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NASB | 2 Corinthians 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself! |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Corinthians 12:7 Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me--to keep me from exalting myself! [Job 2:6] |
Subject: Paul's Thorn |
Bible Note: The Disciple's Study Bible states, "2 CORINTHIANS 12:7: Evil and Suffering, Satan—Satan, not God, is the immediate cause of physical and emotional suffering. Satan gave Paul the thorn to torment him and divert him from faith and ministry. God allowed Satan to torment Paul and then used Satan’s instrument of torment to increase Paul’s faith." The Believer's Study Bible states, "12:7-8: The nature of the "thorn [, Gk., meaning "stake" or "thorn"] in the flesh" is not revealed. If it had been revealed, those with a different problem would have tended to assume that the spiritual lesson here was not for them. God’s silences are significant. However, there are some indications that Paul’s eyesight may have been the source of his problem. Consider the rather unusual utterances of Paul recorded in Acts 23:2-5; Gal 4:15; 6:11. Does God always heal in response to a prayer of faith? The case of Paul is unquestionable evidence against such a hypothesis. Three times Paul pleaded with God to remove the disability. God’s answer (and note that God did answer!) is that His grace is sufficient and, further, that God’s strength is made perfect through human weakness. The parallel of this experience to that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane should be noted (cf. Mark 14:32ff.; Luke 22:39-46). 12:9 Here is recorded one of the greatest spiritual truths in all of Scripture: God’s strength is made perfect (complete, mature) in our weakness. Verse 10 expresses it again in summary fashion: "For when I am weak, then I [through Christ’s power] am strong." |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 2 Cor 12:7 | Author | ||
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Hank | ||
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TerryM | ||
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TerryM | ||
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Makarios | ||
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cody | ||
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CindyW | ||
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Blessed One1 | ||
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lookN4luv | ||
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kalos | ||
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Exchanged Life | ||
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shaitan44 | ||
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smurfrenee |