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Response
Paul mentions a “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12:7. He describes it as “a messenger of Satan” that served to “torment” him. Various interpretations have been proposed, but whether Paul is alluding to a physical, spiritual, or emotional affliction—or something different—remains unanswered conclusively. Given that he was not speaking literally about a thorn, he must have been using a metaphor. Some common theories regarding the thorn’s meaning include temptation, a chronic eye issue, malaria, migraines, epilepsy, and a speech impediment. Some even suggest that the thorn symbolizes a person, like Alexander the coppersmith, who caused Paul significant harm “Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:”, (2 Timothy 4:14). The exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh remains uncertain, yet it clearly caused genuine suffering in the apostle’s life.
Paul provides insight into the purpose of the thorn: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations.” Therefore, God permitted the thorn in the flesh to prevent Paul from becoming prideful. Anyone who had a personal encounter with Jesus and was directly commissioned by Him (Acts 9:2-8) would naturally be inclined to become “puffed up.” Considering that Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a significant portion of the New Testament, it is understandable how he could become “haughty” (KJV), “exalted above measure” (NKJV), or “too proud” (NCV).
Paul also mentions that the affliction was brought about by a “messenger of Satan.” JustIt as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:1-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s own good purpose.
No one likes to live in pain. Paul sought the Lord three times to remove this source of pain from him «For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. », (2 Corinthians 12:8). He probably had many good reasons why he should be pain-free: he could have a more effective ministry; he could reach more people with the gospel; he could glorify God even more! But the Lord was more concerned with building Paul’s character and preventing pride. Instead of removing the problem, whatever it was, God gave Paul more overwhelming grace and more compensating strength. Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9).
The exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh is uncertain. There is probably a good reason that we don’t know. God likely wanted Paul’s difficulty to be described in general enough terms to apply to any difficulty we may face now. Whether the “thorn” we struggle with today is physical, emotional, or spiritual, we can know that God has a purpose and that His grace is all-sufficient.
