What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh? For centuries, Christians, scholars, and church fathers have wrestled with this mysterious phrase in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Paul writes that “a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to buffet me.” But what did he mean? Was it sickness? A spiritual battle? Human opposition? Or something else entirely?
In this video, we take a deep dive into Paul’s thorn in the flesh and explore the major interpretations throughout history. If you’ve ever wondered, “What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?” or wanted the thorn in the flesh meaning, this study will give you a well-rounded, thoughtful answer rooted in the text of 2 Corinthians 12.
📖 The Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7
Paul describes his “thorn in the flesh” as something that was given to him by God but also described as a messenger of Satan. The paradox is intentional: God allowed the thorn, but Satan used it to buffet Paul. The purpose? “To keep me from becoming conceited.”
This tension is at the heart of the mystery. If you’ve asked yourself, “What was Paul’s thorn?” or “Was the apostle Paul sick?” this passage is the place to start.
🔎 The Main Views on Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
Persecution and Opponents
Many church fathers, especially in the East (like John Chrysostom and Theodoret), taught that the thorn in the flesh was human adversaries stirred up by Satan. The Greek word skólops (thorn) is used in the Old Testament to describe hostile peoples. Combined with Paul’s repeated mention of beatings, insults, and persecutions in 2 Corinthians, this view sees the thorn as constant opposition to Paul’s ministry.
Physical Ailment or Sickness
Others believe Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a bodily illness. Some point to Galatians 4:13–15, where Paul says the Galatians would have plucked out their eyes for him, suggesting eye disease. Others propose malaria, epilepsy, or chronic pain. This view answers the question many ask: “Was the apostle Paul sick?”
Demonic Harassment
Since Paul calls it a “messenger of Satan,” some argue it was a literal demonic presence constantly harassing him. This could have manifested through circumstances, people, or direct spiritual attacks.
Temptation or Inner Struggle
Western Fathers like Augustine and Jerome sometimes taught that the thorn was concupiscence—inward temptations, especially lust. Gregory the Great later echoed this, emphasizing the thorn as inner weakness God permitted to keep Paul humble.
Purposeful Ambiguity
Some theologians argue that Paul kept the phrase vague on purpose. The meaning of the thorn in the flesh may be deliberately broad so that all Christians, whatever their “thorn,” can apply God’s promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).
🏛 Church History on Paul’s Thorn
Origen: human weakness and temptation.
Chrysostom: adversaries and persecution.
Jerome: could be illness, temptation, or enemies.
Augustine: often concupiscence, sometimes persecution.
Aquinas: records both traditions—bodily pain and temptation.
Calvin: rejects narrow guesses, sees it as broad afflictions allowed by God.
🌍 Why It Matters Today
Paul’s thorn in the flesh isn’t just an academic debate. It’s a reminder that God doesn’t always remove suffering. Instead, He gives grace. Whether your “thorn” is illness, opposition, temptation, or inner struggle, the principle stands: God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.
That’s why this passage is one of the most powerful encouragements in the New Testament. When you feel like saying, “I have a thorn in my flesh that won’t go away,” Paul’s testimony gives hope.
📚 In This Video
We’ll explore:
What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
The thorn in the flesh meaning in Greek.
Why Paul calls it a “messenger of Satan.”
How church fathers like Chrysostom, Augustine, and Aquinas interpreted it.
Whether Paul was sick, tempted, or opposed by enemies.
The ultimate lesson of 2 Corinthians 12:7–10: God’s grace is sufficient.
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