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What was Paul's "thorn in the flesh"?

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Today’s post is adapted from the BLB FAQ section, where thousands of your top questions have been answered by Bible experts.

What was the “thorn in the flesh” to which Paul makes reference in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9?

To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:7-9 NIV)

The thorn’s purpose was beneficiary

After Paul had explained his visions and revelations to the Corinthians (2 Cor 12:1-6), he tells them about the thorn in the flesh that was given to him. The apparent purpose of this thorn was beneficiary. Its intent was to keep Paul from conceit on account of his visions and revelations which otherwise may have given him a reason to boast.

What exactly was it?

There have been many theories as to what exactly this thorn was—so many theories in fact, that it is impossible to diagnose Paul’s situation with complete assurance. Some have suggested that Paul’s thorn came in the form of Jewish persecution because of the surrounding context speaking of opponents. Even in Numbers 33:55 thorns are used as a metaphor for the enemies of the Israelites. Others have suggested that Paul’s own remembrance of his past was his thorn; Paul’s past included the persecution of the church (Acts 8:1-3; Gal 1:13; Phil 3:6) which may have continually haunted him and kept him humble. Some even propose that Paul dealt with either carnal temptation or depression.

Physical ailment?

A physical ailment, however, seems more likely here, though the lack of details forbid a proper diagnosis. Physical infirmities that seem to fit the situation are malaria, Malta fever, epilepsy, convulsive attacks, and chronic ophthalmia.

Many of these physical disabilities also affect the eyesight and it seems probable that even Paul himself experienced difficulty with his vision—this could very well be caused by his thorn in the flesh. Paul took advantage of various amanuenses to do the actual writing of at least some of his epistles. A mentioned amanuensis of Paul is Tertius who wrote down the book of Romans and added his own greeting to the church in Rome (Rom 16:22). Other times we see Paul adding a salutation with his own hands (1 Cor 16:21; 2 Thess 3:17) as opposed to physically writing the entire epistles. Paul even wrote in large print as noted in Gal 6:11.

Other evidences of poor vision can be found earlier in the epistle to the Galatians. Paul says that because of physical infirmity he preached the gospel to the Galatians at the first (Gal 4:13). Some have speculated that the physical infirmity was a disease which affected his eyesight and the higher altitude in Galatia would have been better for him, especially if the disease was malaria. And only two verses later Paul states that the Galatian church would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him if it were possible (Gal 4:15). Another example of Paul’s poor eyesight is found inActs 23:3-5. Paul was in the Sanhedrin at this point and referred to the high priest as a “white-washed wall” and those who stood by him asked why he was insulting the high priest. Paul responded by telling them that he did not realize that the man was the high priest. Though Paul, previously being a Pharisee, would have been able to recognize the high priest quite easily. Yet at this point he seemed unable to identify the high priest, even though the high priest would have stood out because he wore special garments and accessories. For a former Pharisee to have not recognized him is likely explained through understanding that Paul was not able to see him properly—giving weight to theories of trouble with his vision.

From Satan? or from God?

Paul’s thorn came by way of a messenger of Satan in order to torment him. Yet at the same time it was given to him in order that he would not become conceited. The present paradox can be compared to that of the story of Job. Satan was permitted to afflict God’s servant, yet only within the parameters set by God (Job 2). Paul also wrote about handing an immoral brother to Satan so that his flesh may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord (1 Cor 5:5). Satan is used at times as an instrument to bolster the faith or prove the righteousness of believers.

The sovereignty and goodness of God in our suffering

The ambiguity of the thorn in the flesh is actually a positive thing. If Paul would have specifically stated the identity of his thorn, believers from following generations may have discarded his experience if they were not afflicted with the same affliction. However, Christians from many generations have benefited by his reference to the thorn while applying it to their specific problems (Murray J. Harris. The Expositors Bible Commentary: 2 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1976. p. 396). The thorn of which Paul speaks gives us an understanding of God’s perspective concerning physical infirmities. Sometimes God uses illnesses for his purposes. Paul experienced many sufferings outside of his thorn (2 Cor 11:22-28), yet God used him mightily for the furtherance and advancement of His Gospel. The existence of illness or suffering in a believer’s life does not necessarily constitute a sinful life or a life that lacks faith. Paul pleaded with the Lord on three separate occasions for the Lord to remove the thorn, yet God’s grace was enough for the apostle and His power is made perfect in Paul’s weaknesses.

