Neville Goddard on 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in context

Scripture Focus

1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Biblical Context

Paul speaks of visions of heaven and a thorn in the flesh; he learns that true strength comes through grace and weakness, not through boasting or self-glory.

Neville's Inner Vision

Paul’s reports are not external feats but a map of inner states. The visions and the thorn are movements within the same I AM, one lifting awareness toward revelation, the other reminding the self to cease clinging to personal glory. The third heaven is a state of consciousness—revelation arises from within, not from outside proof. To glory in revelations without becoming attached to self-importance is to keep the eye on the eternal I AM. The thorn, a messenger of Satan, represents a stubborn belief that you are separate from grace; yet grace is sufficient and power is perfected in weakness. When you stop resisting and start resting in the I AM, the divine power rests upon you. In this inner posture, the strength of Christ is felt as your own life—not earned, but awakened through the surrendered awareness that never leaves you.

Practice This Now

Assume the state: I am Grace in my weakness. Close your eyes, repeat 'My grace is sufficient for me' and feel the strength resting on you as you rest in the I AM.