What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,776
113
#21
Where does Scripture say when Paul's affliction started?
We are not told specifically, but it would be reasonable to assume that somewhere in here he ended up with a physical disability: 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Cor 11:24-27). Satan was behind all these persecutions and attacks on Paul -- thus "a messenger of Satan".
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,274
29,546
113
#22
We are not told specifically, but it would be reasonable to assume that somewhere in here he ended up with a physical disability: 24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. (2 Cor 11:24-27). Satan was behind all these persecutions and attacks on Paul -- thus "a messenger of Satan".
As long as you know it is an assumption... though 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 precedes
2 Cor 12, in 12 he says the being caught up to heaven was above fourteen years ago.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or
whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth); such an one caught up to the third heaven.


3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth);

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

In fact it is an assumption to say it was Paul.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
858
286
63
#23
What was Paul's thorn in the flesh as he claimed he was plagued with in 2 Cor 12:8 and "besought the Lord thrice" (3 times) to rid him of it?​
Some say (erroneously), it was an affliction of some kind. However, when you look carefully at the text, it's clear to see it was not a bodily disorder or disease, nor would such warrant the Lord's grace as stated in 2 Cor 12:9.​
The answer as to what it was lies in Paul's letter to the church at Rome, Rom 7:8: The fleshly lust of 'concupiscence'.​
What is 'concupiscence'?​
Strong sexual desire; lust. The desire and enjoyment of carnal pleasure.​
"Strong desire, especially sexual desire" (Webster)​
(see both pertinent texts below, KJV)​
2 Cor 12:7-10​
"7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."​
Romans 7:7-11​
"7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me."​
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

skolops
skol'-ops
Perhaps form the base of G4628 and G3700; withered at the front, that is, a point or prickle (figuratively a bodily annoyance or disability): - thorn.

Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Paul's thorn in the flesh was a physical disability which he said an infirmity, and the definition of thorn is a bodily disability, which he received so he would not get arrogant for the revelations he was shown, and God working in his life for if Paul got arrogant God could not use him for He resists the proud but gives grace on to the humble.

Also God does not tempt us so He would not give Paul the desire and enjoyment of carnal pleasure, and He wants us to depart from iniquity, and put on Christ, and act Christlike so He would not give someone a sinful desire.

That does not make sense that we are guilty of our sins, and must be forgiven of our sins, and stop sinning, and must act like Christ, and then God will give us the desire to want to sin which He will never give us a desire to want to sin.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,064
188
63
#24
That is total nonsense. Romans 7:8 refers to Paul BEFORE he was converted. But Paul was actually in Heaven before he was afflicted with his "thorn in the flesh". And that was in fact a physical disability. How could he have been taken up to Heaven if he was still sinning?
Your answer is speculative nonsense. If one is being continually tempted as we all are, that, being tempted, temptation in-and-of itself, doesn't equate to sin. And is there a check list somewhere that details qualifications for spiritual, temporary, entry into heaven? And do you think we somehow become immune to the propensity to sin subsequent to conversion? We are who and what we are and don't miraculously change into a perfect, nonsinfull person after becoming a Christian. We are still sinful, hence the need for repentance as the remedy for sin after one is converted. Obviously Paul was still plagued with his thorn in the flesh after he became a Christian which explains why he besought the Lord about it whom he didn't know previously, and who he was against, persecuting his followers.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
858
286
63
#25
As long as you know it is an assumption... though 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 precedes
2 Cor 12, in 12 he says the being caught up to heaven was above fourteen years ago.

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or
whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth); such an one caught up to the third heaven.


3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth);

4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

In fact it is an assumption to say it was Paul.
2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
2Co 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
2Co 12:5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

He said he knew a man, and he did not know if he was in the body, or not, which if it was Paul then he would know.

He was caught up to the 3rd heaven, paradise.

He will glory in that man but not in himself.

Paul is not speaking of himself but it seems like he is speaking of John who was caught up in the spirit to receive the book of Revelation.

There was no reason for Paul to be caught up to heaven for he believed, and did not need to be shown evidence, and he did not describe the experience.

It was John who was caught up and described the experience and there only needs to be one man to do that.

Like people that say I have seen a vision of heaven, or hell from the Lord, but they did not for there is no reason for them to receive that vision for it is already told in the Bible, and Jesus said if they do not believe the words of Moses they will not believe even if one rose from the dead, and told them, and also our salvation is based on faith which is the evidence of things not seen.
 

PennEd

Senior Member
Apr 22, 2013
13,584
9,104
113
#26
I think it's more likely than not Paul's thorn in the flesh was some type of attack of temptation.

Although certainly possible, it seems unlikely that the thorn was some type of physical affliction. There is Biblical support that the enemy uses both the physical, and the mental to attack people. And the text clearly says it is a malevolent spirit of some kind that is attacking him.

