Paul shares an extraordinary experience of being transported to heaven, struggling to describe it but emphasizing the sacredness and the presence of God. He attributes his protection during this encounter to his union with Christ. Paul acknowledges that these revelations were given to him personally and that the gospel has transformed his perspective. He chooses not to boast about his heavenly experience but instead focuses on the well-being of the Corinthians' souls and the glory of Christ. Paul introduces the affliction that tormented him after the heavenly encounter, preventing him from becoming prideful. He recognizes that even satanic activity is part of God's sovereign plan. Although he asked for the affliction to be removed, the Lord chose to leave it and provide grace to Paul. Paul finds delight in weakness because it opens him up to blessings and strength from heaven. He temporarily adopts the unappealing strategy of boasting primarily about his weaknesses to surpass the super-apostles.

Paul's apostolic power is evident through the establishment of the church in Corinth and the miracles he performed. However, the Corinthians doubt his legitimacy and question his motives. Despite this, Paul remains resilient in spreading the message of Christ. The Corinthians fail to perceive Paul's guidance and support, creating an atmosphere of hostility. Paul will need to demonstrate the essence of a gospel-centered life once again.

Paul expresses concern about the presence of sins of sensuality among those who claim to have repented. He plans to visit Corinth for the third time, dismissing rumors and accusations from a single individual. The Corinthians have been adequately informed about his impending visit through three witnesses, three visits, and three warnings. If they persist in their lack of remorse, they are solely responsible. Paul asserts that he will not spare them. In response to the Corinthians' request for evidence of Christ speaking through him, Paul presents Christ as the powerful one in their midst, countering their perception of him as weak. He emphasizes that it is not about the manifestation of the Spirit in him but the communication of Christ through him. By avoiding their own experiences of weakness, the Corinthians miss out on the transformative power of Christ, who willingly embraced weakness in his crucifixion and rose triumphantly to eternal life and glory, sustained by God's power. In union with him, believers share his resurrection power and humble vulnerability on the cross.

Paul emphasizes the importance of self-reflection in the Corinthians' spiritual journey. He encourages them to align their self-perception with the counterintuitive gospel mindset, revealing the credibility of his ministry. Paul is willing to be seen as untested if it helps the Corinthians embrace spiritual health through identifying with Christ. He acknowledges that his ministry may be perceived as unproven, but he cannot proclaim the gospel in a way that contradicts the paradox of life through death and strength through weakness. Despite challenges, Paul's goal is to encourage believers to thrive in peace, joy, unity, and love. He aims to build up, not tear down, the flock of God.

"Rejoice" is a familiar sentiment for those who know Paul's letters, as he is known as the apostle of joy. Paul refers to the process of restoring something broken. While this work can be challenging, it's where the gospel leads us. It urges us to let go of resentments that hinder restoration. The need for comfort implies pain, evident in this dysfunctional church infiltrated by false teachers. Paul encourages them to console one another. "Agree with one another" means actively striving for harmony, unity, and peaceful interactions. It involves fostering mutual respect and deference. "Live in peace" involves suppressing hatred towards others, even fellow believers.

As the Corinthians embrace the beautiful harmony of grace, they will experience heavenly blessings. Paul encourages them to embrace one another, greeting each other and extending greetings from "all the saints" (v.13). The triune God engages in distinct ways: the Son pours out grace through his life, death, and resurrection; the Father receives boundless love; and the Spirit dwells within us, connecting us to the triune Godhead.