Paul's Thorn In the Flesh, who is this messenger of Satan?

Question

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

What are 'thorns' a symbol of in Scripture?

Answer 1

"Thorns" is a symbolic term. It was used to describe the non-Israylites left in the land when Israyl invaded.

This article may explain it in more complete terms:

Have you ever thought about this passage:
2Tim 3:5 Having a form of Yahweh-likeness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
The social-club so called "believers" simply refuse to listen to the Scripture, or cannot hear it at all. Actually, because of unbelief manifesting in their unwillingness or claimed inability to obey the word, hear the word, or receive the truth, many promote a lie in regards to Paul's "thorn in the flesh". From the heart of many of these religious individuals you find a denial of the healing power of Yahweh, as well as a different glad tidings, "another Messiah", being proclaimed. You specifically are told to "turn away" from these people, groups, or assemblies, not stay in them attempting to convert them, change their minds, nor "just get along".
Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Notice some "divisions and offences" are in proper order, as long as they are not "contrary to the doctrine" being taught by the Law, Prophets, and Apostles. Is your "doctrine" "contrary" to the Law, Prophets, and Apostles? Does your "doctrine" favor those, lift up those, glorify those individuals that the Scripture says are "contrary to all men"? The root of intent some of these self-proclaimed teachers, or "false teachers", have is an attempt to hide facts concerning the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom you need to know, thus causing "divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine" of the Law, Prophets, and Apostles. The "doctrine" one would have learned from Paul is far different from that taught today in the mainstream "church" world. You will find things "contrary" to the truth of the Scripture in most assemblies, yet people are ignorant, don't care, indolent, or love to have the lies instead, and thus no one attempts to "mark them" as false. Elements can be brought to light within this subject, Paul's "thorn in the flesh", which once again reveals the warfare that has been raging since the beginning. You will soon see why it is kept hid from most. It goes "contrary" to political correctness to say the least. Paul would not be welcome in the pulpits of most assemblies today. Actually, he likely wouldn't want to be there either. "Avoid them", "have no fellowship" with them, "turn away" from them, are but a few directives in regards to those whom teach "contrary" to the true Glad Tidings. Paul tells us those teaching "contrary" to the true "doctrine" of the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom are "accursed", Gal.1:8. When you know what Paul is saying, the same "thorn in the flesh" may then hinder you, and you too can glory in those "infirmities". Read carefully:
2Cor. 12:1-10 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of Yahweh. I knew a man in Messiah above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: Yahweh knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: Yahweh knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Master thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Messiah may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Messiah's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
This passage is taken out of context so often, misused by almost all, because so few understand what Paul is talking about. Opponents of divine healing use the "thorn in the flesh" and the "messenger of Satan" to falsely teach Yahweh wants a true believer to remain ill! They actually say Paul was suffering from an incurable disease of some type, whether that be eye problems or some other such malady, because Paul says to have besought the Master three times for this "thorn", or "infirmity", to be removed and it was not at that time. They thus claim Paul stayed sick and that we can remain sick, "to the glory of Yahweh"! Absolute lies! Blind leading the blind! No such thing is meant if you but study your Scripture! Never does Yahweh tell us we should be sick to His glory. Never does it speak of a disease that Yahweh cannot heal, whether it be in you or Paul. The "holy seed" remnant's healing was accomplished before the world was, but was manifest to be so in the life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Yahshua the Messiah. This is the reason for divine healing manifesting before Yahshua's ascension and after, it was accomplished before the world was here. Never does it say, nor teach, Paul had an incurable disease!
Paul traveled during his ministry time, nearly 30 years, around much of the southern European and Middle Eastern world. His travels also took him into the British Isles and Spain. He was persecuted, beaten, stoned, and nearly drowned during this time. He also wrote approximately two-thirds of the verses of what is commonly called the New Covenant. These unfaithful, which you are told to "turn away" from, would tell you that he was a weak, sickly man who was constantly ill and in physical difficulty. Some teach he had a sickness called ophthalmia, an inflamation of the eye, on the basis of a Galatians passage where some claim they would have plucked out their eyes for Paul. Their claim is said of them to be based on the fact Paul was blinded on the Damascus road. This, according to them, resulted in a supposed permanent injury.