We have Paul who has suffered NUMEROUS physical attacks and beatings, to the point of almost death, and gets up, dusts himself off, and goes right back to work. He actually says that he rejoices in persecutions and sufferings.

2 Corinthians 11:23-28

23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.

Romans 5:3

English Standard Version
3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,


so I think the OP is closer to what the thorn is about.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,160
5,726
113
#27
You are understanding this quite correctly. This poster is clueless about this matter. His theory is that Paul went to Paradise in an extremely SINFUL condition but that was OK with God. Then God told him to continue in that condition and God's grace would be sufficient -- FOR WHAT? How in the world do people come up with such rubbish?
I think he’s reading chapter 6 and seven of Roman’s assuming Paul is making a confession rather than explaining the workings of sin in mankind

“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:14-25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Some read this as if Paul’s making a confession about his own continuing sinfulness sort of “ it’s not me it’s the devils fault “ but of course that’s not what he’s talking about or saying he’s explaining how Christian’s become free from slavery to sin he’s speaking of all mankind and how they became ages and servants to sin through the law We need to begin reading around ch 6 beginning until about half way through ch 8 to understand what he’s saying he’s making one continuos point
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,160
5,726
113
#28
The scriptures say what they say. What do they mean if not what they say? Tell me what Romans 7 means.
Read chapter 6 -8 and you’ll better understand 7 most important of all pray before you study and after and ask God to explain and help you grasp what your supposed to understand and he will absolutely answer that prayer if it’s from the heart the best teacher is in your heart already
 

p_rehbein

Senior Member
Sep 4, 2013
30,703
6,891
113
#29
The scriptures say what they say. What do they mean if not what they say? Tell me what Romans 7 means.
Matthew Henry's Commentary may give you some food for thought:

Romans 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
7:7-13 There is no way of coming to that knowledge of sin, which is necessary to repentance, and therefore to peace and pardon, but by trying our hearts and lives by the law. In his own case the apostle would not have known the sinfulness of his thoughts, motives, and actions, but by the law. That perfect standard showed how wrong his heart and life were, proving his sins to be more numerous than he had before thought, but it did not contain any provision of mercy or grace for his relief. He is ignorant of human nature and the perverseness of his own heart, who does not perceive in himself a readiness to fancy there is something desirable in what is out of reach. We may perceive this in our children, though self-love makes us blind to it in ourselves. The more humble and spiritual any Christian is, the more clearly will he perceive that the apostle describes the true believer, from his first convictions of sin to his greatest progress in grace, during this present imperfect state. St. Paul was once a Pharisee, ignorant of the spirituality of the law, having some correctness of character, without knowing his inward depravity. When the commandment came to his conscience by the convictions of the Holy Spirit, and he saw what it demanded, he found his sinful mind rise against it. He felt at the same time the evil of sin, his own sinful state, that he was unable to fulfil the law, and was like a criminal when condemned. But though the evil principle in the human heart produces sinful motions, and the more by taking occasion of the commandment; yet the law is holy, and the commandment holy, just, and good. It is not favourable to sin, which it pursues into the heart, and discovers and reproves in the inward motions thereof. Nothing is so good but a corrupt and vicious nature will pervert it. The same heat that softens wax, hardens clay. Food or medicine when taken wrong, may cause death, though its nature is to nourish or to heal. The law may cause death through man's depravity, but sin is the poison that brings death. Not the law, but sin discovered by the law, was made death to the apostle. The ruinous nature of sin, and the sinfulness of the human heart, are here clearly shown.



King James Bible Online
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-7_Commentary-Henry

ROMANS 7 COMMENTARY (MATTHEW HENRY) - King …


You will notice...NO SPECIFIC "THORN" IS STATED..........You can click on the LINK to read his Commentary on the rest of the Chapter.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,721
596
113
#30
I think if you research will find the the Term Thorn in the flesh was used in the OLd Testament --so the jews especially would have been very familiar with this term ---and understood what it meant


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

I say -------So it seems here it is not talking sickness at all --it is referring to some kind of trouble they could seek to harm them in some way

Joshua 23:13
13 know for certain that xthe LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, ybut they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.


I say ---Doesn't sound like sickness here -----sounds more like trouble and persecution maybe that could destroy them -----

Judges 2:3
3 So now I say, nI will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”


I say -----

So we see in 2 Corinthians 11 --Paul list events that are happening to him ----he is riddled ---with trouble and persecution ===

21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!

Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants?
So am I.

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,

26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.


