The word for vision means "an appearing". The word for revelations means "an uncovering". I consulted commentary about the "third heaven" verse. Ancient Jewish rabbis might have believed there were different levels of heaven. But Paul is using terminology common for his day, which referred to the "blue sky" as the first heaven, the "starry sky" as the second heaven, and the place where God lived and reigned as the third heaven. It is mostly agreed that Paul was talking about himself in 3rd person, because he transitions to first person in verse 7. (From enduring word dot com)
Paul ends chapter 11 by giving a specific story of escape from the hands of his persecutors. He then starts chapter 12 by reluctantly saying he will continue to share his own story, though he's not sure it will profit anything. He "knows a man" who was snatched up to heaven, and again who was taken to paradise, though whether it really happened or was an out-of-body experience, no one knows but God. Both experiences might be considered "brag worthy", but Paul would rather not. Not because he's not telling the truth--he is; but because others might want to hear more about this dramatic story than the Gospel. Human nature and the persecution he faced surely made Paul want to brag at the top of his lungs about all that God had revealed. To prevent that kind of conceit, Paul was afflicted with some kind of a disability. Paul knew this problem was at the very least a visible inconvenience that Satan was having a heyday with! But Paul considered it a gift, because he knew he was not immune to the sin of pride. He didn't love the problem, he actually prayed for it to be removed. God refused and used it to pour His strength into Paul's life. Paul would rather have the power of Christ than bragging rights. Paul wishes he'd not even shared the story of his visions and revelations, because there will surely be repercussions. He felt like the Corinthians forced his hand--they'd been so easily led astray by the false teachers. The super-apostles that are causing so many problems within the Corinthian church were known as smooth talkers. They must have been talking about various visions and revelations they'd had "from God". Paul and his fellow missionaries had shown true signs among them, revealing the gospel of Christ Jesus. Paul promises a third visit, but he assures them he doesn't want any kind of gift, just to be able to see them again will be enough. He considers them his children in the faith. He may have worn himself out with his speech, but he is glad to spend himself and be spent for their sakes. Paul repeats that he is not trying to convince them about his intentions toward them, his actions should speak for themselves; he's had only their best interests at heart. He doesn't want their meeting to be filled with misunderstandings or misconceptions. He doesn't want to spend precious time confronting sin and mending broken relationships.
These past few chapters have felt like a roller coaster. The back and forth between human beings as we attempt to walk with God and lead others to do the same can be exhausting. Our emotions, our pride, our insecurities, our weaknesses bog down every part of the process. I'm changed by verse 9. The word for "dwell" or "rest upon" means to pitch a tent over. Just as we see the glory of God living in the tabernacle in the Old Testament, Paul knows that the power of Christ has been pitched over him. All of the weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities--thorns in our flesh that make us suffer mentally, physically, emotionally--are opportunities to display the power of Christ. The grace that buys us back is fully on display when we are willing to admit we have nothing to add. His grace is enough and his power is accomplished in our weakness. 💓
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