1 - 10 Paul's Visions and Revelations
To keep Paul from being too boastful, a messenger of Satan has given him a thorn in his flesh. Paul appealed to God, but God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." This is a good lesson for when we feel that we don't have this or that. (I get caught up in this every day).
11 - 13 The Signs of a True Apostle
"The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, signs and wonders and mighty works." (12)
14 - 21 Paul's Concern for the Corinthian Church
Paul is concerned about quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. Also that folks haven't repented from impurity, sexual immorality, and licentiousness that they have practiced. (My notes give references to other "vice lists" in the Bible)
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1-6 Paul had a revelation / vision of heaven but he uses it only for personal strength and power in his work and testimony. He doesn't speak of it publicly because the false teachers use false visions as a basis of their work.
7-10 Paul has a severe affliction which he also uses for constant strength in God rather than praying for God to remove it.
11 The false teachers made up stories of powers, visions, and experiences that give them "authority". Paul intentionally doesn't mention these things of himself but sticks strictly to God's message and also doesn't ask payment for his work. He hopes this will prove his testimony and value.
18 Titus also didn't exploit the Corinthians which he offers as evidence of his sincereity.
19-21 Paul holds his work accountable to God not to the Corinthians or any other person. He also wants them to be have repented of their sins in preparation for his visit. He has told them of his weaknesses so they will be prepared for his arrival and he wants them to realize their weaknesses.
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