What was this "thorn in the flesh"? It was a "messenger of Satan". Paul says so himself! Who blinded Paul on the Damascus road? The Master Yahshua the Messiah! Now if that resulted in Paul being permanently blinded, or suffering something as a result of that encounter, and this is the "thorn in the flesh" Paul speaks of, you would have to conclude Yahshua the Messiah is the "messenger of Satan"! Absolute foolishness! Who would be behind such a doctrine which so many ignorantly teach today? Paul, after his Damascus road encounter, has "scales" on his eyes until he meets with Ananias, a faithful disciple living in Damascus, who through the power of the Spirit of Yahweh completely heals Paul. Paul is not saying the Messiah's encounter was an encounter with a "messenger of Satan"! But the pagan, blinded, filthy, cretin christian will in essence tell you so, right from the pulpit at times. We are expected to believe this supposed puss-eyed man was traveling all over much of the then known world healing the sick, opening the eyes of the blind, raising the dead, casting out demons, and yet could not be healed himself? The question is asked again, and the answer is the same. What was this "thorn in the flesh"? It was a "messenger of Satan"!
If anyone knew what the "thorn" was, Paul did. He tells us plainly, yet many refuse to hear it! Let's clear up who it was NOT! It was not Yahweh, Yahshua, nor the archangel Michael. It was not a physical sickness from his encounter with Yahshua on the Damascus road. It was a "messenger of Satan"! It was not a punishment nor a chastisement from Yahweh to keep Paul humble nor from growing arrogant regarding his knowledge level or revelations. Arrogance plagues many in the religious ranks. "We are the only organization with the truth", is one sign that you can find in many assemblies, or their participants, today. This was not a problem for Paul at all.
The word "messenger" is from the same word that is used for "angel" in the Greek New Covenant writings. From Strong's Concordance we find this for the Greek word translated here as "messenger": "aggelos ang'-el-os From aggeloV aggello (probably derived from G71; compare G34; to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication a pastor: - angel, messenger."
By implication a pastor, i.e. a Pastor of Satan! False teachers bringing tidings of the Adversary! We find this manifesting in most today.
In Thayer's Lexicon we find: a messenger, envoy, one who is sent . . .
[Be careful using Strong's exclusively, for he was apparently a Rosicrucian and may have inserted or altered meanings to fit his personal and probable deviant intents. Some say his bloodline goes back to "children of the Devil" as well]
In Paul's day the Synagogue of Satan was headed up by a particular group of messengers of Satan. Yahweh had revealed to the risen Messiah Yahshua information which he passed on to true believers through the writings of John in Revelation 2:9 and again in 3:9 regarding these "children of the Devil". Too bad so few take heed to the warning.
In the passage, 2 Cor. 12:8, where it teaches in most translations "that it might depart from me", it may be of interest that a few translations have it, "that he might depart from me". An important point when considering this issue. Thus, in modern terms, the phrase Paul uses "thorn in the flesh" is no different than one saying of another that is giving them difficulty, "You are a pain in my neck". It has nothing to do with a literal thorn from a bush, nor a physical sickness Yahweh would not heal. The "thorn" here is symbolic.
Usually when considering symbolic writings, or statements, rules of interpretation are laid down which dictate the meaning of certain words. The symbols do not change throughout the Scripture. Whatever "thorns" are symbolic of in one book, it will be symbolic of in the others. In other words, we have the word "thorn" used here by Paul to describe the "messenger of Satan". This term may be defined by the older writings of the Prophets and the law. If you look this up you will find the "thorn" in Paul's flesh was by far not some incurable disease he languished with the rest of his life. As we will see from his own statements that could not be the case. But as to "thorns", what does the Scripture tell us they are? There is no room for opinion or guesses. Remember, before reading this passage, THOSE THAT HATE THE TRUTH CALL THE TRUTH HATRED!
Num 33:55-56 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it shall come to pass, [that] I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.
One point of noted interest which few true Israylites want to admit today, and Chazar, Edomite so-called "jews" is not meant by this word "Israylites", is Yahweh's intended purpose in the entire Kingdom manifestation. His intention was to drive out or kill all the non-Israylites, "as I thought to do unto them". This will be the ultimate fulfillment when the Kingdom becomes world-wide, as is prophesied to occur "tomorrow", as far as prophetic timing is concerned. Praise Yahweh for always preserving a remnant. But if the "inhabitants of the land" are to be driven out of the land, and the Kingdom is world-wide, where are they going to be driven to? The Moon? Mars? The Dominion Mandate, and Yahweh's intent, is again presenting itself, if one could but see.
