A persistent debate among Christians centers around the nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:7. Many interpret this thorn as a sickness, while others argue it represents persecution or another type of hardship. This issue is significant because it shapes how believers understand and respond to suffering. Let’s dive into the evidence to determine what the Bible truly teaches.
- Common Misconceptions: The Thorn as Sickness
- Analyzing the Evidence: Was It Really Sickness?
- Refuting Other Interpretations
- Key Insights from Paul’s Epistles
- Additional Reasons Against the Sickness Interpretation
- Why This Matters
- Conclusion
Common Misconceptions: The Thorn as Sickness
Some preachers and biblical commentators argue that Paul’s thorn was a physical ailment. Popular interpretations include:
- Blindness or lingering effects of his temporary blindness on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:18).
- A recurring physical infirmity, such as ophthalmia or another chronic illness, inferred from passages like Galatians 4:13-14.
- A general sickness or weakness that Paul endured as a humble servant of Christ.
Prominent Supporters of This View
- John Stott: Stott suggested Paul’s thorn could represent a physical sickness, pointing to Galatians 4:15, where the Galatians expressed their willingness to “pluck out their eyes” for Paul.
- Matthew Henry: His commentary posits that the thorn may have been a “bodily affliction or infirmity.”
- Albert Barnes: Barnes highlights Paul’s humility and dependence on God’s grace, interpreting this as possibly stemming from a physical condition.
Such interpretations are often supported by quotes like 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you,” to suggest that God intended Paul to live with his affliction.
Analyzing the Evidence: Was It Really Sickness?
1. The Context of Paul’s Thorn
Paul describes his thorn as being given “to keep me from exalting myself, a messenger of Satan to torment me” (2 Corinthians 12:7). While this verse is often used to argue for sickness, it’s important to note:
For argument’s sake let’s say that the thorn was sickness. The thorn is tied to Paul’s surpassing revelations, referring to the extraordinary insights he received from God, including visions of the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).
Lots of people say that the sickness they have is like Paul’s thorn. This thorn was because of his exceeding revelations (one-third of New Testament). So where are your revelations?
2. Weakness, Not Sickness
In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul explicitly identifies the thorn as a weakness, which he further clarifies as:
- Insults
- Distresses
- Persecutions
- Difficulties
If the thorn were sickness, Paul would likely have mentioned it directly, especially since he lists his sufferings in other passages (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) without including sickness.
3. The Biblical Use of “Thorn in the Flesh”
The phrase “thorn in the flesh” never refers to sickness in Scripture. People who study it usually read into it. Instead, it consistently refers to people who are persecuting or harassing Paul.
- Numbers 33:55: The Canaanites are described as “thorns in your sides,” harassing Israel.
- Joshua 23:13: Enemy nations are likened to thorns.
- Judges 2:3: The gods of other nations are called “thorns.”
In all instances, thorns represent people or entities opposing God’s will. This is why God didn’t “take away” the one thorn, because God wasn’t going to violate the persecutors free will, as he wants even the persecutor to be saved.
4. Misinterpreting Galatians 4:13-14
Those who argue that it refers to sickness often cite Galatians 4:13-14, where Paul refers to his “infirmity of the flesh.” However, the context suggests this refers to the physical aftermath of Paul’s stoning at Lystra (Acts 14:19-20), where he was left for dead. Paul’s injuries from this event would have left visible marks, explaining why he mentions his physical state while preaching to the Galatians.
Persecution was seen as a weakness in Roman and Hellenistic society, where honor and triumph were highly valued, and suffering was often associated with shame or divine disfavour, which is why Paul feared that they might reject or despise him.
Refuting Other Interpretations
Blindness from the Road to Damascus
Acts 9:18 states that Paul’s blindness was healed immediately when “something like scales fell from his eyes.”
There is no evidence of lingering effects or partial healing.
Sickness in Acts 9:16
The suffering Jesus refers to in Acts 9:16 (“how much he must suffer for My name’s sake”) clearly points to persecution, as detailed in the Book of Acts.
Key examples include:
- Acts 13:50: Expelled from Pisidian Antioch.
- Acts 14:5-6: Fleeing attempted stoning in Iconium.
- Acts 16:22-24: Beaten and imprisoned in Philippi.
The “Messenger of Satan”
The thorn is described as a “messenger of Satan,” further clarifying its source. Satan uses persecution, not sickness, to hinder God’s work.
If Satan sent the thorn, why would it be sickness when Satan’s primary weapon against believers in Paul’s time was persecution?
Key Insights from Paul’s Epistles
Paul’s Lists of Suffering
Paul repeatedly lists his sufferings, focusing on persecution rather than sickness:
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-28: Includes imprisonments, beatings, stonings, shipwrecks, and dangers from various sources.
- 1 Corinthians 4:9-13: Mentions hunger, thirst, being poorly clothed, beaten, and homeless.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: Tribulations, labors, sleeplessness, and fasting are highlighted, with no mention of sickness.
Differentiation of Sickness and Suffering
The New Testament clearly separates sickness and suffering:
James 5:13-14: “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone sick? Let them call for the elders.”
Suffering refers to external trials (persecution), while sickness is treated as a condition requiring healing.
Additional Reasons Against the Sickness Interpretation
1. Unusual Behavior for Sickness:
Sickness typically persists rather than harasses intermittently. The thorn “buffeted” Paul, indicating repeated persecution.
2. God’s Role:
The thorn is often attributed to God humbling Paul, yet the text states it was “a messenger of Satan.” God does not use Satan to accomplish His purposes.
3. Contrary to New Testament Teaching:
• Believers are instructed to resist sickness through faith and prayer. Nowhere are they encouraged to accept illness as God’s will.
Why This Matters
Understanding Paul’s thorn correctly is essential for how Christians approach suffering:
- Persecution: Believers are called to endure persecution for Christ’s sake (Matthew 5:11-12).
- Sickness: Christians are empowered to seek healing (James 5:14, Matthew 10:8) and are never told to accept sickness as part of God’s plan.
Conclusion
The evidence overwhelmingly supports the view that Paul’s thorn in the flesh refers to persecution, not sickness. By interpreting this passage accurately, believers can stand against sickness and rebuke it without conflating persecution with physical illness.
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