what kind of affliction or disability was this "thorn in my flesh"? If possible, please give scriptural references or logical references. Thanks and God bless!
2007-09-30 01:26:00 · 13 answers · asked by paloloy 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Some say that is proof he was married. lol
Seriously, most likely eyesight. Several references, Paul refered to brethren who cared so much for him that they would "pluck out their eyes" for him, if possible.
Also drew attention to how large a letters he wrote when he wrote some of his books.
Galatians 4:15 Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 6:11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.
2007-09-30 01:30:37 · answer #1 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think Paul was deliberately ambiguous on this point... because we ALL have a "thorn in the flesh.." Whether it be a physical, mental, or emotional temptation that is constantly reminding us of those things we "ought not do" as James so eloquently put it...
When we try to label Paul's affliction - we only succeed in saying "Well.. I don't have THAT problem" and we ignore the TRUE message Paul is trying to get across... which is that we must DEAL with our every day afflictions by turning our lives over to Christ daily.
What is YOUR thorn in the flesh? What is YOUR temptation that keeps you from focusing on Christ?
I think THAT is the true question.
2007-09-30 08:31:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Acts 9:3 Speaking of Paul conversion---And as he journeyed he came near Damacus & suddenly there shined a light from Heaven, Now Verse 8: & Saul arose from the earth, & when he opened his eyes he saw no man, but they led him by the hand. Now It goes on that Paul did receive his sight back but only to a certain point. That is why when Apostle Paul wrote a letter, Paul would say, I write with LARGE letters, Because the thorn in Paul's flesh was his poor eyesight.
2007-09-30 08:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In reviewing the other answers to this question it would appear the thorn was most likely poor eyesight, or perhaps constipation.
Who knows, no one. Who cares about what the heck some dork from a thousand years had to say? Far to many.
The bible is a poorly written, highly sexist book of fiction. I will grant there is some good advice contained in its pages. Generally only useful when you run out of toilet paper in an outhouse.
Best Wishes you grow a brain. adventureboyseven
2007-09-30 08:48:19 · answer #4 · answered by adventureboyseven 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paul was speaking about the constant persecution and harassment he faced from Judiazing teachers, of whom Paul himself was before his conversion on the road to Damascus. This is further brought out in the fact that so much of Paul's writings teach about the death of the law and the new covenant of grace and seems to be the ongoing theme in 2 Corinthians 12:7 after he mentions this in the chapter before:
"Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft." - 2 Corinthians 11:22,23.
2007-09-30 08:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The precise nature of this severe affliction remains unknown.
Helpful reading Job 2:10
2007-09-30 09:08:52 · answer #6 · answered by Nina, BaC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Scripture IS SILENT.... about what it was... LEST.... many that Have the Same ALIMENT....Claim.... " I have the Same as Paul did.....!" They WOULD... Calim A Party Spirit... I am of the Party of Paul ... Because I have HIS AFFLICTION...!
I say that because of this....!
(1Cor 1:12) Now this I say, that every one of you saith, = I am of Paul; = and I of Apollos; = and I of Cephas; = and I of Christ.
Although HOLY SCRIPTURE... Is Silent... I have... " my belief "... that it has Something to DO... with His EYES ?
(Gal 4:15) Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, = if it had been possible, = ye would have plucked out = your own = = = eyes, = = = and have given them to me.
I use this... Because of This....
(Acts 9:17-18) And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
(Act 9:18) And immediately = there fell from = = = his eyes = = = as it had been = scales: = and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
BUT.... what ever His Affliction WAS..... CHRIST SAID TO HIM.....
(2Cor 12:8-9-10) For this thing I besought the Lord three times, that it might depart from me.
(2Co 12:9) And He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may overshadow me.
(2Co 12:10) Therefore I am pleased in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am powerful.
Thanks, RR
2007-09-30 08:37:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a thorn in the flesh of humanity.
2007-09-30 08:28:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Bible doesn't say. It would be safe to assume that it was some sort of physical ailment. Other than that, it would be pure speculation.
2007-09-30 08:32:51 · answer #9 · answered by michael m 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i beleive it may be the head dress jesus had on his head when he was on the cross...
sorry im not really up on how the bible is writen but this is what i think...
i do beleive in god but i cant grasp the bible unless its a simple one.....
cheers
jo
2007-09-30 08:31:42 · answer #10 · answered by josie d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