Lesson 213: 2 Corinthians 12:9
The Blueprint — The Verse
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Memorization Practice
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The Context — The History
PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More describes a 'thorn in the flesh' amid visions of paradise. Corinth's culture prized strength; PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More learns Christ's power shines through admitted weakness rather than self-sufficiency.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
After boasting reluctantly in visions, PaulAlso known as the Apostle Paul or Saul of Tarsus, he is the most influential missionary and writer of the New Testament. Originally a Pharisee who persecuted Christians, Paul experienced a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus and became a devoted messenger of the gospel. He traveled widely, planted churches across the Roman world, and wrote letters that form a... More tells of a painful thorn and pleas for removal. Christ answers that grace suffices and power perfects in weakness, reshaping Paul's boasting.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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What weakness do you try to hide that God might use?
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How have you experienced sufficient grace in hardship?
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What would boasting in weakness look like in your community?