WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN AM I STRONG

By Harold Kemp, Compass Distributors

This statement in found the apostle Paul's second letter to the members of the assembly at Corinth (2 Corinthians 12:10).

In order to understand what he means, it is necessary to read all of his letter and note one of the main themes.

In verses 8 and 9 of the first chapter, he says that he and his companions "were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life" when they were in Asia. Then he goes on to say that "we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead."

He emphasizes this theme many times in the letter. For example, in the fourth chapter he says that "...we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (verse 7) and "...though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" (verse 16).

He contrasts himself and his companions with certain false teachers that have come among them and who "glory in appearance, and not in heart" (2 Cor. 5:12). He says that "we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor. 10:12)

Paul says that he, like them, could boast if he wanted to and, from verse 18 of chapter 11 to verse 6 of chapter 12 he relates some experiences he has had. He concludes with some revelations that he received and then goes on to point out that "...lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." (2 Cor. 12:7)

He doesn't say what he means by this "thorn in the flesh" but that he asked God three times to take it from him.

God's answer to him was "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (verse 9)

So Paul says "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

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