What I think is this.
1. There are still controversies about what this thorn in the flesh is. But for me knowing who Paul is from his epistles, I doubt if it means moral frailty.
2. At the time Paul was being converted, the Lord told Ananias and I quote, "Go your way for he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" Acts 9:15 -16) So, I subscribe to the school of thought that believes it relates to the enormous afflictions lined up for him on the way of his Ministry. These infirmities as he called them, he highlighted in 2Corinthians 11:23 -33. Amidst these, he stated in verse 30 that if he must glory, he will glory in things concerning his infirmities. This was before the chapter you quoted.
3. When Paul petitioned the Lord and the Lord told him that HIS grace is sufficient for him, for His strength is made perfect in weakness, he rejoiced because he knew the grace will always be there to empower and strengthen him to overcome. Therefore, he says, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions in distresses, for Christs sake , for when I am weak, then am I strong.
4. So, I see no paradoxes there. And, it has nothing to do with his personal character or conduct. This I believe and my take on it.
1. There are still controversies about what this thorn in the flesh is. But for me knowing who Paul is from his epistles, I doubt if it means moral frailty.
2. At the time Paul was being converted, the Lord told Ananias and I quote, "Go your way for he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and Kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake" Acts 9:15 -16) So, I subscribe to the school of thought that believes it relates to the enormous afflictions lined up for him on the way of his Ministry. These infirmities as he called them, he highlighted in 2Corinthians 11:23 -33. Amidst these, he stated in verse 30 that if he must glory, he will glory in things concerning his infirmities. This was before the chapter you quoted.
3. When Paul petitioned the Lord and the Lord told him that HIS grace is sufficient for him, for His strength is made perfect in weakness, he rejoiced because he knew the grace will always be there to empower and strengthen him to overcome. Therefore, he says, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions in distresses, for Christs sake , for when I am weak, then am I strong.
4. So, I see no paradoxes there. And, it has nothing to do with his personal character or conduct. This I believe and my take on it.
Hebrews 4:15 KJV
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.