Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh"

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*Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. * II Corinthians 12:7-10

Does anyone know if Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” has been identified through other scriptural passages, or whether strong suggested interpretations have been made by theologians?
 
Carl said:
*Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. *II Corinthians 12:7-10

Does anyone know if Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” has been identified through other scriptural passages, or whether strong suggested interpretations have been made by theologians?
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I have heard it said that he likely had an eye condition that made it hard for him to see.
 
I’m glad it isn’t explained for us since mostl have experienced at least some sort of “thorn in the flesh.”
 
Winzen (Pathways in Scripture) made some comment about it most like being malaria, but he died ages ago, so many biblical scholarship has given new interpretations.
 
I’ve heard the possibilities of an eye condition, abscess or other wound, disease, or even a strong sex drive.
 
There is another explanation than thinking Paul was referring to some disease, although there is also other evidence that he had an eye problem.

In other places in the Bible where a similar phrase is used (Num. 33:55, Josh. 23:13, Judges 2:3) the reference is to people, not to diseases. That, coupled with the fact that Paul calls his problem a “messenger (aggelos) of Satan” has led some to think that Paul was talking about his Jewish opponents who would follow him around and stir up trouble for him, or perhaps to an actual demon that made life hard for him.

I’m not picking sides; just giving another view.

DaveBj
 
He seemed to have had an eye problem. The following passages seems to say something to that effect:

**Gal 4:13-15 you know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first; and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the satisfaction you felt? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. ** (RSV)
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Gerry 🙂
 
Carl said:
*Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. *II Corinthians 12:7-10

Does anyone know if Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” has been identified through other scriptural passages, or whether strong suggested interpretations have been made by theologians?
Click to expand...

Wouldn’t it be something if we get to heaven and ask St.Paul and he says can’t you read:confused: You believed Saint Padre Pio and you wrote me off with an eye problem:eek: God Bless
 
At one time I thought my pride was Paul’s thorn in the flesh. During my spiritual journey, at one point I was so convinced that I was virtually spewing with unspeakable pride, I realized how much of a PITA I could be for anybody who was also proud and tried to get something past me. That made my pride the thorn that kept him out of his comfort zone against presuppositions that would increase his pride. From this I came into a theory that, if used properly, other people’s pride can help us get rid of our own by reacting with our own pride and thus showing itself. It might be totally wrong, but it gave me something to go on for a while.

Alan
 
Some have suggested that perhaps St.Paul was recieving Stigmata. Others, like Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong make the audacious claim that Paul was a repressed homosexual! Woah. Shows the vast scope here on speculations. It probably was just sort of eye problem.
 
Eye problems are “Angels of Satan?” Will the wonders of modern science never cease?

If it was an eye problem, it was probably caused by the beatings and persecution he endured for the sake of the Gospel.

When I read scripture, I read it more for what it says to me today, not so much for it’s historical, scientific, grammatical or geo-political meaning. St. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” becomes my “thorn in the flesh.”
 
4 marks:
When I read scripture, I read it more for what it says to me today, not so much for it’s historical, scientific, grammatical or geo-political meaning. St. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” becomes my “thorn in the flesh.”
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:amen:
 
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whowantsumadebo:
Some have suggested that perhaps St.Paul was recieving Stigmata. Others, like Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong make the audacious claim that Paul was a repressed homosexual! Woah. Shows the vast scope here on speculations. It probably was just sort of eye problem.
Click to expand...
When reading 2 Cor 12:7 in light of Gal 6:17:

“From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.”

Paul might very well have been receiving the Stigmata. Paul’s faith and revelation in dealing with this sheds much light on the dilemma faced by others who we know suffered the Stigmata.
 
The answer to the question may be multiple, or it may not be. Over the years I have heard:
  1. Poor eyesight
  2. Too much pride
  3. Evil spirits attacked him
Take your pick.I lean toward pride, because he wrote so much.
 
thorn in the flesh implies a chronic bodily ailment or temptation, and since he refers to an angel of satan, more likely a temptation of some sort. If he did not feel moved to “share”, as candid as he is elsewhere about his spiritual condition, we don’t have a right to speculate.
 
Thanks all for your very thoughtful comments. I guess we’ll never know for sure.
 
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