Persecuted by a “thorn in the flesh”

“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor.  12:7-10 NASB)

What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?

The above passage doesn’t say what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was. But that doesn’t stop the speculation of many. I’ve heard lots of sermons over the years where Paul’s thorn in the flesh was described by the speaker to be some physical ailment such as stammering speech, arthritis, malaria, bad eyesight or some other physical illness or malignity. But, guessing or making assumptions is not the way to interpret Scripture, ever! Guessing and assuming things without actual Biblical corroboration leads to errors and ultimately, to bad theology. One of the first principles of sound biblical interpretation is that the scripture is its own interpreter. In other words, the Bible is not subject to our private interpretations. Before we can assign a meaning to any passage, we must search both the context of the passage in question, as well as the whole Bible itself, to see how the word is used throughout the whole of scripture. Therefore, to know what a “thorn in the flesh” is, we must look at every place in the Bible that talks about “a thorn in the flesh”. Both the Old and the New Testament have “thorn in the flesh”examples. The "thorn" in scripture is a common word that is frequently used very figuratively, as the Apostle Paul was using it in 1 Cor. 12:1-10. And Paul was very familiar with the Old Testament scriptures, so he surely used this term in the same way that it is used throughout scripture. Of course, God is the true author of these scriptures, and so we would expect there to be harmony and consistency in the use of the word in similar situations. In Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24 we read of enemies who are “thorns” in Israel's side, a constant harassment to Israel as the agent of the Lord's redemptive judgments (compare Joshua 23:13; Hosea 2:6). Throughout the Bible, “thorns in the flesh” are defined as persecutions. In the passage at top, Paul even mentions persecutions and physical illness is not on the list. Also, the Holman Bible Dictionary says, “Therefore, in 2 Corinthians 12:7, ‘thorn in the flesh’ refers more to the enemy, the ‘messenger of Satan,’ than to any specific physical ailment.” I agree with Holman, after looking at all the Bible references as well as the context, Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is about persecution. And Paul certainly had lots of it. And, throughout Scripture, we are told that we as God’s people will be persecuted. But, God assured Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you.” And it is!

Indeed, you will be persecuted

“Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Tim. 3:12 NASB)

Therefore…

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 5:10 ESV)

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matt. 5:44 ESV)