Comments

  1. Wow, I often wondered what that “thorn” was for Paul but I never probed it because Paul sums it up with GRACE being sufficient. I have heard all of the theories you mentioned of what it could have possibly been, but when you talk about it being his EYESIGHT, I can’t help but weigh HEAVY to that theory because it was on the road to Damascus that he experienced BLINDNESS. So MAYBE this was the beginning of THAT THORN?

    Great food for thought, ultimately though, I appreciate Paul’s vagueness on what that thorn was because like you said, in order to visualize ourselves in the WORD when we READ the word specifics can sometimes create mental barriers for us to be able to identify or empathize with the writer. So thanks Paul for the obscurity of the letter so that I could envision my own thorns from this lesson and learn that GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.

    • Danielle,

      I also think that this is an interesting and informative discussion of a topic that can be puzzling to us if we allow it to be. I particularly like the concept that the very obscurity of Paul’s thorn makes it more meaningful to all of us.

      I do suggest caution in regarding it being an eyesight problem stemming from the Road to Damascus; after all, Paul’s eyesight was healed by God, and God’s healing is perfect and complete. Still, that wouldn’t necessarily mean healing Paul to 20/20 or better, but simply restoring his eyesight as it was before. So the long and short is that we don’t know because God doesn’t consider it necessary that we know. It’s interesting that the Vatican claims to have recovered Paul’s sarcophagus; in the unlikely event that their claim is actually true and Paul’s (headless) body is inside, modern scientific testing could possibly determine the nature of his thorn in the flesh – but how would that glorify God?

      Blessings,

      Ray

  2. My Pastor and some other men and I were just talking about this a little yesterday. How interesting that it be todays blog topic. I sometimes struggle with chewing even though I am walking with the Lord. I have been born out of a very addictive lifestlye and still today suffer tempations in certain areas. Our conclusion I believe was not to throw it up to a “thorn” but just something my flesh is refusing to let go of. By the grace of God there will be victory over this and not just a temperary victory, but a permanent one. Pray for me if led to, I’d appreciate it greatly. Thanks blb for the blog today and always.
    J

    • Jeremiah~

      I, too, will be praying for you! Addiction is ugly, I know, but our Lord is bigger than anything that tries to keep us in bondage. After 37 years of smoking and trying everything I knew of to quit, God delivered me. I didn’t suffer any of the usual side effects that I had so many other times, but He did keep me in constant reliance upon Him. The urge to smoke didn’t go away for quite a few years. I still did that it’s-time-for-a-cigarette jerk for a long time, and each time, I asked Him to help me and to save me, and He did. I often wondered if I was going to be totally free, but I know now that it was important that God handled it the way He did. I never thought I would see the day when I could say that I don’t smoke, but I’ve been able to say that for eight years now, and I just praise Him for what He did.

      Although our addictions may be different, we do have the same God, and I know that He desires your freedom even more than you, so just keep pressing in to Him, in prayer and dependance, and you will be free!

      I pray that you will be blessed in the freedom that only Christ can provide!
      Barbara

    • Jeremiah, Like Barbara I too smoked for 28 years in fact. I had never even tried to quit before I did.

      The day I was baptized and came up a new creation. The LORD said put it down, it was my first act of obedience.

      I would like to say I was delivered like Barbara, however I had to crucify my flesh mostly because of why I started in the first place, it had been to fit in with some teenagers I had looked to as important.

      Funny they ended up not liking me anyways and i ended up with an addition.

      In my family and life addiction was so prevolent they actually bragged about it.
      Kinda messed up but true.
      Everybody had one or another and was quick to talk about it, brag about, it.
      It was like the addition club of bad behavior.

      I had to give it to Him over and over each moment my flesh would rise up and want to smoke, but I didn’t I resisted. Over and over it would try to rise up but I had victory because My Jesus and My Father GOD took it from me everytime, I was willing to hand the urge to them, instead of playing with it.
      Then one day finally I overcame but I had to resist for about 6 months straight my husband still smoked at the time and trust me I wanted to pinch his head off but I didn’t. He now has quit also.

      Its been 4+ years now and it’s like I never smoked.

      Today I am free, Free indeed!!! I pray for your freedom also brother.

      First it’s a choice, the a prayer for Grace, Mercy, and Help.

      Then a triumph paid for by the Blood Amen !!!

      Victory is yours TAKE IT !!!

  4. It is suggested that “Paul [may have] dealt with … carnal temptation” and then this possibility is immediately dismissed at a single stroke without explanation. Why ? Is it presumed that the great apostle must be sinless, that he must be above all temptation ? Paul’s own testimony about himself was that he is a vile sinner in need of grace just like the rest of us.