But as to our immediate issue, Paul's "thorn in the flesh" is plainly identified here as well. It was mongrel "inhabitants of the land", or their descendants, not put to death or driven out as they were supposed to have been. That is the "messenger of Satan". Numerous times House of Judah had been punished for among other things mixing with the people of the land. Judah himself had produced three children from a mixed marriage which plagued Israyl. It was only by Yahwistic intervention and the actions of Tamar that Judah had any pure offspring, Zarah and Pharez. Only one of the mixed children, Shelah, survived, and this mongrel, or his descendants, caused many problems for Israyl, being part of the "mixed multitude" that came out of Egypt with Israyl. Yet others, such as those mixing during the days of Jeremyah which he vocally condemns to their face, as well as mixing taking place after the Babylonian captivity, which produced many troubles for Ezra and Nehemyah, Ezra 9:2-3, 10:3, all were nothing but trouble, i.e. "thorns". But as it greatly effected Yahshua and Paul, the Edomites, which had been foolishly forcibly converted to Judaism rather than put to death during the Maccabean period, had taken over the religious ruling counsels and puppet government posts in their day.
Jos 23:11-13 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love Yahweh your Mighty One. Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: Know for a certainty that Yahweh your Mighty One will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which Yahweh your Mighty One hath given you.
A major sin here is attributed to be mixing with non-Israyl, whether that is in their religions or the genetic stock. The result would be "THORNS IN YOUR EYES". Take note, lack of attention to the genetic issue of the Scripture is a manifestation that many DO NOT LOVE YAHWEH! They may praise Him with their lips, but their heart is far from Him.
Jdg 2:2-3 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land [like leagues or agreements for marriage]; ye shall throw down their altars [how many churches would be left standing today?]: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they [THE INHABITANTS THEMSELVES] shall be as thorns in your sides, and their mighty ones shall be a snare unto you. See also Psalms 58, especially verse 9.
As predicted, the mongrel people of the land and their pagan religion has polluted some of what used to be true Israyl. We see what "thorns" are symbolic of according to the word of Yahweh. Paul understood this fact.
If we will let it, the letter from Paul will tell us exactly what these mongrel abominations actually fear, and rightly so. They may fight it till their dying day, but none-the-less, they will all die. You may fight beside them with a politically correct SOPHISTRY religious spirit, but you too will pay. The Dominion Mandate belongs to a particular people. This has been known since before the sin in the garden, the beast of the field taking the virginity of Eve, as Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 11, and producing Cain. It will manifest.
Ask the question of this section of Paul's writings, 2 Cor. 12:1-10: Why oppose Paul? Paul tells you, though it is misinterpreted by the polluted pagan christianity ranks. He says: "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations...". If it had not been for these "thorns", these adversarial attackers, the glad tidings of the kingdom and even greater revelations of truth would have been brought forth and spread abroad to even a larger area, for which Paul would have been exalted. The end result is that he was at war then as we are today with those that oppose the truth. The Dominion Mandate, or Glad Tidings of the Kingdom, is that truth they hate, for they know what it means for them . . . eternal death!
We are told these Adversary's, these "thorns" in his flesh, these mongrels, did "buffet" Paul. To be buffeted is to be continually hit on, or opposed. In other words, he was being persecuted wherever he was going. So, let's look at who Luke says in Acts was buffeting Paul or causing opposition to see if we can find any more specific details to this "thorn" he refers to.
Act 13:48-50 And when the People heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of Yahweh: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of Yahweh was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
The "jews" are the ones which caused Paul so much trouble according to the above passage. Why do so many tell you it was just Romans? Because they have been duped by the children of the Devil? In the same passage it could be understood that this would mean these "jews" were not ordained to receive the truth of the message. The following passage tells you just that:
1Pet 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
