What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? The great Apostle Paul spoke of being beaten, shipwrecked, and in frequent danger of death. Knowing that he suffered and endured so much, what could this thorn in the flesh have been that caused him to plead with the Lord to take it away?
(2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul’s Thorn In The Flesh – What We Do Know
Paul received many great revelations from God. Because of this, he was given a thorn in the flesh to prevent him from becoming conceited, proud, and arrogant. Some of us today might say, “It was to keep him from getting a big head.” This was not a literal thorn, but some type of affliction that was bad enough to cause Paul great discomfort.
Paul pleaded with God three times to take this source of discomfort away. God chose not to remove Paul’s thorn, but did provide him with plenty of grace. The Lord’s response to Paul’s prayers, “My grace is all you need.” God went on to tell Paul, “My power is strongest when you are weak.”
What We Don’t Know
Over the years many Christians have speculated as to what Paul’s thorn in the flesh actually was. Because Paul does not give the specific nature of his affliction, we are left to guess. Some theorize it was a physical ailment such as an eye problem, epilepsy, or migraines. Others believe it could have been unbelief, a temper problem, a speech disability, or even a conflict with another person.
As you can see, the opinions are wide-ranging. Some believe it was physical, others spiritual, and yet others think it could have been an emotional problem. No one can say with absolute certainty. What can be said is that Paul had a great attitude in how he dealt with God’s response of not removing his problem, whatever it may have been.
So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
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