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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: Why was the thorn given |
Bible Note: Dear dispen4ever, I found the below post (134947) provided by our old timer Kalos is helpful for understanding the thron given to Paul. ***** 'because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, [3]a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel (messenger, Greek: angelos, Strong's #32) of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.' 2 Cor 12:7 (New American Bible) (http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/bible/2corinthians/2corinthians12.htm) Footnote 3. '[7] That I might not become too elated: God assures that there is a negative component to his experience, so that he cannot lose proper perspective; cf 2 Cor 1:9; 4:7-11. 'A thorn in the flesh: variously interpreted as a sickness or physical disability, a temptation, or a handicap connected with his apostolic activity. But since Hebrew "thorn in the flesh," like English "thorn in my side," refers to persons (cf Numbers 33:55; Ezekiel 28:24), Paul may be referring to some especially persistent and obnoxious opponent. The language of 2 Cor 12:7-8 permits this interpretation. 'If this is correct, the frequent appearance of singular pronouns in depicting the opposition may not be merely a stylistic variation; the singular may be provoked and accompanied by the image of one individual in whom criticism of Paul's preaching, way of life, and apostolic consciousness is concentrated, and who embodies all the qualities Paul attributes to the group. 'An angel of Satan: a personal messenger from Satan; cf the satanic language already applied to the opponents in 2 Cor 11:3, 13-15, 20.' ***** Shalom Azure |