How is it they, or perhaps you, were "appointed" to be "disobedient" and stumble at the word, rejecting the true Messiah? They were mongrels. They, being mongrels, and thus of their father the Devil, as Yahshua said, do not have the genetic ability to receive the truth. Yahshua did not come to redeem them at all. They are the result of miscegenation. Lower than "dogs", for "dogs" can at least eat of the crumbs which fall from the table where the bread for the children remains today. The Glad Tidings of Scripture is automatically condemnatory to them, as has been the case for all opposition forces established against the true Dominion Mandate to Adam and his chosen seed line, Gen.1:28. That is why the book is to Adam's line only, Gen. 5:1. Cain and his mongrel crowd and army of beasts of the field; the Hamitic line after Noah's day, which produces the tower of Babel, and in process opposes the Shem line which held the Dominion Mandate; the Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman opposition, with failed attempts of establishment of world-wide dominion; and lastly the Dragon, Beast and False Prophet spirits which have attempted the same false dominion in the world, and which will yet make one final effort; all attempts have failed and will continue to do so, for the Dominion Mandate belongs to one lineage down to Jacob and then splits to the remnant of the twelve sons of Jacob/Israyl. The "final solution" will be carried out soon enough.
Luk 19:27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay [them] before me.
The day is coming right on time when the righteous will rule, as was intended since the garden of Eden. All opposition will be dealt with on a permanent basis, as prophesied by Yahshua.
But again, who was buffeting Paul; who was it continually attacking him, which he refers to as a "messenger of Satan"? Was it Rome's soldiers chasing him around?
Act 14:2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the People, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
They do the same today. When the true Glad Tidings of the Kingdom are proclaimed, the "jews" and the lies they and others have vomited out are eaten up by the ones the message is to and then their minds turn against, or are "evil affected against", the truth of the Kingdom, the Dominion Mandate of House of Israyl. They, cretin zionists and ignorant religious supposed 'do-gooders', would rather cast the pearl to the swine, and give that which is kodesh to the dogs, many times under the pretense of missionary activity, rather than the children to whom it was meant, labeling those promoting the truth as "anti-semitic", "racist", "hate monger", "Nazi", etc. Perhaps everyone needs to be brainwashed in the government schools to join up with the one world, multi-racial, multi-cultrual, mind-set like Babylon had in mind in the days of Nimrod? Ignorant zombies! The Bread for the Children is not meant for Dogs! Yahshua said so.
Act 14:19-20 And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
These mongrels opposed Paul at nearly ever place he went, buffeting him in his ministry and corrupting the minds of others. He was stoned and thought to have been dead. This is likely when the event he mentions happened to "a man", being Paul himself, in the 1 Cor.12 passage quoted earlier, hearing "unspeakable" things.
Act 17:5-8 But the Jews [mongrels] which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, [one] Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
Too many are afraid to speak out concerning what the Scriptures are saying. Fear of these "jews", and government, is still in the air.
Act 17:12-14 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of Yahweh was preached of Paul at Berea, [These Bereans were those that searched the Scriptures rather than listen to their highly educated preachers or fancy eloquently written books] they came thither also, and stirred up the people. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
Act 18:11-13 And he continued [there] a year and six months, teaching the word of Yahweh among them. And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This [fellow] persuadeth men to worship Yahweh contrary to the law.
The cretin STILL is being persuaded by the mongrel 'jew' that Paul was trying to turn people against obeying the laws of Yahweh, being too ignorant to understand the difference in the Laws of Yahweh, reiterated at Mt. Sinai, and the laws added later in Moab because of transgression to the laws of Yahweh reiterated at Mt. Sinai, of which Paul and Moses makes a clear distinction regarding. I can hear it now, "da dude thats beez sayzin dis musen beez a anti-semite.", not realizing I am but referencing passages in the Scriptures. The only thing he was taught to say properly in school was the phrase "anti-semite" it would seem. Too bad he doesn't know what a Semite is, and who today they are manifest in, for it certainly, according to even "jewish" literature, is not what is commonly called "jews", at least for by far the most part. A Semite is a descendent of Shem. Israylites are Shemites. To be an anti-semite is to be against Shemitic lineage people. When it comes to the lineage of Shem that is through Jacob/Israyl and his pure descendants, you would have a hard time finding one more pro-shemitic than I. When it comes to those claiming to be of pure stock, and yet are not, the table is very much turned, not to mention those that call themselves "jews" yet within their own literature wholeheartedly agree they are not from Shem according to some, nor Abraham according to others, nor Jacob/Israyl according to most, but merely adopted a religion called "judaism", and are actually from other genetic lines, or mixed, and are not of the promised lineage, Rom.9:3-5. That is according to "jews"! It does not mean everyone calling themselves "jews" is mixed either however. The Bereans were part of true Israyl and identified more accurately as Yahudah.
Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Yahudah, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
On your knees BOY! Anyone seen my sword? These mongrel children of the Devil, as Yahshua calls them, were buffeting Paul, while they claimed to be of Yahudah. They were not truly of Israyl. This was Paul's "thorn in the flesh". But let's look further.
Act 19:13-15 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Master Yahshua, saying, We adjure you by Yahshua whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of [one] Sceva, a Jew, [and] chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Yahshua I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
"vagabond Jews" is a rather strange phrase, unless you know what is being pointed at with such terms!
Gen 4:12-13 When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto Yahweh, My punishment [is] greater than I can bear.
This mongrel Cain, adversarial "seed" Gen. 3:15, from a beast of the field and Eve 2Cor.11, being punished, is the "vagabond" type for all time. Yahshua also made a link between these "vagabond jews" and "Cain" in Matt. 23:35. We also see a connection between the "vagabond jews" and the "wicked" in this passage:
Psa 109:10 Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek [their bread] also out of their desolate places.
But those buffeting Paul are further identified:
Act 20:3 And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
Act 20:19 Serving Yahweh with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: ---- Remember this word "temptations".
Act 21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
Act 22:22-24 And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. And as they cried out, and cast off [their] clothes, and threw dust into the air, The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
They wanted him dead! Why was that? Go back and read in your Scripture what they "gave audience" to hear, until a particular word was spoken. The Kingdom had been taken from them and given to a "nation" bringing forth the fruit thereof. Not a "church", an "ekklesia", a "mamzer" "mongrel" "multi-cultural", "multi-racial" abomination, but a "nation". That nation was "House of Israyl" whom had become "not a people" for a period of time, but would now be "my people" once again. As the "jews" in this passage stopped listening at this point in the message, so too do cretin christians today. All they can think of in their corrupted minds is, "the jews are the chosen people", while they have no idea as to what they really are saying. It is quite a shock to many to find that the first place the erroneous term "jews" is mentioned in the KJV, 2Kings16:5-6, THEY ARE AT WAR WITH HOUSE OF ISRAYL! In that case it is referring to "Yahudites", actual genetic stock Israylites of the House of Judah. The later so-called "jews", or "inhabitants of Jerusalem", "inhabitants of the land", the mongrels, hated Yahshua for teaching these facts regarding the true House of Israyl being the Dominion Mandate recipients in the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom, they hated Paul for it, they will hate you for it. Paul leaves no doubt as to who the "gentiles" he is speaking of is, the House of Israyl, Rom.9:24-26. This is the "uncircumcision", the "gentiles", the "aliens", the "other sheep", the "other husbandmen", the "nation" that is given the Dominion Mandate, the Kingdom. Physical, pure genetic stock House of Israyl, the remnant.
Act 23:12-15 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
Yahshua said they were of their father the Devil and they come to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY. He taught the mongrel was responsible for ALL the righteous blood shed, from Abel's onward. Too bad many refuse to heed his warning about the "jews" and other mongrels plaguing true Israyl today. This was known by Yahshua because he knew what they were, "inhabitants of the land" and "inhabitants of Jerusalem" or their descendants which had not been driven out or killed off as was supposed to have happened. Paul said something about these children of Satan as well, and yet we are told by the ignorant to support these "little Devils" in the middle east and around the world by the hirelings in the pulpit today.
1Thes 2:14-15 For ye, brethren, became followers of the Assemblies In Yahweh which in Judaea are in Messiah Yahshua: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [have] of the Jews: Who both killed the Master Yahshua, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not Yahweh, and are contrary to all men:
These "thorns" are "contrary to all men", and religious cretins hold a "doctrine" "contrary" to the Apostles and Prophets which you are told to "avoid", Rom.16:17. Would this passage get a standing ovation in your assembly, or an angry response toward the one proclaiming it? Who "killed the Master Yahshua"? Romans? "Thorns"! So-called "jews"!
