Is, Was and Will Be – The Unknown Character of Christ and His Word

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The Thorn In The Flesh of Paul

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You asked about Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Here is that scripture:

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 [ Grace chastens-Tit 2:10-12] 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.
2Co 12:10 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.

Verse ten explains verse 7. Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh,’ was both “in my flesh… infirmities,” and also “reproaches and persecutions.” It was not just one or the other. Paul was given a “Messenger of Satan to buffet him.” That messenger, just as Satan did with Job, used both persecutions from false brothers and physical ailments to “buffet me lest I should become exalted above measure.” All that Satan does ends up producing the good that God is in the process of accomplishing.

Gen 50:20 But as for you [ Joseph’s brothers who were used by God to sell Joseph into slavery], ye thought evil against me; but God meant it [ that very evil you thought was your idea] unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

That, right there, is the reason for all evil in this world, including Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh,’ which produced both ‘infirmities’ and ‘reproaches’ and ‘persecutions.’

 

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