Neville Goddard on 2 Corinthians 12:6-9 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read 2 Corinthians 12 in context

Scripture Focus

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.

2 Corinthians 12:6-9

Biblical Context

Paul refuses to boast and keeps his claims within what others observe. A thorn keeps him humble, and God declares that grace is sufficient and power rests in weakness.

Neville's Inner Vision

Notice how Paul’s inner state seeks authenticity rather than applause. The visions that threaten exaltation are not external trials, but the inner demand to trust the I AM rather than the self that longs to be admired. In Neville’s sense, the thorn is a symbolic created obstacle within consciousness that keeps attention away from glory and onto grace. When you entertain the idea of being exalted by revelation, you invite inner resistance—the buffet of the messenger of Satan—so that you are redirected to the truth that power belongs to the consciousness that rests in God. My grace is sufficient for thee becomes the acknowledgment that the present state of awareness, not future feats, sustains you. Therefore, the moment you choose to be content with weakness—as the channel through which your divine power may rest—you discover that strength is not a personal achievement, but a divine atmosphere you enter by belief, revision, and feeling-it-real. Thus, you become strong by surrendering to grace in the heart.

Practice This Now

Imaginative Act: Sit quietly and assume the statement, 'My grace is sufficient for me; the power of Christ rests on my consciousness now.' Feel it-real by breathing into the chest and imagining a soft light filling weakness with strength; repeat for a few minutes daily.