Thorn In The Flesh

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7

God gave Paul deep and intimate spiritual experiences. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, He was taken into the third heaven—the throne room of God. He was given a vision of Paradise, or heaven. Encounters like Paul’s will change a person’s life. So although we walk by faith and not by sight, we must nonetheless ask God for visions of heavenly realms and greater spiritual encounters with Him.

But in spite of Paul’s “abundance of revelations,” a thorn in the flesh was given to him. What or who is this thorn in the flesh? Some speculate that it might be a recurring physical infi rmity such as poor eyesight or epilepsy. Many others think it is the constant opposition by men to hinder his ministry or discourage him. The latter seems more plausible because in the Old Testament, human adversaries are often called “thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell” (Num. 33:55). Paul wanted deliverance and relief. He wanted God to remove the thorn because it hurt and bothered him. It was distracting him from his work. And it did make him appear personally weak. Yet, God did not take away the thorn even after Paul had prayed three times for its removal.

Why did God allow a thorn in the flesh to torment him?

Firstly, God wanted to guard against Paul being puffed up (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul needed a “thorn” to keep him ever mindful that he was no better than other men. There was the danger that he might begin to think too highly of himself, especially after his many revelations of God and heaven.

Secondly, God wanted to reveal His power in Paul. God said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (12:9). The weaker the vessel, the more God is glorifi ed when the vessel really serves Christ.

Thirdly, God wanted to teach Paul to live “for Christ’s sake” (12:10). When Paul suffered some infirmity or weakness, it gave Christ the chance to infuse power into him and to overcome the weakness for Paul. Paul’s infirmity gave Christ an opportunity to prove Himself.

Therefore, Paul said that he took “pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses” (12:10). The power of Jesus Christ often comes to you when you are at your weakest. So when you are at your weakest, you can also be at your strongest through Christ.

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