SEV Biblia, Chapter 12:8
Por lo cual tres veces he rogado al Seor, que se quite de mí.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 12:8
Verse 8. I besought the Lord] That is, Christ, as the next verse absolutely proves, and the Socinians themselves confess. And if Christ be an object of prayer in such a case as this, or indeed in any case, it is a sure proof of his divinity; for only an omniscient Being can be made an object of prayer. Thrice] Several suppose this to be a certain number for an uncertain; as if he had said, I often besought Christ to deliver me from this tormentor: or, which is perhaps more likely, the apostle may refer to three solemn, fixed, and fervent applications made to Christ at different times; at the last of which he received the answer which he immediately subjoins. It is worthy of remark, that our Lord in his agony acted in the same way: at three different times he applied to God that the cup might depart from him; and in each application he spoke the same words, Matthew xxvi. 39-44. There is, therefore, a manifest allusion to our Lord's conduct in these words of the apostle.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 8. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice , etc..] With respect to the thorn in the flesh, the messenger Satan, who gave him so much continual disturbance. This sent him to the throne of grace, to request of the Lord, that it , or rather, he might depart from me : this request greatly confirms the above sense, for it can hardly be thought the apostle would be so importunate about the removal of a common bodily affliction; and he knew that the corruption of his nature would remain with him as long as he was in the body; and as for afflictions, reproaches, and persecutions for the Gospel's sake, he was well apprized they would abide him wherever he went; but that so troublesome an adversary might depart, as it must be greatly desirable, so it was a very proper request: and it is made to a very proper person, to the Lord Jesus Christ; who in the days of his flesh had such power over the devils, as to dispossess them from the bodies of men by a word speaking, and held them in subjection, and in a panic fear of him; and when upon the cross, he spoiled principalities and powers, and in the latter day will bind Satan with a chain, and shut him up in the bottomless pit for a thousand years. This request was made thrice, not with any view to the three persons in the Godhead, Father, Son, and Spirit; nor to the three usual times of prayer in a day, morning, noon, and night; nor is any exact number of times intended; but the sense is, that he frequently besought the Lord on this account.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-10 - The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of ou enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, he will keep u from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenge of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should giv ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, no to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teac us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet he does not alway give what is asked for: as he sometimes grants in wrath, so he sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles an temptations, yet, if he gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen an comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfec in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lor Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.
Greek Textus Receptus
υπερ 5228 PREP τουτου 5127 D-GSM τρις 5151 ADV τον 3588 T-ASM κυριον 2962 N-ASM παρεκαλεσα 3870 5656 V-AAI-1S ινα 2443 CONJ αποστη 868 5632 V-2AAS-3S απ 575 PREP εμου 1700 P-1GS
Vincent's NT Word Studies
8. For this thing (uper toutou). Rev., concerning this thing. But it is better to refer this to messenger: concerning this or whom. For, of A.V., is ambiguous.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
12:8 {Concerning this thing} (huper toutou). More likely, "concerning this messenger of Satan." {That it might depart from me} (hina apostei af' emou). Second aorist active (intransitive) subjunctive of afistemi in final clause, "that he stand off from me for good."