    So why couldn’t it be some carnal temptation toward a particular woman? He was a single man and this would also explain his reticence about the nature of the “thorn”. The fact that it was a temptation and that he did not give into it would have kept him effective in ministry and service but would also have kept him humble.

  6. This was a good post! I have for many years opposed the idea that Paul’s “thorn”, was a physical malady for the sake that it creates a default for any believer who is sick; a believer who could otherwise seek God for healing according to James 5. The evidence of it being an illness affecting his vision is intriguing and is fitting considering the point of his conversion. Thanks for compiling the evidence, I enjoyed it!

  7. Thanks for the article, However I rely do not believe that pauls thorn was physical. Paul himself focused too much on one thing, and that was the GRACE of God. When Paul Himself says that it was a messenger of satan, why do we read into that. If you want to know what Pauls Thorn was start talking to others about the Gospel of Grace. You will never, ever wonder what he is talking about. Why, because once you began to share about Gods Grace, and his finish work you will be persecuted.

    The only tool the enemy can use against Christians is the law. If he can turn your attention to your behavior, and not Christ finish work, he knows you will never live in the abundance that Christ died for.

    God is Love, How can we teach others that are loving God will give you a disease to make you suffer to humble you. We are humbled by living by His word, and receiving His amazing Grace, not by the physical pain we can bare. I am sorry I cant imagine my loving God telling me hey I am going to give you this cancer to humble you. Jesus is a God of Healing. We have several examples of that.

    So the next time you are sharing the Gospel of Grace, and the person that you are talking to persecutes you because you are not living under religion. Walk away and say to yourself. Lord I thank you that your Grace is sufficient. If they still believe it is about their works. You give them the same Grace that Jesus Christ has given us.

    • Kenny,

      Would you indulge me and allow me to be the proverbial “thorn in your side” and press in on you with some questions about your comment. Not persecution, but inquiries and clarifications of what you write and what I take from them. And please continue to rely on GODS forgiveness as I do, I agree we can never live up to the requirements shown to us in the Law of GOD.

      When we read the English word “Gospel”, in Greek (euaggelion) it means nothing more than “a reward” or “good news”. We can replace it with these English words and avoid what I see as a fabrication of a religious belief, as you call it “Gospel of Grace” or “Doctrine of Grace”, Gospel of Peace” is another. Try it on verses like Act 20:24 and you will see. The direct reference to any such doctrine and written as such only exists through interpretation of what is actually written.

      You give us admonition not to read anything into the phrase “a messenger of Satan” but then go on to derive a theology of grace based one aspect of Paul’s writings. Paul was no doubt thankful of the good news of GODS grace, but he also focused on many, many other things. Are there separate theologies for those also? I see the same contradiction when you form another theology on suffering based on one aspect of Jesus ministry, namely Healing. Jesus ministry has many, many other forms. Are there separate theologies for those? I would suggest you form theology on scripture as a whole, Genesis to Revelation.

      Last thing to try to keep it concise, this theology of healing is a bit presumptuous to me at least. Allow the Creature of All Things to handle HIS creation as he sees fit, good, bad, sickness, health, joy, pain, etc. Just read the life our GOD led while on earth, HE promises us the same. In lieu of the second coming, we will all die, grace of GOD not withstanding. I hope you respond and remember…be graceful.

      J.

    • Kenneth~

      With all due respect, you made a couple of comments that I don’t think are in alignment with God’s Word, so I would appreciate clarification in case I have misunderstood you. While I realize that you were trying to lay a foundation for your argument, it is incorrect to say that “Paul himself focused too much on one thing, and that was the GRACE of God.” Given that we are told that is was “grace” itself that came by Christ (Jn. 1:17), Paul couldn’t have focused “too much” on it because it is the crux of the entire salvation message. Secondly, you wrote, “If you want to know what Pauls Thorn was start talking to others about the Gospel of Grace. You will never, ever wonder what he is talking about. Why, because once you began to share about Gods Grace, and his finish work you will be persecuted.” To suggest that Paul would have prayed three times (II Cor. 12:8), to have his persecution “thorn” removed is to truly miss the point of God’s grace in his life. As Jesus said, “”For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:16).That Paul did WILLINGLY suffer for Christ and the gospel is the very strength of his testimony. Without it, neither he or us can call ourselves true disciples, and no one knew and accepted this truth more than Paul and the other Apostles. As we read in Acts 21, when the people warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem, he responded, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 13). Paul didn’t suffer persecution out of duty but out of sheer joy of being a partaker of Christ’s suffering. He would have never prayed to be released from it because it was the walk behind his talk. Finally, you wrote, “God is Love, How can we teach others that are loving God will give you a disease to make you suffer to humble you.” First, God doesn’t “give” diseases, but He most certainly allows them for his purposes as the story of Job illustrates. Finally, if you’re going to use the “loving God doesn’t do anything to humble us” theology, then you do not have much of a grasp on biblical teaching. He does and allows a great many things to believers and non believers alike in order to get their attention because the word “love” doesn’t always mean warm and fuzzy.

