What does it mean to boast in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)?

Answer

As part of an apology for his own apostleship, Paul describes some of the incredible ways God had communicated with and used him. He emphasizes that he would boast in his weakness, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”, (2 Corinthians 12:9), rather than in his own strength or greatness. In this manner, Paul affirms his apostleship but expresses that he magnifies his ministry not for his own sake but in the strength of God.

After recounting some of the many remarkable events in his ministry (2 Corinthians 11:1-29), Paul mentions that he will boast in what pertains to his weakness, “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.”, (2 Corinthians 11:30). His humility is genuine, as he could have had much to boast about. He reflects on some of his “visions and revelations of the Lord,” “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.”, (2 Corinthians 12:1), acknowledging that boasting is necessary but not profitable. While defending his apostleship from skeptics, Paul acknowledges the need to mention these things. However, he does not do so to glorify himself but to emphasize that he boasts in his weakness, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufSufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9), not in his strength.

Paul recounts in the third person how “a man” “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.” , (2 Corinthians 12:2) was caught up into the third heaven, into paradise “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such a one caught up to the third heaven.” , (2 Corinthians 12:2,4) “how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” , (2 Corinthians 12:2,4), and heard inexpressible things. Such a man could boast, as the experiences were certainly boast-worthy “Of such a one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in my infirmities.” , (2 Corinthians 12:5). Despite the incredible experience Paul had, he explains that he wants people to take his ministry at face value; he doesn’t want to have to defend it by citing his experiences “For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will speak the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he sees me to be, or that he hears of me.” , (2 CorinthIn 2 Corinthians 12:6, Paul mentions that despite receiving significant revelations—experiences that could lead one to boast—he was afflicted with a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, “to keep me from exalting myself” (2 Corinthians 12:7, NASB). Although Paul does not specify the nature of this thorn, he reveals that its intensity was such that he implored God three times to take it away (2 Corinthians 12:8). God’s response was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, NASB). As God’s power shone through Paul’s weakness, he gladly embraced his weaknesses to showcase the power of Christ within him (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul finds contentment in knowing that “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

(2 Corinthians 12:10). Paul’s strength is found not in himself but in God, who shows Himself to be strong even in the midst of human weakness.

Paul understands the principle that our strength is not in ourselves but in Christ. When we are weak, we are strong because of Him who works in us. Paul had to defend his apostleship, but he didn’t want to spotlight his own strength in doing so. Rather, he put the focus on the greatness of God. If people focused on Paul’s greatness, then Paul’s entire ministry would be misdirected. He was an apostle—a “sent one”—to testify of Jesus Christ. Like John the Baptist once said, “He must become greater; I must become less” «He must increase, but I must decrease. », (John 3:30). Paul was following a similar strategy in recognizing the glory of God as the focus.

Paul provides an excellent example to follow in demonstrating that, like Paul, we can boast in our weakness. When we appear strong, people focus on our strength, but when we are weak, God’s strength is evident. Paul boasts in his weakness, and we can boast in ours because, in our limitations, God is seen to be limitless.