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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | 2 Cor 12:7 | Blessed One1 | 67417 | ||
What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | ||||||
2 | What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | 2 Cor 12:7 | inmyheart | 67521 | ||
Blessed One 1, Paul's thorn. "...There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me…" (2 Corinthians 12:7). This verse is frequently used by ministers to prove that sickness can be the will of God, and that Paul was sick. First of all, even if Paul was sick, it is no proof that it was the will of God. David committed murder and adultery – was that the will of God? Judas betrayed Jesus – was that a moral act? Just because someone in the Bible did something does not automatically make it right. Even Satan is in the Bible. You have to read the implied principles from the experiences of biblical character as well as the directly stated principles in the Bible. Nevertheless, Paul was really a solid proof of the supernatural healing power of God – even in his experience. Many Christians have been deceived in this area. Notice Paul says he had "a thorn in the flesh." The words "scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes" in Joshua 23:13 are used to describe people; the words "thorns in your sides" in Judges 2:3 are also used the same way. Since when did it become a sickness? Paul was simply using an expression commonly used in those days. When you say, "Tom is a pain in the neck," you are talking about a person that bothers or annoys you, not a sickness. To further confirm that, Paul says the thorn was "a messenger of Satan." This tells us it was a person or demon, and that he was from Satan, not God. What Paul experienced was most likely persecution from people (inspired by Satan). Most of them followed Paul around to preach circumcision to the people right after Paul leaves a city. Some even reacted to Paul's preaching with physical violence. This is why the evil spirit or "messenger" was a "thorn in the flesh," or a "pain in the neck." You need to know the truth about the biblical passages that have been used to preach sickness. Many times those passages are some of the greatest proofs for healing. Some of them prove neither healing or sickness – just the need for wisdom. For example, if the Bible says that someone accidentally fell off a building and died, does that prove sickness, or that it is not God's will to heal and protect? No, it proves the need for wisdom and caution. By the way, this happened and Paul resurrected the dead man by the power of God (Acts 20:9-12). God bless as you study God's Word! |
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3 | What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | 2 Cor 12:7 | Mommapbs | 67569 | ||
I enjoyed your response! I have found the only way that all "thorns" are bearable is through the knowledge that God's Grace is sufficient for ALL people and ALL things! Beth Moore made a wonderful observation: when God removes the "thorns" from our lives, it is to demonstrate His supremacy; and when He allows them to remain, it is to demonstrate His sufficiency! God bless your day! mommapbs |
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4 | What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | 2 Cor 12:7 | mbooker | 67570 | ||
Hi mommapbs I see you mentioned Beth Moore. Have you done any of her studies? I have done A Woman's Heart, Jesus, The One and Only, To Live is Christ, Living Free and A Heart Like His. Meredith |
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5 | What is Paul's "thorn in the flesh?' | 2 Cor 12:7 | Mommapbs | 67656 | ||
Greetings Meredith! Yes I too have enjoyed several of Beth Moore's studies. I have also heard her in person - do try to go to one of these if she comes to your area! Blessings, mommapbs | ||||||