2 Corinthians 12:1

It is not expedient. Or, “It is not profitable.” Paul’s defense of his ministry, begun in ch. 10:1, continues without interruption. Thus far, as evidence, he has called attention to his personal experiences as a minister—his life, his conduct, and his sufferings for Christ’s sake. Now he turns to what is perhaps the greatest evidence of all—his direct and personal communication with his resurrected Lord, Jesus Christ, and supernatural experiences transcending anything experienced by his opponents.

Doubtless to glory. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “It is necessary to boast,” meaning “I must boast.” Again Paul expresses his reluctance to engage in what many would consider boasting (see on ch. 10:8). But circumstances have made it necessary for him to do so in order to vindicate his apostleship and his message. To fail to clarify the issue would be equivalent to denying his apostleship and dishonoring the gospel, and Christ, whose servant he claims to be. It is improper and unprofitable for a Christian to boast, since all he is and has comes by the grace of God. Boasting exalts the ego and leads a man into temptation. The Christian’s testimony is never of himself but of Christ.

Visions. Gr. optasiai, “sights.” As Paul speaks of supernatural experiences he also reveals a spirit of humility and dependence upon God. There is no exaltation of self.

Revelations. Gr. apokalupseis, “[acts of] manifestation” stressing the method of revelation. In the Bible it refers to things that cannot be discovered by the natural powers of the mind, and would otherwise remain unknown by man (see Job 11:7; John 1:18; Rom. 11:33; 1 Tim. 6:16), because sin has separated him from God. But through Christ the breach between man and God has been bridged, and the Creator can again communicate with His creatures. Paul frequently received direct personal communication from God (Acts 9:4–6; 16:9; 18:9; 22:17, 18; 23:11; 27:23; Gal. 2:2). The phrase, “of the Lord,” indicates the source of what Paul saw. Such a sight may be seen by the eye of the mind whether the recipient is asleep or awake.