Was Paul's thorn in the flesh sickness? And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 In vs. 7 the Greek word for messenger is Aggelos. It always refers to a person or being. This messenger of Satan was persecution brought upon Paul to keep him from being exalted among the people, to try to keep him from being as fruitful as he could have been. Paul later relays that anyone that should live Godly will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). We are not gauranteed liberty from that. For examples of thorns in the flesh see Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13, and Judges 2:3. For context and some examples of the infirmities, or more accurately weaknesses, Paul is speaking of see 2 Corinthians 11:23-30. What about Galatians 4:13-15? You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. What about Galatians 6:11? See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! For more on these above passages have a look at this great teaching article by Andrew Wommack https://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching-articles/pauls_thorn/ and be FREE!

Posted by Deleted (9ef65d0e) at 2024-02-04 22:26:23 UTC