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Aug 21, 2024 · One of these enigmas is St. Paul’s mention of a messenger of Satan (2 Cor. 12:1-10) to keep him humble. What could that be? Paul was given a “thorn in the flesh,” which he said was a messenger from Satan to harass him, to keep him from being elated due to the revelations he had received from God.
Sep 23, 2024 · Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7. He calls it “a messenger of Satan” that had a purpose of “torment.” Many explanations have been put forward, but whether Paul is referring to a physical, spiritual, or emotional affliction—or something else entirely—has never been answered with satisfaction.
Jul 16, 2023 · Satan would not give Paul a thorn in the flesh for the purpose of squashing pride. Further, Jesus himself verbally tells Paul that he will not remove the thorn because “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9).
- Wyatt Graham
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul states that he was afflicted with a skolops (most commonly translated as thorn) by a messenger of Satan, and despite his pleading to God to remove it, God refused. Over a few hours of internet research, I've found a lot of speculation on this.
- The Thorn’s Purpose Was Beneficiary
- What Exactly Was It?
- Physical Ailment?
- From Satan? Or from God?
- The Sovereignty and Goodness of God in Our Suffering
After Paul had explained his visions and revelations to the Corinthians (2 Cor 12:1-6), he tells them about the thorn in the flesh that was given to him. The apparent purpose of this thorn was beneficiary. Its intent was to keep Paul from conceit on account of his visions and revelations which otherwise may have given him a reason to boast.
There have been many theories as to what exactly this thorn was—so many theories in fact, that it is impossible to diagnose Paul’s situation with complete assurance. Some have suggested that Paul’s thorn came in the form of Jewish persecution because of the surrounding context speaking of opponents. Even in Numbers 33:55 thorns are used as a metaph...
A physical ailment, however, seems more likely here, though the lack of details forbid a proper diagnosis. Physical infirmities that seem to fit the situation are malaria, Malta fever, epilepsy, convulsive attacks, and chronic ophthalmia. Many of these physical disabilities also affect the eyesight and it seems probable that even Paul himself exper...
Paul’s thorn came by way of a messenger of Satan in order to torment him. Yet at the same time it was given to him in order that he would not become conceited. The present paradox can be compared to that of the story of Job. Satan was permitted to afflict God’s servant, yet only within the parameters set by God (Job 2). Paul also wrote about handin...
The ambiguity of the thorn in the flesh is actually a positive thing. If Paul would have specifically stated the identity of his thorn, believers from following generations may have discarded his experience if they were not afflicted with the same affliction. However, Christians from many generations have benefited by his reference to the thorn whi...
We see St Paul writing at 2 Corinthians 12:7 (RSVCE): And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. What exactly was St. Paul referring to here?
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Jul 4, 2021 · What’s the Thorn in Your Flesh? St. Paul's struggle with carnal temptation "vaccinated" him against sinful pride. How is God keeping *you* humble?
