēken). Perfect active indicative, as if a final word. Paul probably still has the thorn in his flesh and needs this word of Christ.
Is sufficient (arkei). Old word of rich meaning, perhaps kin to Latin arceo, to ward off against danger. Christ’s grace suffices and abides.
Is perfected (teleitai). Present passive indicative of teleō, to finish. It is linear in idea. Power is continually increased as the weakness grows. See note on Phi 4:13 for this same noble conception. The human weakness opens the way for more of Christ’s power and grace.
Most gladly rather (hēdista mallon). Two adverbs, one superlative (hēdista), one comparative (mallon). “Rather” than ask any more (thrice already) for the removal of the thorn or splinter “most gladly will I glory in my weaknesses.” Slowly Paul had learned this supreme lesson, but it will never leave him (Rom 5:2; 2Ti 4:6-8).
May rest upon me (episkēnōsēi ep' eme). Late and rare verb in first aorist active subjunctive with hina (final clause), to fix a tent upon, here upon Paul himself by a bold metaphor, as if the Shechinah of the Lord was overshadowing him (cf. Luk 9:34), the power (dunamis) of the Lord Jesus.