Note 24 at 2 Cor. 12:10: Even though Paul asked three times for the infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses to be removed, God's reply was that His strength, that is, God's grace, would strengthen Paul to continue in victory regardless of the circumstances of life. Paul's statement that he will gladly glory in his infirmities, that is, his weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon him, was a mind set that Paul developed of a continuing faith and dependence upon the Lord regardless of the circumstances that he may face. A parallel passage could be found in Philippians 4:11-13 as he concluded that his Christian life was lived through the strengthening power of Jesus Christ.

Note 25 at 2 Cor. 12:10: Paul listed five things that he took pleasure in suffering: infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses. Four of these things (excluding infirmities) are clearly referring to hardships which Paul endured as a result of preaching the gospel. Therefore, it would be inconsistent to interpret "infirmities" as some type of sickness, when all the other things listed here refer to things inflicted by people. This word "infirmities" is referring to lack or inadequacies caused through people (see note 22 at v. 9, p. 1042).

Note 26 at 2 Cor. 12:10: There is a big difference between suffering for Christ's sake and just suffering. Some teach that all suffering is therapeutic, and that is not so. Peter said, in 1 Pet. 4:15-16, "But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed: but let him glorify God on this behalf." Suffering persecution and hardships related with preaching the gospel is what Paul is speaking of here.

Note 27 at 2 Cor. 12:10: God's strength is infinitely superior to ours both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Therefore, one of our biggest liabilities is trust in ourselves. When we are recognizing our comparative weakness and trusting in God, then we are truly strong.