2 Corinthians 12

“It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” The verse names Lord rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I…” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)” The verse names God rather than leaving the action without a source. Watch whether the next line continues, answers, or contrasts that action.

“How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” The line’s distinctive content terms include caught, lawful, paradise. Its relationship to verses 3 and 5 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.” The number one makes the report concrete. Ask whether it measures time, people, distance, repetition, or completeness before deciding what weight it carries.

“For 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…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in…” Naming Satan keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly…” Naming Christ and Most keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I…” The line’s distinctive content terms include nothing, apostles, become. Its relationship to verses 10 and 12 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.” Naming Truly keeps the account rooted in particular people or places. Follow where the name returns and what changes around it.

“For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you…” The line’s distinctive content terms include children, parents, burdensome. Its relationship to verses 13 shows what work it does in this passage.

“And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” The line’s distinctive content terms include abundantly, gladly, less. Its relationship to verses 16 shows what work it does in this passage.

“But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.” The line’s distinctive content terms include burden, caught, crafty. Its relationship to verses 15 and 17 shows what work it does in this passage.

“Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly…” The question slows the passage down. Notice who is being pressed to answer, what the question assumes, and whether the next lines provide a response.

“For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye…” This line supplies a reason, result, or conclusion. It should stay attached to the claim or action that gives it meaning.

“And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already…” The command cannot be understood from the verb alone. Its recipient, purpose, and place in the larger covenant or argument define the responsibility.