A Thorn In The Flesh

There is something that has always bothered me when it arises – Paul`s thorn in the flesh. In Num. 33:55 God tells the Israelites to rid the land of idolators or they would become “barbs in your eyes and thorns in your flesh” Each time thorn in flesh is mentioned it seems to refer to people rather than physical affliction. Paul called it “a Messenger from Satan” as opposed to message (we wrestle not with flesh and blood) Could this messanger have been the slave girl from Acts 16:16?

Q. Your teaching has been such a blessing and a gift for this time. The Church is so in need of inspired teaching.

There is something that has always bothered me when it arises – Paul`s thorn in the flesh. In Num. 33:55 God tells the Israelites to rid the land of idolaters or they would become “barbs in your eyes and thorns in your flesh” Each time thorn in flesh is mentioned it seems to refer to people rather than physical affliction. Paul called it “a Messenger from Satan” as opposed to message (we wrestle not with flesh and blood) Could this messenger have been the slave girl from Acts 16:16? Thanks for your insight.

A. The phrase translated “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Cor. 12:7 also referred to the pointed stake used for impaling a body. And you’re right, it implies a physical rather than spiritual tormenting. By the way the word translated torment also alluded to a physical attack . It means “to buffet, or hit with one’s fist.”

But I’m convinced it involved something a lot more painful than the slave girl of Acts 16. I believe it refers to the regular beatings Paul received from his enemies, who were stirred up by Satan to attack him. These beatings were so severe that several of them should have killed him, and I think one did.

Stoning was the method of execution, and in Acts 14:19-20 Paul was stoned and dragged outside the gates of Lystra, left for dead. His followers prayed over him and he got up, went back into the city and the next day walked to Derbe, 60 miles away.

That sort of thing far exceeds human capabilities, and it’s only one of several examples I could use. I believe the Lord raised him from the dead. When He said, “My grace is sufficient for you” I think He was telling Paul that He wouldn’t stop the beatings, but would heal him after each one. I cover a lot more detail about this in a study entitled “My Grace is Sufficient For You.” Here’s the link.

http://www.gracethrufaith.com/selah/tough-questions-answered/my-grace-is-sufficient-for-you