      Be blessed!
      Barbara

  8. Paul himself tells us what the thorn in the flesh was.

    But first, notice the events in Pauls’ life:

    Acts 9:15,16 “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

    Acts 13: 1-3 …”the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away”.

    2 Cor 12:2-4 “ I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, {about the time Paul was sent out by the church. Acts 13. explanation mine} (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven…How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter”. {According to the text this man was Paul}

    Because of the great thing he had to suffer, God showed Paul the Glories of Heaven to help him carry all the burdens he would endure while preaching the gospel.

    2 Cor 12:7,8 “ 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”.

    V9 “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”

    V10 “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”. {These things were the thorn in Paul’s flesh.}

    Wherever Paul went, Satan (v7) was there causing Paul trouble, in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses; he was an agitation to Paul, a thorn if you will, used the Jews to contradict Paul’s teaching, destroying Paul’s influence. Paul was never able to preach the gospel in peace.

    • Your last paragraph, I would instead write “used the Jewish Leaders of his day to contradict”, because Paul, as we all know, was a Jew. What you wrote in and of itself, contradicts.
      J.

  9. Interesting read. There is much historical documentation on this fella named Paul. He was a small man, he had a temper, was a member of the Sanhedrin…that alone would give place to a thorn. The known obvious is it came from the enemy…and for what reason did Lucifer fall? As to him being single…I remember in one study I learned his family booted him. It was not only a financial disgrace but a social disgrace to stoop from a high political/financial position to make tents so the message of one named Jesus could be spread…to the Gentiles of all people. And to the physical…he was rodded I think five times. That my friend should have left him a cripple. To be beaten on the feet with rods 40 times per session would leave the strongest man needing a wheel chair…yet by healing grace he got up and walked to the next town.

    So what was the thorn? It simply was something that would be a thorn to him. We each have items sent by the enemy…and the enemy have ears to hear. Just as Job complained, so must have Paul. They, like we have been snared by the words of our conversation. Paul was not superman…he was a called man. And we each are called.

    In the beginning God spoke…and it was. We, in His image must speak…and Daddy God taught both Job and Paul we will eat the words we speak. How many times has something broke down? And how many times has the words…”nothing ever works out” crossed a persons lips? And yet one wonders why things break down. Or how many times has the phrase…”there is more month left over than money”? That is a self inflicted thorn…a guided scud missile sent to a person through the power of agreement with darkness. Subtle true, but effective.

    The thorn was sent because it was heard it may work to slow or stop Paul…or one of us. The reason to slow him down…or us is because light strengthened cannot be stopped. I have heard of a flashlight, but not a flashdark. We each are lights and that my friend is a thorn in the side of every evil work. So turn on the light because His Grace is sufficient. It is a good object lesson. What has Daddy God called each of us to do? Once that part is learned…watch the conversation…there will be less thorns…except in the side of the enemy of God.

    :>) …Have a great day

  10. What a blessing it is to have such a wonder- filled post on Paul’s Christian experience.No one is certain,what the thorn in his flesh was,but we are sure of this one thing.Paul submitted that thorn in his flesh,and everything about it to the Lord.Many of believers,who love the Lord,who are passionate and committed in their walk with Him,have experienced thorns in our Flesh.Therefore, I have this resolve,whatever the thorn or thorns may be, I will submit them to the Lord,and trust Him for the VICTORY.Continue to give Him GLORY,HONOR,and PRAISE,because He has given us enough to keep standing!!!

    • I agree it is great for us to have a good quality discussion about Paul, and His thorn. I do not want to go back, and forth. However I will say Grace is not a doctrine. Grace is the gospel (good news). Can I please repost Larry’s last paragraph.

