2 Coríntios 12

2 Coríntios 12:9

Garland - Paul learns that the stake would not hamper his calling. He can make do with the grace he has already received (1Cor 15:10), and the power of Christ will become more visible as it works through his weakness. {Paul refers to Christ in 1Cor 1:24 as "the power of God."} We learn from the message given to Paul that God's grace is not just the unmerited favor that saves us but a force that also sustains us throughout our lives. The modifier "my" in "my power," is important (Ed: As discussed many modern manuscripts do not have the Greek pronoun "my" but it is clearly implied). Paul is not speaking about power in general, but "the power of Christ" revealed in the crucifixion and resurrection: "For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in Him, yet by God's power we will live with Him to serve you" (2Cor 13:4). Paul has testified to this power in 2Cor 1:8, 9, 10. In Asia he was utterly, unbearably crushed but he was rescued by God's power which raises the dead. The cracked clay vessel, buffeted and battered, is held together by the extraordinary power of God (2Co 4:7; see 2Co 6:7). When this earthly tent is destroyed, Paul exudes confidence that the power of God will raise him up and give him a house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2Co 5:1). The miracle is that this same divine power that accomplishes all that God wills dwells in a frail, persecuted, and abased apostle. (Ed: And this same infinite, supernatural power of Christ dwells in every believer via His Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus - Acts 16:7). (New American Commentary - Volume 29: 2 Corinthians) (Bolding added)