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"That the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:9b

A WONDERFULLY APPROPRIATE RESPONSE

Paul’s response to the Lord’s reply is truly enlightening and uplifting. He understood what the Lord had said to him. No more would he ask that the thorn in his flesh be removed.

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches,
in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:9b-10

1. Two “therefore” were declared

a) Inferential particles.

b) Different particles were used.

c) But they have essentially the same meaning, thus the translation “therefore”.

2. “Most gladly”

a) This is not mere acceptance.

b) A superlative particle was used and translated correctly as “most gladly”.

3. “Infirmities”

a) These may be called a “thorn in the flesh”.

b) But they have been planned by the Lord.

c) It is to prevent the sin of pride and arrogance.

4. “The power of Christ”

a) This will be found through the grace of God.

b) There will be strength to cope with all the infirmities experienced.

5. “I take pleasure”

a) It may be translated “I am well-pleased”.

b) This approach goes beyond mere acceptance.

6. “For Christ’s sake”

a) Many things may have to be endured.

b) Infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, distresses (2 Corinthians 11:23-30).

c) These things may have to be borne for the sake of Christ and the Church (Colossians 1:24).

7. “For when I am weak, then I am strong”

This is another paradox. In weakness, one finds that the grace of God is sufficient. Strength and power are found to cope with any and every infirmity that may be experienced in life and ministry.