Paul’s Thorn In The Flesh
August 24, 2024

What About Paul’s Thorn?

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

You know that because of physical infirmity (Mental or Physical Weakness) I preached the gospel to you at the first.
Galatians 4:13

2 Corinthians 11-12
Context Is King

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 labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
2 Corinthians 11:22-23

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
2 Corinthians 11:24-26

in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness— besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity (weakness).
2 Corinthians 11:27-30

It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.
2 Corinthians 12:1-2

And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities (weakness).
2 Corinthians 12:3-5

For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.
2 Corinthians 12:6

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 (Angel) of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
2 Corinthians 12:7-8

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities (weakness), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities (weakness), in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Five Things Paul Mentions
In Infirmities (Weakness)
In Reproaches
In Need
In Persecutions
In Distresses

1. A “Thorn In The Flesh” Was A Common Term of Paul’s Day

But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell.
Numbers 33:55

know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land which the Lord your God has given you.
Joshua 23:13

Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’ ”
Judges 2:3

A “Thorn In the Flesh” Was A Term of Saying Something is A “Pain”

2. The Timeline Matters
2 Corinthians Was Written In 56 A.D.
It Gives Background Knowledge

Persecution of Acts 16
Acts Chapter 16 – 50 A.D.
Paul and Silas In Prison

Persecution of Acts 17
Acts Chapter 17 – 50 A.D.
The Jews’ Persecution Against Paul
Acts 17:5-8

Persecution of Acts 18
Acts Chapter 18 – 51 A.D.
Achaia The Jew and The Judgment Seat
Acts 18:8-13

Persecution of Acts 19
Acts Chapter 19 – 52-55 A.D.
Riot In Ephesus Against Paul
Acts 19:28-29

Persecution of Acts 20
Acts Chapter 20 – 56 A.D.
Acts 20:1-3

2 Corinthians Written In 56 A.D.
Acts Chapter 20 – 56 A.D.

Paul “Thorn In The Flesh” Was A Demonic Influence That Stirred Persecution Up Everywhere Paul Went

Three Times I Sought The Lord

Antioch
But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
Acts 13:50

Iconium
But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
Acts 14:4-6

Lystra
Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
Acts 14:19

3. God Delivered Paul
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch (Acts 13:50), at Iconium (Acts 14:19) , at Lystra (Acts 14:8) — what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
2 Timothy 3:10-12

Three Facts About Paul
Satan Fights God’s People
All Who Live Godly Will Suffer Persecution
God Delivered Paul; God Will Deliver Me