Isa 5:6-7 And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of Yahweh of hosts [is] the house of Israyl, [see our tract Parable of the Wicked Husbandmen] and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
"Thorns" is what did come up! Mixed breeds! By the time of Yahshua, the Edomite was running the puppet government and the religious services for the most part. Why? Because the mongrels or "inhabitants of the land" had not been driven out or killed off completely! Same stupid sins going on today in the "appointed place", "wilderness" and "isles of the sea" preserved for Israyl from the beginning. What is the solution, the "final solution"? The only solution ever proposed by Yahweh. Not, "let's all just get along"; not throwing money at it; not laws attempting to force messengers of Yahweh to hold their tongue. Will the "final solution" happen? Yes! It is promised! When? After the remnant, being Israylite people, have been taken to the woodshed so much it leaves few alive and that remnant turns to Yahweh in full repentance through the Messiah Yahshua. Not before. The mongrel in the land will continue to oppose the message. If you were to check into the bloodline of those that oppose the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom, the Dominion Mandate extended forth through the blood atonement of Yahshua, you will likely find some pollution in their genetic stock. Yahshua said they "cannot" hear. Somewhere down the line their ancestors probably married something that was out of Scriptural order and ended that line of true Israylites. They are but "children of the Devil". One can know them by "fruits". Salvation is truly out of our hands and by the unmerited favor of Yahweh granted to a remnant before the world was.
Now Paul is said to be sick by some. The word "infirmities" is pointed at attempting to justify their erroneous perspective. The 2Cor.12 passage said Paul gloried in his "infirmities"! It said he would "take pleasure in infirmities". Some would like you to think Paul glorified Yahweh for a sickness and took great pleasure in being sick! They would think to have us believe Paul was telling us his strength was made perfect in being physically sick; that when he was sick he was at his best! Totally absurd since "infirmities" does not always mean a physical sickness.
Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
These "infirmities" are not physical sicknesses.
Gal 4:13-14 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the glad tidings unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as a messenger of Yahweh, [even] as Messiah Yahshua.
It can be easily seen here that the "infirmity" he is talking about is a "temptation". Now go back to the passage earlier where Paul said the "jews" had been the "temptations", Acts 20:3 & 19. It is the same word used in this passage! The "infirmity" or "temptation" is not a physical sickness. It is the "thorn in the flesh", the "messenger of Satan", the "inhabitants of the land", "inhabitants of Jerusalem", the mongrel children of the Devil. In this case, they were mostly Edomites, children from the mongrel seed line of Esau. Yahweh hated Esau, what about you? Paul gloried in these "infirmities" because Yahweh is given more honor when thwarting the Adversary's plans time and time again. Whenever they would stone, beat, or attempt to murder Paul, he would move on to the next city and spread the truth to more people. They could not keep this man down! The buffeting Paul received from these "thorns" caused the message to be spread far and wide, and Paul was counted worthy to suffer for the cause. So, did the seed of the serpent, these mongrel children of the Devil, these "inhabitants of the land", these "thorns" win? Yahweh delivers in His own good time.
2Ti 3:10-11 But thou hast fully known my doctrine [some people never really know what their preacher believes, many never even care for they are simply attending a social club and that is all they are interested in], manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured [i.e. from the "inhabitants of the land", so-called "jews"]: but out of [them] all Yahweh delivered me.
Paul finally got the victory over ALL of these "temptations" and "infirmities", these "children of the Devil". Those that "deny the power" don't want you to realize Yahweh eventually did deliver Paul from these "thorns". He was soon able to receive ALL that came in unto him, preaching the Kingdom message, not some 'namby-pamby' 'panty waist sermon' like these cowards bore people with today. He received total deliverance, for it says further "NO MAN FORBIDDING HIM" from preaching Messiah, Acts 28:30-31. NO "THORNS" LEFT! Stand your ground, and even the "mountains" will be removed!
Jam 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to Yahweh. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The victory is a fact already. Don't deny the power in the name of Yahshua! You have been given the power of attorney. The authority has been passed to any true Israylite believer. You can tread on "serpents".
Mat 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Don't expect a crowd! Expect hatred, false accusation, attacks. Just remember it is for your benefit, not your demise. Trust Yahweh!
1Pe 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Messiah's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
He is coming sooner than most think . . . with his reward.

