2 Corinthians 12:12 kjv
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.
2 Corinthians 12:12 nkjv
Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
2 Corinthians 12:12 niv
I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.
2 Corinthians 12:12 esv
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.
2 Corinthians 12:12 nlt
When I was with you, I certainly gave you proof that I am an apostle. For I patiently did many signs and wonders and miracles among you.
2 Corinthians 12 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 12:12 | Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you… | Authenticity of Paul's apostleship |
| Acts 2:22 | Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God by miracles… | Miraculous signs confirm God's approval |
| Rom 15:18-19 | For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit. | Paul's ministry empowered by signs and wonders |
| Heb 2:4 | while God also bore witness to it by signs and wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. | Divine confirmation through miraculous manifestations |
| Mark 16:17-18 | And these signs will accompany those who believe: by casting out demons; they will speak in new tongues… they will pick up serpents; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay on hands on the sick, and they will recover. | Signs accompanying believers and apostles |
| Acts 5:12 | Now many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles. | Apostles performing many signs and wonders |
| 2 Cor 10:7-8 | Do you look at things as they are on the outside? If anyone is sure that he belongs to Christ, let him consider this as well, that, just as he belongs to Christ, so also do we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for your destruction, I shall not be put to shame. | Authority given by the Lord for building up |
| 2 Cor 13:3 | since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. | Christ speaking through Paul, showing His power |
| 1 Cor 1:22 | For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, | The demand for signs from different groups |
| John 4:48 | Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will never believe.” | Signs as a basis for belief for some |
| Acts 8:6 | And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. | Attention drawn by signs |
| Gal 3:5 | Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing of faith? | The Spirit supplying the Spirit and working miracles |
| Rom 1:11-12 | For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. | Mutual encouragement through spiritual gifts |
| 1 Thess 1:5 | because our gospel came to you not in word alone, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. | The gospel coming in power and the Holy Spirit |
| Heb 1:14 | Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? | Ministering spirits serving believers |
| 1 Cor 2:4-5 | and my speech and my proclamation were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. | Faith resting in God's power, not human wisdom |
| Matt 10:1 | Then he called his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. | Authority given to disciples for ministry |
| Acts 4:30 | while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’ | Signs and wonders performed through Jesus' name |
| 1 Cor 14:24 | But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an outsider enters, he is convicted by all, reproached by all, the secrets of his heart are made manifest; and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is truly among you. | Prophecy convicting outsiders |
| Eph 2:20 | built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, | Apostles as foundational figures |
| John 14:12 | Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. | Believers doing works of Jesus |
| 2 Cor 10:11 | Let such a one regard this: that what we say in vision when we are absent, we do in action when we are present. | Consistency in word and deed |
2 Corinthians 12 verses
2 Corinthians 12 12 Meaning
The signs of a true apostle were performed among the Corinthians in all patience, by signs, wonders, and mighty deeds. This demonstrated Paul's apostolic authority.
2 Corinthians 12 12 Context
This verse comes at the end of a chapter where Paul is discussing his spiritual experiences, including a heavenly vision. He is addressing criticism and claims of false apostles who were challenging his authority in Corinth. Paul recounts his extraordinary experiences not out of pride, but to demonstrate that his apostleship was genuine and divinely appointed, in contrast to his opponents. He emphasizes that the true authentication of his apostleship wasn't just his personal experiences but the tangible work of God performed through him, confirming the Gospel he preached. The Corinthian believers themselves were witnesses to these apostolic signs, which included patience, signs, wonders, and mighty deeds, all attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of Christ. This stood as direct evidence against those who questioned him and relied on their own claims of authority or deceptive practices.
2 Corinthians 12 12 Word Analysis
- Truly (ἀληθῶς - alēthōs): This adverb emphasizes the absolute truth and authenticity of what follows. It signals that the following statements are factual and without doubt.
- the signs (τὰ σημεῖα - ta sēmeia): Refers to miraculous or extraordinary occurrences that authenticate or demonstrate something beyond natural explanation. These are divine confirmations.
- of an apostle (τοῦ ἀποστόλου - tou apostolou): Pertaining to the office and authority of an apostle, specifically the signs that marked genuine apostleship.
- were accomplished (κατηργήθη - kātērgēthē): Means were brought to completion, were fully displayed, or were produced. It indicates a full and effective demonstration.
- among you (ἐν ὑμῖν - en hymin): Directly referencing the Corinthian church members, asserting they were the witnesses and recipients of these apostolic signs.
- in all patience (ἐν πάσῃ ὑπομονῇ - en pasē hypomonē): "Patience" here also encompasses endurance, steadfastness, and perseverance, particularly in the face of opposition and suffering, which characterized Paul's ministry.
- by signs (σημείοις - sēmeiois): Reinforces the mention of "signs," specifying their nature as demonstrations.
- and wonders (καὶ τέρασιν - kai terasin): "Wonders" signifies extraordinary occurrences that cause astonishment and amazement, pointing to a supernatural source.
- and mighty deeds (καὶ δυνάμεσιν - kai dynameSin): "Mighty deeds" or "powers" refers to displays of divine strength and effectiveness, demonstrating the power of God at work.
Words-Group Analysis:
- Signs, wonders, and mighty deeds: This triad is a common expression in the New Testament, denoting the characteristic miraculous manifestations that authenticated the message and the messengers of God, particularly the apostles. They were outward evidences of an inward spiritual reality and divine commission. These weren't mere tricks but potent demonstrations of God's power confirming His message and messengers. The "mighty deeds" (dynameSin) specifically highlight the power component, indicating God's active intervention and capability unleashed through the apostles.
2 Corinthians 12 12 Bonus Section
The concept of "signs" in the Bible often served to authenticate a message or messenger, drawing attention to God. They weren't self-serving spectacles but meant to point beyond the human agent to the divine source. In this passage, Paul leverages the tangible impact of these supernatural acts, not as a boast, but as evidence against his detractors and confirmation of the spiritual authority vested in him by Christ. The cumulative effect of "patience" along with "signs, wonders, and mighty deeds" painted a complete picture of a true servant of God operating under divine power.
2 Corinthians 12 12 Commentary
Paul reminds the Corinthians that the authenticating marks of his apostleship were evident among them. These weren't mere persuasive words, but concrete manifestations of divine power: signs that pointed to God, wonders that inspired awe, and mighty deeds that demonstrated God's sovereign strength. This was done with steadfast endurance on his part, indicating the difficult circumstances under which he ministered. The presence of these "apostolic signs" served as irrefutable evidence of his legitimate calling and the truth of the Gospel he preached, distinguishing him from false apostles. It was a public testament to the Lord’s work.