2 Corinthians 12:5 – “I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his discussion about the man who was caught up to paradise. As we’ve seen in the previous verses, Paul is almost certainly referring to himself but speaking in the third person to avoid drawing attention to his own experience.

Paul makes an important distinction here: while he could boast about this incredible revelation, he chooses not to. Instead, the only thing he is willing to boast about is his weaknesses. This is completely opposite to how the world—and especially the Corinthian culture—saw success. Most people boast about their strengths, achievements, and spiritual experiences, but Paul intentionally does the opposite.

His point is clear: true spiritual strength comes from God, not from human accomplishments. He refuses to take credit for the vision because it was something God gave him, not something he achieved. But when it comes to his weaknesses, Paul is willing to boast—because it is in his weakness that God’s power is most clearly seen.

Historical Context

At the time Paul wrote this letter, the Corinthian church was being influenced by false teachers who boasted about their spiritual experiences, credentials, and personal greatness. These so-called “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5) claimed authority by pointing to their own achievements, trying to impress the Corinthians with their wisdom and supernatural encounters.

In contrast, Paul refuses to play their game. Even though he had a far greater spiritual experience than any of them, he deliberately refuses to boast about it. Instead, he shifts the focus to his weaknesses, where God’s power is most evident.

This would have been shocking to the Corinthians, who valued strength, wisdom, and impressive displays of power. Paul’s teaching was countercultural—it reminded them that Christianity is not about human greatness, but about God’s power working through human weakness.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key truths:

1. God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Paul does not take pride in his achievements but in his dependence on God.
2. True humility means recognizing that everything good comes from God. Paul had an incredible vision, but he knew it was not something to brag about.
3. Christian life is not about self-promotion. Unlike the false teachers, Paul refuses to use his experiences to make himself look important.

Paul’s attitude reflects what Jesus taught: “Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). In God’s kingdom, humility is greater than pride, and reliance on God is greater than self-sufficiency.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of the word “boast” is intentional. Normally, boasting is seen as a negative thing, and Paul has condemned it before (1 Corinthians 1:31). However, he turns the idea upside down—he will only boast in his weaknesses because that is where God’s power is displayed.

By continuing to refer to himself in the third person at first, Paul makes a clear distinction: this vision was not something he earned or achieved. But when he speaks about his weaknesses, he does so directly. Paul is willing to be personally identified with his weaknesses, but not with his spiritual accomplishments.

This shift in perspective challenges the Corinthians (and us today) to rethink what is truly important in the Christian life.

Biblical Cross-References

• Jeremiah 9:23-24 – “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom… but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me.” Paul follows this same principle, boasting only in what brings glory to God.
• 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 – God chooses the weak to shame the strong, reinforcing Paul’s point that God’s power works through human weakness.
• Galatians 6:14 – Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” His only source of confidence is what God has done, not what he has experienced.
• Philippians 3:7-8 – Paul considers all of his achievements worthless compared to knowing Christ.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

In today’s world, people love to boast about their accomplishments—whether in careers, social status, or even in spiritual matters. But Paul challenges us to take a different approach. Instead of boasting about our strengths, we should be willing to acknowledge our weaknesses, because that is where God’s power is seen most clearly.

This does not mean we should be proud of our failures or struggles, but rather that we should recognize our complete dependence on God. When we are weak, we are forced to rely on Him—and that is when His strength is displayed in our lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is not based on human strength or achievement. God does not love us because we are strong—He loves us in our weakness.

Many people feel that they have to prove themselves to be loved by God, but Paul’s words remind us that we do not have to be impressive for God to use us. In fact, He often works through our weaknesses to show His grace and power.

God’s love is constant, even when we feel inadequate. He delights in using weak and ordinary people to accomplish His purposes.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s attitude in this verse reflects the character of Jesus:

• Jesus humbled Himself. (Philippians 2:5-8) Just as Paul refused to boast in his own greatness, Jesus—who had all the glory of heaven—humbled Himself to serve others and die for our sins.
• Jesus taught that the greatest are the least. (Matthew 23:11-12) Paul’s teaching aligns with Jesus’ message that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up.
• Jesus displayed God’s power through weakness. (2 Corinthians 13:4) Jesus was crucified in weakness, yet He was raised in power. Paul’s life follows this same pattern—his weakness allows God’s strength to be revealed.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Paul was so careful not to boast about his spiritual experiences?
2. How does Paul’s attitude challenge the way people today seek recognition and status?
3. What are some weaknesses in your life where you have seen God’s power at work?
4. How can we learn to depend on God more, rather than relying on our own strength?
5. What does this verse teach us about true humility and Christian leadership?

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:5 remind us that true strength is found in weakness, and true greatness is found in humility. Instead of seeking to impress others, we should seek to glorify God, knowing that His power is made perfect in our dependence on Him.