Today we continue our discussion on Paul’s thorn in the flesh.

1. Why did Paul get a thorn in the flesh?

2. What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?

3. Did Paul truly overcome the thorn in the flesh?

Let’s see what the Bible says about these three questions. We will lay aside our opinions and let the Bible give us the answers. After all, the best interpretation of the Bible is the Bible itself.

II Corinthians 12:7 tells us the answer to the first question, the reason why Paul got his thorn in the flesh.

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. II Corinthians 12:7 (KJV)

Paul got this thorn in the flesh because of the revelation he received from the Lord. Paul wrote more than half of the New Testament epistles, which were letters that contained much revelation of what Christ accomplished for the church, Who Christ is in the church, and who the church is in Christ. The enemy tried to stop Paul and his revelation from going forth. Paul went through a lot of opposition, and he was imprisoned a lot. Many epistles were written from prison. The revelation that Paul had and was freely sharing was the reason the thorn was sent to Paul.

Now, let’s review from yesterday’s post, the answer to the second question. What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? The same verse, II Corinthians 12:7, tells us the answer. The thorn in the flesh was a messenger of satan, or a fallen angel, a demonic spirit, sent to buffet, or strike, Paul with blow after blow of opposition. The devil could not steal Paul’s revelation so he tried to slow Paul down none the less- usually by stirring up people to come against him. But Paul kept pressing on, teaching and preaching.

Finally, did Paul overcome the thorn in the flesh? Yes, II Corinthians 12:9 says so.

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. II Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

Jesus gave Paul grace, strength and power to overcome all he went through. All that the devil threw at Paul never stopped him from running his course and finishing his race.

Therefore 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. II Corinthians 12:10 (KJV)

In Philippians 4:13, Paul said he can do all things through Christ; the Anointed One and His anointing. Paul overcame everything he went through, and so can we- with Christ and His anointing.

I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13 (Amplified Bible, AMP)