Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

Paul’s Thorn In The Flesh Paul’s thorn in the flesh has been a thorn in the flesh to more people than almost any other passage in the Word of God. Whenever someone wants to defend his own defenseless theology regarding God’s will concerning people’s sickness, he invariably points out Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” The first prerequisite in any study that makes for an abundant life is an accurate reading of that which is written. Let us read exactly what is written by Paul. II Corinthians 12:7-10: 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. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace 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. 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. This Word of God has been read thousands upon thousands of times, but many who have looked at it have read something besides the actual words. The first thing to notice is that nowhere in the entire section does it mention sickness as being the “thorn in the flesh.” However, the seventh verse states that this thorn in the flesh was a messenger of Satan. So we know that God did not send it, because had God sent it the verse would read, “a thorn in the flesh the messenger of God to buffet me.” But it says, “. . .a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan. . . .” Let us look at the word “messenger.” Angelos is translated “angel” or “messenger” in the English. The word angelos is used 188 times in the Bible: 181 times it is translated “angel”; 7 times it is translated “messenger.” II Corinthians 12:7 is one of the seven times the word angelos is t