Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
Of such a one Paul would boast, yet the setting is just after he had been taken up into the third heaven, when a buffeting affliction was permitted to come upon him. The honor of that heavenly reception was real, and the revelation of the divine presence given to him was clear and direct. Great honor of this kind may be followed by trial, and luminous manifestations of God do not exempt the recipient from subsequent suffering. Such blessings are meant to humble the soul before God, not to raise self-estimation. To glory in infirmities rather than in self is therefore the right response when exaltation has been followed by chastening affliction.
Of such a one Paul would boast, yet the setting is just after he had been taken up into the third heaven, when a buffeting affliction was permitted to come upon him. The honor of that heavenly reception was real, and the revelation of the divine presence given to him was clear and direct. Great honor of this kind may be followed by trial, and luminous manifestations of God do not exempt the recipient from subsequent suffering. Such blessings are meant to humble the soul before God, not to raise self-estimation. To glory in infirmities rather than in self is therefore the right response when exaltation has been followed by chastening affliction.