      Wherever Paul went, Satan (v7) was there causing Paul trouble, in infirmities, reproaches, necessities, persecutions, and distresses; he was an agitation to Paul, a thorn if you will, used the Jews to contradict Paul’s teaching, destroying Paul’s influence. Paul was never able to preach the gospel in peace.

      The religious leaders of that day relied heavily on the law of Moses, which contradicts the gospel which is grace. Did paul teach other things, yes and I apologize if my statement made it appear that he didn’t.

      We are all broken, my bad well at least I am, and it is only by the Finish work of Jesus Christ that I am where I am today. If I can please add, my issue like many other Christians today was mixing law, and grace. My works, included in Christ Finish work. It wasn’t until I began to understand the New covenant that I received my Thorn in the Flesh. Then I was able to be like wow, this has to be what Paul was talking about. Personally when I was mixing law and grace I had no issues. When it was about my love for God, my prayers, my fasting, my works in order to get get, and enjoy the blessings of God, I had no issues. When the Holy Spirit gave me the wisdom to understand its not about me, and my behavior, But Christ finish work on the cross, and Gods love for ME! my life had meaning, and purpose. I took my eyes off of me and put them on Christ. So the purpose, and meaning IS Christ.

      Many of you may already be there not mixing law and grace, and if so you can attest, it is an Amazing thing.

      Blessings

      Thinking out loud: Jesus really loves me! smile

      • Wonderful, thanks for the reply.
        Yes, religious authorities relied, but so did Yeshua. If HE had not, HE would not have risen, but praise be to HIM, HE did rise for you and me! Authorities sin was not recognizing Messiah.
        Ever vigilant looking for false doctrine other than the BLOOD shed with nothing else added.
        J.

  12. Good Morning,

    Good thoughts. It brings us back to the age old “religious” teaching that the scriptures may be inspired and should not be taken literally but allegorically and suggestively. The question then becomes who chooses which portions are not literally meant. In fact, the scriptures themselves tell us when an allegory is meant by saying it! I say this because the internal evidence of the scriptures clearly show that Paul’s thorn was literally “in the flesh”. It doesn’t take a lot of digging in the concordance and original languages to know that that means in his physical body. There is no internal evidence to suggest diseases like malaria, etc. Those are only suppositions based on his activities. However, there is a lot of evidence that something was physically wrong with his eyes! Before Damascus Road encounter with the Glorified Messiah, Saul watched Stephen stoned to death. After he was blinded and the scales fell off his eyes, he couldn’t clearly see the high priest to recognize him, as one commenter pointed out!

    It is also clear that God used satan to give him that physical ailment to humble him! Why is it clear? Because Paul told us? Many comments above have laid out the scriptures concerning this. Human “moralizing” about what God would do is vain against what we read that He did do! When do we stop using humanistic, soulish philosophy and believe the words written by the man of God under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit?

    Barbara LeFevre’s comment, (and others similar) was inspired: She wrote in response to Kenneth Morgan: “…it is incorrect to say that “Paul himself focused too much on one thing, and that was the GRACE of God.” …Paul couldn’t have focused “too much” on it because it is the crux of the entire salvation message….To suggest that Paul would have prayed three times (II Cor. 12:8), to have his persecution “thorn” removed is to truly miss the point of God’s grace in his life.” Amen!

    Many comments here dispel the teachings that Paul’s thorn was not a literal physical ailment. Larry’s comment laid out the clear scriptural internal evidence for a physical ailment given by God through satan, and Jerry S.’ comments succinctly dealt with the vain philosophical argument that a loving God would not use illness or sickness to humble His children. Job, Samuel, David, Solomon, Isaiah, John and Paul calls God’s behavior “chastening”. The philosophical thoughts of fleshly minds reveal the heretical, gnostic teachings of those who do not believe the “good news” of God’s grace revealed throughout all scripture. God’s grace is Jesus the Anointed. Never can be too much of Him! Some of us need to repent and be renewed in the spirit of their minds!

    Finally, let me say that the sovereign God can do anything He wants to in bringing a final conclusion to His plan of a new heaven, a new earth and a New Jerusalem (the Lamb’s Bride filled with His beloved saints). Lovingly, He shares His intentions, purpose and plan with His children only, heirs and joint heirs together with His Beloved Son, Lord Jesus the Anointed! In the words of the Holy Spirit, through Paul the Apostle (if you can receive it):

    Rom 9:14 What shall we say then? [Is there] unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

    and

    Rom 9:20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

    Grace and Peace,

    Dee