Paul discloses his spiritual experiences in an off-hand, third-person retelling. Instead of boasting in such visions, he embraces and glories in the weaknesses of the flesh. It is through weakness that the saving power of Christ is perfected. Paul’s statement reflects the ongoing reality of sin in the life of the believer. Like Paul, Christians continually experience frailty and weakness within the body. It is in the recognition of human frailty and sinfulness that the grace of Christ is perfected and completed in the believer’s life. Paul also expresses a fearful expectation that his visit to the Corinthians may be one of judgment. He counters the accusations of his opponents by affirming that his physical presence carries the authority of an apostle of Christ. His final exhortation is for the Corinthians to examine themselves to see whether they are living according to the faith they profess. Ultimately, the power of ministry lies in weakness, exhortation, and example rather than superior religious performance. The method of ministry, marked by humility and weakness, communicates the very substance of the message. In the same way, the power of the Christian life is most fully experienced in weakness.
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