So what was it?

[FroMan]

In the Bible Paul deals with a "thorn" in his flesh, that God wouldn't rid him of. As far as I know he never says what the "thorn" is.


So for all you "Bible scholars" out there, what do you think Paul's "thorn" was? Give stuff to back up the reason, why you think it is what you think it is.

Then I'll give you my thoughts on the matter...

Hopefully this will make a fun and interesting topic.

[Rebel Hog]

2Cor.12:7-10
[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.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] 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.
[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.

[Chuck7]

In the Bible Paul deals with a "thorn" in his flesh, that God wouldn't rid him of. As far as I know he never says what the "thorn" is.
So for all you "Bible scholars" out there, what do you think Paul's "thorn" was? Give stuff to back up the reason, why you think it is what you think it is.
Then I'll give you my thoughts on the matter...
Hopefully this will make a fun and interesting topic.

OK I was taught by my Assembly of God Bible College it was probably his eye sight. I'm not sure about that.....let's look at the scripture.

1 Cor.12:

6I have plenty to boast about and would be no fool in doing it, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it. I don't want anyone to think more highly of me than what they can actually see in my life and my message, 7even though I have received wonderful revelations from God. But to keep me from getting puffed up,Paul understood his fleshly nature very well. He knew it can easily get caught up in the snare of pride. He had been revealed by God certain revelations. I noticed in my own personal life tha twhenever God blesses me he usually puts me in ahumbling situation at the same time. Example..I've told you all that I was promoted to the Whitehouse to beon President Carter's Honor Guard. What I failed to tell you was that my roomatesseemed to be the worst men in the US ARMY . They made my life their hell. They woul dbring girls in my room and so on and so on. Once after church they tried to throw me out the 2nd story on the concrete below. I got a way somehow.So it was a bitter sweet situation.I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from getting proud. I don't know. I believe the way Paul preached in Romans 8 that it diffently wasn't a sinful habit. For the srcipture says it was " A messinger of Satan" not an internal struggle.
8Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9Each time he said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." It must have been something horrible. Paul was used to fasting and he had a great measure of the Holy Ghost so I don't beleive our brother was struggling with sin. I beleive it really was a demon either messing with his health or messing with his head. He was used to getting whipped and beatin by men. When that happened I remembered him rejoicing and singing.
Acts 16
Anyway ..the end result...Paul ; our beloved brother finds strenghth in the tough times and says"God's Power is made perfect inhis weakness. Amen

[motor]

"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."
2 Corin.12:7

This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan, to discourage the apostle who had been so highly favoured of God andkeep him in his work. But God designed this for good, and he overruled it for good, and made this messenger of Satan to be so far from being a hindrance that it actualy was a help to Paul.. The thorn could have been temptations from the devil, or some form of mental distress, or opposition from those against him, or a physical problem such as eye trouble.in my opinion it was his eyes,

"And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me." Gal.4:14-15 KJV.

Oh how i love the answer He gave to Paul, and i know He was looking down the corrider of time to this old man with all my problems and afflictions, and said,"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my my strength is made perfect in weakness." oh what joy fills my soul to know that He is there, and that i have that peace that passeth all understanding deep down in my soul that sees me through the storms of life..yes He will see us through the valley and bring us out on the other side..He said i will never leave you or forsake you.. yes my friends, He is an in time, on time, Every time God..what a wonderful Saviour..
sorry, i didn't mean to get to preaching.,.

[Rebel Hog]

ORIGINAL: motor

Oh how i love the answer He gave to Paul, and i know He was looking down the corrider of time to this old man with all my problems and afflictions, and said,"My grace is sufficient for thee; for my my strength is made perfect in weakness."

AMEN brother! If you notice, this is what I posted!

[motor]

yeh, i see that now but no one had answered when i read the post so you and chuck and i were writing at the same time and you two beat me..

[Chuck7]

Amen ..that is a very encouraging bit of scripture there when one is going through the hard times. Also it shows us God doesn't always give us what we want but He always gives us what we need.