WHAT WAS THE THORN IN PAUL'S FLESH?

*[[2Co 12:7]] KJV* And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

To understand what Paul meant by a thorn in his flesh, it is very important to note that Paul was a Jew (Hebrew), hence he wrote his epistles in Greek with a Hebrew mindset.

He tells his audience that lest he boast above measure, he was given a "thorn in the flesh". This phrase was also used in the Old Testament when the Israelites were going into the promised land. They were asked to drive out everyone in the land. But if they failed, the people would become thorns in their flesh.

*[[Num 33:55]] KJV* But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

So you see, the thorn in the flesh was referring to humans not a cosmic being. " But Bro Afriyie, Paul also referred to it as a messenger of Satan". He sure did. But 'Satan' does not refer to a cosmic being as we have been made to believe. In both Hebrew and Greek, 'Satan' was used for someone who acted as an adversary, one who resists or  opposes a cause or an accuser.

Original: Σατᾶν

Transliteration: Satan

Phonetic: sat-an'

Thayer Definition:

adversary (one who opposes another in purpose or act),

Also, the original text does not just say 'Satan' rather it says 'the Satan' referring to a specific person. This person was the one who masterminded Paul's imprisonment. Just as Jesus told John that the devil was going to throw some of them into prison.

*[[Rev 2:10]] KJV* Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the DEVIL SHALL CAST SOME OF YOU INTO PRISON, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have Tribulation's ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Now, 'the Satan' refers to Ananaias the high priest and the messenger, the torn in the flesh refers to an orator called Tertullus who was hired by the high priest to accuse Paul.

*[[Act 24:1-7/KJV]]* 1. And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.  2. And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,  3. We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4. Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words. 5. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:  6. Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. 7. But the chief captained Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

You see, if it was a cosmic being that was buffeting Paul, he knew too well not to plead with God on that regards. Paul knew he had authority over even sickness.

Shalom!!!

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