Question:
What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?
The Scripture in question is 2 Corinthians 12:6-10.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
(2 Cor. 12:6-10 KJV)
There are actually three questions to answer regarding Paul's "thorn in the flesh." The spiritual lesson here is very important to personal spiritual growth.
(1) What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?
No one really knows. Some scholars and Bible teachers speculate that it may have been an illness that would not go away, or possibly very poor eyesight, or possibly a literal demon spirit that continued to attack him. So even though it would be great to know what it was, it is not important to what Paul is saying. But we do know that whatever it was, the devil was behind Paul's "thorn in the flesh."
(2) What was the PURPOSE of Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?
The simple answer is to keep him from getting proud. Paul spends time here explaining the reason for his "thorn in the flesh." So the pupose is important. A modern English translation explains it better. The Bible in Basic English states it this way:
6 For if I had a desire to take credit to myself, it would not be foolish, for I would be saying what is true: but I will not, for fear that I might seem to any man more than he sees me to be, or has word from me that I am.
7 And because the revelations were so very great, in order that I might not be overmuch lifted up, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, one sent from Satan to give me pain.
(2 Cor. 12:6, 7 BBE)
Paul had received great revelations. In fact, he wrote much of the New Testament—from Romans through Philemon. If he bragged about it, he would only be telling the truth. Anyone who has much blessing can get a "big head." Paul understood that this "thorn in the flesh"—whatever it was—was to help him spiritually. It was meant to help him stay humble in his heart. God was taking advantage of the devil's trouble to actually help protect Paul from sinning.
(3) What was Paul's RESPONSE to his "thorn in the flesh"?
At first he fought it. But while praying he changed his mind. The Bible in Basic English continues:
8 And about this thing I made request to the Lord three times that it might be taken away from me.
9 And he said to me, My grace is enough for you, for my power is made complete in what is feeble. Most gladly, then, will I take pride in my feeble body, so that the power of Christ may be on me.
10 So I take pleasure in being feeble, in unkind words, in needs, in cruel attacks, in troubles, on account of Christ: for when I am feeble, then am I strong.
(2 Cor. 8-10 BBE)
Paul prayed three times. You and I need to remember that God answers prayer and honors faith. One should never give up his faith in God or doubt his prayers being answered. But there are specific times when God will say NO or NOT YET. That is what Paul had to experience. God was not going to remove the problem, but Paul was going to become strong in the Spirit by being weak and troubled in the flesh. God's favor and power would help Paul for the rest of his life.
After God gave Paul a higher answer to the man's prayer, Paul completely accepted God's Will in this situation. And Paul was encouraged so much that he decided to brag on his weaknesses so that God would be glorified.
But remember, "weaknesses" here is not referring to sin. Paul did not slip into sin. Paul was referring to having troubles in this life that would not go away. God allowed Paul to be a target of the devil. It was to help Paul stay humble and depending on the Holy Ghost. At the same time, God continued to use Paul and to give him strength. And Paul learned to rejoice in the midst of trouble and praise and give thanks to God no matter what he had to go through.
Rev. Pat Reynolds
Wayne Parks Ministries