The first thing that we must take note of in these verses is the fact that Paul is making every effort to remain humble in light of the fact that he is recounting his very own visions and revelations. God had seen fit, fourteen years prior, to bring Paul into the third heaven, and such an experience it was, that Paul was not even able to tell whether he was in the body, or out of the body, at the time: only God knows. Paul was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, unlawful for man to utter. Such a personal and transformative experience this was, that Paul had kept it to himself for lo, these fourteen years, and only now reveals it to the Corinthians in an effort to demonstrate the virtues of sincere humility. Never one to lift himself up above those around him, Paul recounts his glorious visions of paradise, and yet immediately sheds light on his weaknesses, going so far as to admit that his fleshly desire would be to take glory in his visions, but he would rather glory in his infirmities, and not be a fool, he would rather speak the truth than to be exalted.
Paul goes on to explain that, in order to maintain his humility, and to ensure that he is not exalted above measure, "there has been given to me a thorn in the flesh", a "messenger of Satan to buffet me." There has been much discussion as to what exactly this thorn in the flesh was. Was it an illness? Was it poor eyesight? Was it a person, or perhaps even a demon, sent to discredit and undermine Paul? We know that Paul had been through many trials and adversities by the time that the Corinthian letters were written, as he eludes to in 2 Corinthians 11, as he recounts the five times he was scourged by the Jews, the three times that he was beaten with rods, the three shipwrecks he endured, as well as robberies, false accusations, hunger and thirst, and imprisonment. He had been stoned and left for dead, bitten by a poisonous snake, and betrayed by those he trusted. So we see that there are any number of physical infirmities which he could have suffered. There are several verses which seem to affirm that Paul's eyesight was less than perfect, namely Galatians 4:13-15..."Ye know that through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me." These verses, in particular, in conjunction with the fact that Paul was blinded for three days on the road to Damascus in preparation for his conversion, seem to point to the fact that his eyesight may have been lacking. However, we cannot definitively say that this was his "thorn in the flesh."
Another possible explanation of the "thorn in the flesh" is found in Romans 7, as Paul so selflessly admits his own weaknesses, and owns his failings, and thereby sheds light on our frailties, as well, as we read in verses 14-21..."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 I do 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." Could temptation itself be what Paul was referring to? We are all at war with forces unseen, with desires and temptations which can at times overwhelm us. Again, however, we cannot say with any certainty that this was Paul's "thorn in the flesh."
So, what could it be? And, ultimately, do we really even need to know exactly what it was? Perhaps it is in our best interest that we not know, because in not knowing precisely what the "thorn in the flesh" was, it becomes somehow applicable to all of us, to any situation that we face. Let us take a closer look at how Paul dealt with his "thorn in the flesh", as well as how it applies to each of us.
Paul prayed on three separate occasions to have his thorn in the flesh removed, that it might depart from him. But rather than take it away, God told Paul..."My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." So, was the thorn given by God, or did God simply allow the thorn in order to perfect Paul? Bear in mind the fact that God allowed Satan to torment Job, in order to test his faith. He also tested the faith of Abraham, in commanding him to sacrifice Isaac. There are countless other examples of people's faith being tested throughout the Bible. We understand that God is in control of all things, and that He has our best interest at heart, as Romans 8:28 tells us..."And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." It is not God's intention that we should suffer, but if suffering in this life brings us closer to God, and serves to transform us into what He would have us to be, we should be willing to suffer for His name's sake, knowing that the crown which is laid up for us will surely be worth it all. And Paul understood this. He accepted the fact that God's grace was indeed sufficient. Through Paul's weakness, Christ's power could shine forth. This is why Paul could boldly proclaim..."Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."
We all have, or will have, a thorn in the flesh at some point in our lives. Whether it be a physical infirmity, a mental illness, an addiction, or a personality disorder, we all have thorns. Perhaps neglect or abuse has left us scarred, maybe depression has overwhelmed us. Perhaps we have allowed ourselves to be overtaken by our own desires, and addiction has become the end result. Maybe we have been injured or fell victim to an illness which has left us in some way incapacitated. No matter what we have gone through, or will go through, God can turn our weaknesses into strength. He can make positives out of our negatives. We all have thorns, but God's grace is sufficient for us, our weaknesses clear a path for His power to perfect us.
We are never weaker than when we rely upon our own strength, and we are never stronger than when we rely upon God.
