Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

The opinions expressed by Larry the Lubber on Paul’s thorn in the flesh doth not necessarily reflect the views of the staff — mostly because Larry is a pompous, sanctimonious authority on Scripture whose pontifications tend to offend most everyone — even when he is right. – Editor

Larry the Lubber Spouts Off on Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul asserted that fourteen years prior to his letter to the Corinthians, a chap ascended to the third heavenly realm. While Paul withholds the identity of this gentleman, it becomes apparent from the context that he is referring to himself.

During his initial missionary expedition to Iconium, Paul underwent a grievous ordeal, enduring a stoning that left him for dead. It is plausible that prior to this incident, Paul might have endured another severe thrashing, a ferocious encounter with a wild creature in Arabia, or some other life-endangering occurrence that precipitated a near-death experience.

Near Death Experiences

Whether within his body or detached from it, Paul found himself transported to paradise, where he had the privilege of hearing inexpressible revelations, insights that no one is permitted to tell.

Numerous individuals — upon returning from the brink of death — enthusiastically recount their purported experiences of heaven. For Paul, the Lord explicitly enjoined him to remain silent, refraining from divulging a single word. The Lord’s admonition to Paul could, perhaps, serve as a cautionary lesson for us. Excessively glorifying the accounts of individuals who claim to have witnessed the afterlife might incite others to pursue death, rather than life, in the hope of hearing inexpressible revelations.

Exchanging a Peek at Paradise for a Barb in the Ribs

Numerous individuals have endeavored to theorize about the nature of Paul’s “thorn.” Some assert it was a persistent ailment or impaired eyesight, while others contend that it was a sin he could not surmount.

It is worth noting that Paul was a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees and possessed a comprehensive understanding of the Torah. Therefore, when Paul employs the phrase “thorn in my flesh,” it would be prudent for us to examine other passages in Scripture to discern how this expression is employed in different contexts.

“Because you have disobeyed me, I will not drive out your enemies before you. They will be thorns in your sides. Their gods will be a snare to you.” (Judges 2:3)

“Because you allied yourself with the nations around you, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes.” (Joshua 23:13)

“Because you did not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allowed to remain became barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They gave you trouble.” (Numbers 33:55)

Paul makes plain that in exchange for hearing ineffable revelations and insights pertaining to heaven, he received a thorn, a barb. If his readers in Corinth were well-versed in the Torah, they would readily connect this thorn to some form of adversary. Indeed, Paul explicitly conveys that he did, in fact, encounter such opposition.

An Angel of Satan

I was given a messenger (an angel) of Satan, to buffet me. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

In Scripture to buf’-et (kolaphizo) means, “to beat with the fist” and may refer to bodily maltreatment and violence. But for what purpose would God send an angel of Satan to torment and buffet Paul? Paul himself gives us the answer.

That I should not become conceited .. to keep me from exalting myself … lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance (of what he saw). (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Humbled and Pummeled

To humble Paul, permission was granted to an angel of Satan to repeatedly buffet him. Thrice did Paul implore for respite, to which the Lord responded:

“My grace is sufficient for you. My power is made perfect in weakness.”

Sickness or Weakness?

The word ἀσθενείᾳ is used in John 5:5 for ill and in John 11:4 for sickness. “This sickness is not …” “who had been ill for thirty-eight…” In Romans 8:26 the word means weakness and infirmity. In other instances, the word suggests a weak condition. If Paul indeed contended with an angel of Satan, it is plausible that he found himself overpowered and overwhelmed by such a formidable adversary.

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Though not explicitly articulated, it can be inferred that this angel of Satan assailed Paul with affronts, afflictions, persecution, and created a vexing and arduous existence for him.

Your Thorn in the Flesh

Today, many use Paul’s reference to the “thorn in the flesh” as a rationale for why those who are afflicted should come to terms with their ailments. Their argument goes that if the Lord did not “heal” Paul, then perhaps we should accept that the Lord will not heal us, our acquaintances, or our kin.

Should you discover solace in Paul’s narrative and accept that he grappled with an unclean, demonic spirit that left his body enfeebled, then take refuge in the conviction that on the other side of the grave, there are inexpressible revelations and insights. In that realm, your feeble body shall be glorified in Christ.

Drive Out Your Thorn

However, if you discern in Paul’s account evidence that an adversary persistently thwarted Paul’s endeavors to propagate the gospel of Jesus — that an angel of Satan laid traps and snares and created trouble for him — that despite Paul’s pleas to be liberated from these assaults, the Lord allowed this adversary to assail him with both verbal barbs and physical blows, then take heart! Paul’s situation need not be ours. 

If we humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord, follow His commandments, seek His countenance, and beseech Him, perchance He will vanquish our adversaries on our behalf.

Maybe, by perceiving Paul’s “thorn” as an adversary to be “driven out” rather than one to be endured, we can discover the conviction to believe that today, as it was during his earthly sojourn, Jesus continues to bring healing to those who ask and relief from our enemies when we rely on his strength and not ours.

“Your faith has healed you. Go in peace. Be freed from your suffering.” — Jesus (Mark 5:34)