A Different take on Paul's thorn in the flesh

[aw]

2 Corinthians 12:7 refers to Paul being exalted above measure because of the revelations given to him by the Lord. Every teaching I have ever read refers to this as if Paul had a problem with "PRIDE."

However, i have come to believe that it was his "MESSAGE" that was being exalted and the "messenger from satan" was sent to try and stop that message. The messenger from satan(not God) was sent to BUFFET Paul in the attempt to stop what he was preaching.

Paul was being persecuted for the abundance of revelation that he had received. I don't think there are many who have such an abundance of revelation as to claim a thorn in the flesh today.

What do you think?

aw

[2nd Timothy]

Hi aw,

I have always wondered about this as well.  You could be right.  Pride also seems like a fair answer.  Its hard to tell becuase it was never made clear.  The more I learn about Paul and what the Lord accomplished through him is mind boggeling.  Think about all the churches he initiated.  He took the gospel to the ends of the Roman empire, much of which was extremely hostile territory.  Keep in mind the mode of travel in this day.  WALKING...lol   No cars planes and trains back then...maybe camel or donkey was used at times.  It is almost super human what Christ was able to do with Paul.  No wonder Satan wanted to stop his ministry.  He was reaching the outter limits of his world with the gospel.  Paul had every reason to feel pride, yet the Lord allowed "something" to keep him humble so that Christ could continue using him in this huge way.

I look forward to asking him about this when we meet in heaven.

Grace and Peace!

[aw]

Some further study showed me that a "thorn in the flesh" was not something unique to Paul. In the O.T. it was used in reference to "ungodly" people influencing the righteous in a negative way; eg., Numbers 33:55. There is also a type of Godly exaltation as in 1 Peter 5:6. I think satan went ahed of Paul and stirred up religious folks in an effort to stop Paul's message of GRACE.

You are right in that what was accomplished through Paul is indeed miraculous. I believe him to be the N.T. counterpart to Moses.

Thanks for taking the time to share,

aw