does anyone know what Pauls thorn in the flesh was and how can we overcome ours?

Answer 1

No and you overcome by being obedient.

Answer 2

The Bible does not state just what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was. It might have been a physical affliction, such as poor eyesight. Or the expression “thorn in the flesh” might refer to false apostles and others who challenged Paul’s apostleship and ministry.—2 Corinthians 11:6, 13-15; Galatians 4:15; 6:11.

Nevertheless, he indicated to Paul that he would not intervene by means of a miraculous solution. Instead, Paul would have to rely on God’s power to help him cope with his “thorn in the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
Well, a thorn lodged deep under the skin would certainly be painful. So the metaphor suggests something that caused Paul pain—whether physical, emotional, or both. It may be that Paul suffered from an eye affliction or some other physical infirmity. Or the thorn may have involved those individuals who challenged Paul’s credentials as an apostle and called into question his preaching and teaching work. (2 Corinthians 10:10-12; 11:5, 6, 13) Whatever it was, that thorn remained in place and could not be removed.

Note that the thorn kept slapping Paul. Interestingly, the Greek verb Paul used here is derived from the word for “knuckles.” That word is used literally at Matthew 26:67 and figuratively at 1 Corinthians 4:11.

How to Cope With a Thorn. God’s power is more than enough to help us through our trials. (Ephesians 3:20) Jehovah taught Paul that divine power is “made perfect in weakness.” How? He lovingly supplied Paul with all the strength he needed in order to cope with his trial. In turn, Paul’s endurance and his implicit trust in Jehovah revealed to all that God’s power was triumphing in the case of this weak and sinful man. Now consider the effect on the Devil, who claims that men serve God only when life is comfortable and uncomplicated. Paul’s integrity amounted to a slap in the face of that slanderer!

No thorn, however painful, could diminish his zeal. So, then, by enduring whatever figurative thorn is in our flesh, we can find great happiness in showing everyone that Jehovah’s power is being made perfect in our weakness. Paul wrote: “We do not give up . . . Certainly the man we are inside is being renewed from day to day. For though the tribulation is momentary and light, it works out for us a glory that is of more and more surpassing weight and is everlasting; while we keep our eyes . . . on the things unseen. For the things . . . unseen are everlasting.”—2 Corinthians 4:16-18.

Like Paul, we will have the strength to do so by virtue of Jehovah, who generously imparts power to us. When we are living in the earthly Paradise, we will bless Jehovah our God every day for all his wonderful doings in our behalf.—Psalm 103:2.

Answer 3

No one knows what the thorn was. Prayer and obedience can overcome our thorns, unless, like Paul, God chose to have Paul continue with the thorn, so that His grace would prove sufficient for him. I have prayed for God to remove a chronic illness that both my husband and I have. He has chosen to prove Himself through the illnesses, not removing them. Paul had faith, so the answer can not be if he had more faith, I think it takes more faith to stand up during the pain and so that God can receive the glory. Paul's thorn showed forth God's strength.

Answer 4

St. Paul's thorn in the flesh was likely an eye condition, similar to what we know today as glaucoma, that resulted in severe pain, ghastly swollen, red, bulging eyes, and considerable difficulty with both reading and writing.

He mentioned these problems several times in his epistles, and also mentioned that he prayed for relief from God, but failed to receive it, stating only that God had provided him with sufficient grace to deal with the problem, which certainly is true.

All we can do to gain relief from our own "thorns" is continue to pray, and continue to avail ourselves of the assistance provided for us through our full and active participation in the work, worship, and sacraments of the Church.

Whether his ailment was the result of his initial encounter with Christ, on the road to Damascus, is a matter still open to speculation.

Answer 5

His thorn was his denial of Christ as he persecuted Christians. When the angel said to Saul, "it is hard to kick against the p ricks," the message was clear that Saul's way was a lose lose path, and inevitably truth was going to overtake him, regardless of his ignorance, fear, or doubt. We overcome the thorn in our belief by surrendering all of our heart and thought to Christ and follow His teachings in overcoming sin by the destruction of it.

Answer 6

In some of his later writings he refers to a problem with his eyes. It is all conjecture. What seems most important here is that all of us are subject to living under adversity. Faith doesn't always take us down an easy road but God's grace will always be there in abundance. For some it may be a way to remind them to be dependent upon God rather than themselves. Paul was a powerful man in his own way. Maybe he needed to be more dependent upon God.

Answer 7

The Bible doesn't specifically say, but it may have been an affliction of his eyes.

Galatians 4:15 - Where, then, is that happiness you had? For I bear you witness that, if it had been possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.

Galatians 6:11 - See with what large letters I have written you with my own hand.

At Acts 23:1-5 he didn't recognize the high priest.

Answer 8

Traditin generaly leans to an eye condition of some kind as Pauls "Thorn"..... you over come yours by keep'n on keep'n on, relying on God to give the strength needed to keep on.

Answer 9

It was Pride and he didn't overcome it,remember he told the one that the Holy Ghost spoke through and bound his hands and said not to go into a country(I forgot what one)but he went anyway,believe me it was pride.

Answer 10

Most believe Paul's was blindness, and only much submission and prayer to God will overcome ours, if it be His will.

Answer 11

Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was Paul himself. His greatest enemy was himself, his flesh (his own desires, wants, selfishness, etc...).