Then you go to Chapter 12 and he talks about the thorn in his side ----


2 Corinthians 12 NIV
Paul’s Vision and His Thorn

I personally think that all that is listed in Chapter 11 is the thorn Paul was experiencing ----and God said ---His Grace is sufficient ---in weakness Grace is our strength -----to endure all that comes against us -----
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
2,867
1,664
113
#31
Your answer is speculative nonsense. If one is being continually tempted as we all are, that, being tempted, temptation in-and-of itself, doesn't equate to sin. And is there a check list somewhere that details qualifications for spiritual, temporary, entry into heaven? And do you think we somehow become immune to the propensity to sin subsequent to conversion? We are who and what we are and don't miraculously change into a perfect, nonsinfull person after becoming a Christian. We are still sinful, hence the need for repentance as the remedy for sin after one is converted. Obviously Paul was still plagued with his thorn in the flesh after he became a Christian which explains why he besought the Lord about it whom he didn't know previously, and who he was against, persecuting his followers.
Over the years I've helped several believers with physical maladies. For some, their pain or discomfort was so excruciating that they wanted to die. Clearly a temptation to take their own life.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,064
188
63
#32
This does not make good spiritual sense to me: that Paul's thorn in the flesh is concupiscense: and then as you define it "the desire and enjoyment of carnal pleasure".

If you are right (and I am questioning this) then are you saying that Paul had a strong sexual lust problem - he prayed three times that God would take it away - and God did not take it away - and instead said - "my grace is sufficient for you."

Where does that leave Paul (and us)? He has a sexual lust problem: God says you will just have to live with it.

Please explain what you mean by this? Am I understanding what you are saying here?
Do you think Paul was any different than any of us? That he was not human with human desires? Why would Paul nit have the same issues as do many of us? So yes, that's exactly what I'm saying because that's exactly what the scriptures are saying I Paul's own words.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,064
188
63
#33
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

skolops
skol'-ops
Perhaps form the base of G4628 and G3700; withered at the front, that is, a point or prickle (figuratively a bodily annoyance or disability): - thorn.

Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Paul's thorn in the flesh was a physical disability which he said an infirmity, and the definition of thorn is a bodily disability, which he received so he would not get arrogant for the revelations he was shown, and God working in his life for if Paul got arrogant God could not use him for He resists the proud but gives grace on to the humble.

Also God does not tempt us so He would not give Paul the desire and enjoyment of carnal pleasure, and He wants us to depart from iniquity, and put on Christ, and act Christlike so He would not give someone a sinful desire.

That does not make sense that we are guilty of our sins, and must be forgiven of our sins, and stop sinning, and must act like Christ, and then God will give us the desire to want to sin which He will never give us a desire to want to sin.
Physical disability does not require tge grace of God. What does Romans mean then if not what it clearly says? Tell me.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,064
188
63
#34
Read chapter 6 -8 and you’ll better understand 7 most important of all pray before you study and after and ask God to explain and help you grasp what your supposed to understand and he will absolutely answer that prayer if it’s from the heart the best teacher is in your heart already
I'm very familiar with 6 and 8 and all else. What exactly and specifically is your point? Being tempted and being prone to such lusts as those by which we are tempted doesn't equate to sin. Paul asked the desire to be removed.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,721
596
113
#35
I'm very familiar with 6 and 8 and all else. What exactly and specifically is your point? Being tempted and being prone to such lusts as those by which we are tempted doesn't equate to sin. Paul asked the desire to be removed.
I think your delusional in your assumption -----it is not lust that is Paul's problem ----Satan has your mind blinded as your showing by your own posts that you are not Holy Spirit indwelled and the lens your reading this scripture with is a worldly lens not a Spiritual lens -----

You need to read 2 Corinthians 11 before you read Chapter 12 ---Scripture will always answer scripture if you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you ---but your without that guidance as your posts dictate on this matter

I think -------You need to re evaluate yourself if you believe your a saved person ------

Maybe take this test ---are you just a Christian or a TRUE CHRIST__IAN ---there is a big difference in the way you look at Scripture

Christian Self-Inventory Test — Determine if you are a Christian---

https://www.neverthirsty.org/seeking-god/marks-of-a-christian/self-inventory-test/

This is from my post above -----read and understand ---

I think if you research will find the the Term Thorn in the flesh was used in the OLd Testament --so the jews especially would have been very familiar with this term ---and understood what it meant


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

I say -------So it seems here it is not talking sickness at all --it is referring to some kind of trouble they could seek to harm them in some way

Joshua 23:13
13 know for certain that xthe LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, ybut they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.


