Paul’s Thorn In The Fresh
Paul’s thorn in the flesh is a deeply debated passage in the Bible, found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. It is one of the most mysterious afflictions in Scripture because Paul never directly states what it is. However, he describes it as something painful, humiliating, and persistent, yet ultimately used by God to display His power.
The Biblical Passage (2 Corinthians 12:7-10, NIV)
“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me 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.’ 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.”
Key Themes of Paul’s Thorn
1. A Form of Suffering Given for a Purpose
Paul states that his thorn was given to him to keep him from becoming conceited after receiving “great revelations” (likely referring to his visions of heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6).
The phrase “a messenger of Satan” suggests that this affliction involved spiritual warfare, yet God permitted it for Paul’s growth.
2. A Persistent Struggle
Paul says he pleaded with God three times for its removal, but God chose not to take it away. This shows it was ongoing and not a temporary problem.
3. God’s Grace Overcomes Human Weakness
Instead of healing Paul, God responded, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul learned that God’s strength is displayed through human weakness, leading him to embrace his struggles rather than fight them.
Possible Explanations for Paul’s Thorn
Because Paul does not specify what the thorn is, scholars have proposed several possibilities:
1. A Physical Ailment (Most Common View)
Many believe Paul’s thorn was a chronic illness or disability. Some possibilities include:
Poor eyesight – Paul hints at vision problems in Galatians 4:13-15 (“you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me”) and Galatians 6:11 (“See what large letters I use as I write to you”).
Epilepsy – Some suggest he may have suffered seizures.
Migraines or chronic pain – Some link this to the extreme hardships he endured (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).
A speech impediment – Some argue he struggled with public speaking (2 Corinthians 10:10).
2. Persecution & Opposition
Paul faced constant opposition from Jews, Romans, and false teachers. Some believe his thorn was relentless persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23-26).
The term “messenger of Satan” could refer to those who opposed his ministry.
3. Emotional or Spiritual Struggles
Some believe Paul’s thorn was deep spiritual distress, anxiety, or depression from his responsibilities.
Others suggest it was a temptation he struggled with but could not overcome.
Why Didn’t God Remove Paul’s Thorn?
Paul learned a powerful spiritual lesson: God does not always remove suffering but gives grace to endure it. Instead of being a hindrance, Paul’s thorn became a testimony to God’s power.
This passage teaches that:
Suffering can have a divine purpose.God’s grace is greater than our struggles.Weakness is not a barrier to serving God—it is an opportunity for Him to work through us.
