Bible: What is Paul's Thorn? (in Context) 2 Corinthians 12:6-8?

Question

2 Corinthians 12:6-8

6 - Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.
7 - 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. 8 - Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.

Answer 1

So that Paul would not forget, God allowed him to be inflicted with a constant reminder of his weakness. Countless explanations concerning the nature of his thorn in the flesh have been offered. They range from incessant temptation, dogged opponents, chronic maladies (such as eye problems (Galatians 4:15), malaria, migraine headaches, and epilepsy), to a disability in speech. No one can say for sure what his was, but it probably was a physical affliction (for the work of Satan in this, cf. 1 Corinthians 5:5; 10:10).



It is understandable that Paul would consider this thorn a hindrance to wider or more effective ministry (Galatians 5:14-16) and that he would repeatedly petition God for its removal (2 Corinthians 12:8). But he learned from this experience the lesson that dominates this letter: divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of human weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7) so that God alone is praised (2 Corinthians 10:17). Rather than removing the problem God gave him grace and strength in it and through it.

God Bless You

Answer 2

Paul, having been sorely tried, was inspired to write: “There was given me a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan, to keep slapping me, that I might not be overly exalted.” (2 Corinthians 12:7) What was this thorn in Paul’s flesh? 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.

This could have been the mental and emotional distress caused by opposers and “false brothers.” (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4) Or it could have been the physical discomfort of a chronic eye affliction. Whatever the case, this “thorn in the flesh” had a weakening effect on Paul. “I three times entreated the Lord that it might depart from me,” he wrote. However, Paul’s request was not granted. It was explained to Paul that the spiritual benefits he had already received from God, such as power to endure trials, were sufficient.

Paul may have been referring to false apostles and other disturbers who challenged his apostleship and work. Whatever it was, this “thorn in the flesh” deeply distressed Paul, and he prayed repeatedly that it would be removed.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Well many think it was his eyesight because of this Scripture...

Acts 23: 1-5: " Looking intently at the San´he·drin Paul said: “Men, brothers, I have behaved before God with a perfectly clear conscience down to this day.” 2 At this the high priest An·a·ni´as ordered those standing by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him: “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall. Do you at one and the same time sit to judge me in accord with the Law and, transgressing the Law, command me to be struck?” 4 Those standing by said: “Are you reviling the high priest of God?” 5 And Paul said: “Brothers, I did not know he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You must not speak injuriously of a ruler of your people.’”

If you will notice, he did not know that the person he was tlaking to was the high priest, possibly because he did not see him.

Galatians 4:12-15: "Brothers, I beg YOU, Become as I am, because I used to be also as YOU are. YOU did me no wrong. 13 But YOU know that it was through a sickness of my flesh I declared the good news to YOU the first time. 14 And what was a trial to YOU in my flesh, YOU did not treat with contempt or spit at in disgust; but YOU received me like an angel of God, like Christ Jesus. 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."

These verses along with the ones I am listing below, but not writing out, lead me and others to believe he had eye problems...

1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:18;

Answer 5

Yeah I wonder myself.... its one of the most debated topics among theologins. Some say the thorn was a sickness, historically he had bad eyesight and epilepsy. Some believe it was a sin he couldnt get rid of but what? Maybe he had issues with women? Maybe he had issues with Jews, since he was once one. Pride is a common idea, as well as something of a sexual nature like adultery, or lust.. as historically he WAS married when he was a Jew but became single (by divorce or widowed is unknown) when he was in ministry. But I do believe myself the thorn is a sin and not sickness, as you can read in Romans 7:14-20 that he admits he still sins.

Answer 6

A physical weakness that could have caused him some humiliation, possibly because he had to depend on other people's help. Many believe this weakness had to do with his eyes because of remarks he makes in the letter to the Galatians (You would have been willing to give me your eyes; see with what big letters I have signed my name). However we cannot be sure that's what he is talking about in Corinthians. It could have been some other physical weakness. Some have even suggested recurring depression (Like Spurgeon had).
EDIT:
It has also been suggested that Paul might have had a problem with stuttering - because of what he says about his speaking ability in 1st Thessalonians. It could be interpreted that way.
I think the fact that we don't really know, allows us to apply it to any weakness that we might have that we don't manage to overcome: we have the assurance that in our weakness, God's grace is our strength.

Answer 7

I've heard several theories, one is that he was gay. Could be, read some of the things he says about women. Others say he might have stuttered or had some other sort of speech impediment. I've also heard it was seizures or epilepsy. Whatever it was, it was something God afflicted him with to keep him humble.

This article says it was a demon sent to inflict physical punishment on him: http://www.layhands.com/ObjectionsAgainstHealing.htm (go down 3/4 of the way down the page to Paul's Thorn)

Answer 8

No one knows for sure. My guess with all I know about Paul, would be possibly weak eyesight. I base this on the fact that God blinded him for 3 days (Saul) until Ananias went to him and scales fell off Pauls eyes. Also I base this on Gal 6:11
See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
He may have had to write large in order to see what he was writing. I hope to see other peoples opinions on this subject.
Good question, God Bless You....Peace.

Answer 9

The Bible does not make it clear what Pauls thorn was only that he pleaded with God three times to take it from him!

Answer 10

No one knows exactly what the thorn in Paul's side was. whatever it was it was something that God allowed to keep Paul humble. It could've been a speech impediment, fear of public speaking, anxiety, or worry. No one really knows for sure.