Answer 2

Weakness in his earthly nature. In the flesh is of this international - thorn in his worldliness. A messenger of Satan might be the sin and assaults of this international, dangerous matters going down, illness, and so forth.. ONE of the most likely matters would be that he feared for his lifestyles generally in a secular feel. All folks that had been as soon as his peers, now hated him and wanted to kill him. Look how typically Paul used to be jailed, tortured, and so forth. They persecuted Paul customarily. Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job a million:a million-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s possess well functions and continually inside God’s ideal will. God not ever offers us greater than what we will manage and he both gives you us from it altogether OR he does furnish us a method to break out via and in him.

Answer 3

The truth is that most scholars are divided on what this actually means. Most think as I do that it is referring to all those false teachers mentioned in Acts that keep preventing Paul from spreading the gospel without hindrances. They have become a thorn in the side to Him and they are not of God but of Satan. I doubt I do this passage justice, but follow the link below to a commentary that does a decent job explaining this verse.

Answer 4

Realize that these texts have been translated at least two times, and lost something in the translation. "Messenger" can be an angel, a person, or a situation. I don't know that the word "thorn" is used symbolically here. In Galatians Paul testifies that the Galatians would have given him their eyes if they could, communicating that he had a serious problem with his eyes.

Answer 5

Some say this was some kind of bodily affliction he was given, by satan, but allowed by God. The thorn suggest it was something painful. Notice if this is the case Paul never goes in to details about it, because he wasn't going to allow satan the victory over it. No matter what kind of affliction this was Paul pressed on.

Answer 6

Thorns are a symbol of some stumbling block.

Shaul's (Paul's) thorn in the flesh has been conjextured to mean that he suffered from Glaucoma as he said in Galatians 6:11 he wrote in 'large letters'. Suffering from Glaucoma myself I understand the feeling of thorns daily in my eyes when my eye pressure is up.

For Duh2: Who in the world is 'yahshua'? Any serious speaker or reader of Ivrit (Hebrew) would see that 'yahshua' is an absurdity. To arrive at the correct pronunciation, of Yeshua or Y'shua, you have to accept the Masoretic vowel pointings.Those who are insistent upon the "YAHshua" pronunciation reject the traditional Masoretic vowel pointings when it does not suit their beliefs. "yahushua" is an incorrect transliteration of the Hebrew. Our Master was named "Yeshua" because He would save His people from their sins. "Yeshua" is a form of the Hebrew "yeshuah" , which does not mean "Yah saves," but "Salvation". which is exactly what Yeshua is for us our Salvation. The idea that Yeshua's Name must contain the Father's Name, making His Name "yahushua" or some other form using "Yah," comes from a distortion of John 5:43 where Yeshua says, "I am come in My Father's Name." Following this logic, then we ourselves cannot do anything "in the Father's Name" unless our own personal name contains the name "Yah." Coming in the Father's name means simply to come in the Father's authority. Based on the vowel pointing in the Hebrew Scriptures, the best transliteration of the Hebrew is Y-E-S-H-U-A....... Salvation!
I pray that you find the Truth that is Y'shua ha Mashiach Melech ha Olam!

Answer 7

It's possible that Paul's thorn in the flesh was extremely poor eye sight. Later in life I think he writes about having someone read to or maybe write for him. I can find the scriptural text if you need.

Answer 8

Some believe he had problems with his vision, After shown revelations of God or seeing certain things, human nature is to be very proud, Paul was basically sent something that he didn't like but it kept Him in line. Exalted above measure, more than I deserve.

Answer 9

I believe The thorn in Paul's flesh is his temptation.

Answer 10

My understanding is no one really knows what the thorn in Paul's flesh was.

Answer 11

Well no one knows what the "thorn" was but more than likely the messenger of Satan was a demon.