I say ---Doesn't sound like sickness here -----sounds more like trouble and persecution maybe that could destroy them -----

Judges 2:3
3 So now I say, nI will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

These are not about lust here either
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
#36
I think your delusional in your assumption -----it is not lust that is Paul's problem ----Satan has your mind blinded as your showing by your own posts that you are not Holy Spirit indwelled and the lens your reading this scripture with is a worldly lens not a Spiritual lens -----

You need to read 2 Corinthians 11 before you read Chapter 12 ---Scripture will always answer scripture if you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you ---but your without that guidance as your posts dictate on this matter

I think -------You need to re evaluate yourself if you believe your a saved person ------

Maybe take this test ---are you just a Christian or a TRUE CHRIST__IAN ---there is a big difference in the way you look at Scripture

Christian Self-Inventory Test — Determine if you are a Christian---

https://www.neverthirsty.org/seeking-god/marks-of-a-christian/self-inventory-test/

This is from my post above -----read and understand ---

I think if you research will find the the Term Thorn in the flesh was used in the OLd Testament --so the jews especially would have been very familiar with this term ---and understood what it meant


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

I say -------So it seems here it is not talking sickness at all --it is referring to some kind of trouble they could seek to harm them in some way

Joshua 23:13
13 know for certain that xthe LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, ybut they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.


I say ---Doesn't sound like sickness here -----sounds more like trouble and persecution maybe that could destroy them -----

Judges 2:3
3 So now I say, nI will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

These are not about lust here either
How come you know so much about satan.

Your always accusing someone of being blinded by satan here at cc,

How can you make such assumption unless you know how satan can blind people.

So obviously you must have experience of being blinded by satan yourself, but you never say as much.

But yet you never say he can blind you, no you only accuse other of being blinded.

Why would you do this, unless you think Satan can not blind you, but only others.

Your remarks are both highly insulting highly ott and very much using satan to think of yourself higher than others.

How disgusting to put Satan above Christians.

The bible clearly suggests all Christian are under attack by antichrists.

But yet you use that as an excuse to belittle Christians.

Here you go here is one of you favourite insults.


devil-lol.gif
 

FollowerofShiloh

Well-known member
Jan 24, 2024
4,321
714
113
#37
2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.



The Word doesn’t give specifics …but from the context we know it was a messenger of satan to buffet.


Messenger = angelos … The messengers referred to in the scripture are either spirit messengers (angels) or human messengers… sent by God, satan, or people. From the context in verse 2Co 12:7 we might conclude this was a human messenger sent by satan. (Reference Num 33:55)


Buffet
= beat up…. could be literal or figurative (as in verbally) …or both.
12:7 Lest I be lifted up by the abundance of revelations, a thorn for my flesh was handed over to me, an angel of Satan to buffet me, lest I be lifted up.

How the angel of Satan buffeted Paul most likely is the answer to what the "thorn" is.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,064
188
63
#38
I think your delusional in your assumption -----it is not lust that is Paul's problem ----Satan has your mind blinded as your showing by your own posts that you are not Holy Spirit indwelled and the lens your reading this scripture with is a worldly lens not a Spiritual lens -----

You need to read 2 Corinthians 11 before you read Chapter 12 ---Scripture will always answer scripture if you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you ---but your without that guidance as your posts dictate on this matter

I think -------You need to re evaluate yourself if you believe your a saved person ------

Maybe take this test ---are you just a Christian or a TRUE CHRIST__IAN ---there is a big difference in the way you look at Scripture

Christian Self-Inventory Test — Determine if you are a Christian---

https://www.neverthirsty.org/seeking-god/marks-of-a-christian/self-inventory-test/

This is from my post above -----read and understand ---

I think if you research will find the the Term Thorn in the flesh was used in the OLd Testament --so the jews especially would have been very familiar with this term ---and understood what it meant


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

I say -------So it seems here it is not talking sickness at all --it is referring to some kind of trouble they could seek to harm them in some way

Joshua 23:13
13 know for certain that xthe LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, ybut they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.


I say ---Doesn't sound like sickness here -----sounds more like trouble and persecution maybe that could destroy them -----

Judges 2:3
3 So now I say, nI will not drive them out before you, but they shall become thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”

These are not about lust here either
So, what does Romans 7 mean if not what it says?? Explain.
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,721
596
113
#39
But yet you use that as an excuse to belittle Christians.
They just call themselves Christians ----Everyone calls themselves Christians -----that does not mean they are a TRUE CHRIST-IAN -----and this person's post give them away all by themselves -----Paul's thorn is not LUST __PERIOD



1707774193717.jpeg
 

studentoftheword

Well-known member
Nov 12, 2021
1,721
596
113
#40
So, what does Romans 7 mean if not what it says?? Explain.
This is your Thread Title ---

What was Paul's thorn in the flesh?

Romans 7 has nothing to do with the Thorn in Paul's side -it has to do with being released from the Law and being bound to Christ by Faith ---there is nothing in that Scripture that talks about the Thorn in Paul's SIDE ----that is in 2 Corinthians 12


Romans 7 NIV

Released From the Law, Bound to Christ