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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: Greetings Azure! We know that Paul was very educated. Acts 22:3 tells us: "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today." Gamaliel was a renowned teacher. Now, whether or not we could quantify his education or not is debatable. The visual problem is speculation that many scholars have made based upon several different passages. Some believe that the 'thorn in the flesh' may have been a visual problem. However, the text really does not support that. The primary text used to support this theory is Gal. 6:11 - "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!" Gal. 4:15 also says, "What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me." However, the evidence is pretty flimsy. I have no idea from where the speech impediment theory comes. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |