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what current struggles or temptations might feel similar to paul's experience here?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I entreated the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.”

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, is defending his apostleship against critics. He has just described extraordinary spiritual experiences and now shares a personal struggle, framing it as a balance to those revelations, preventing him from pride.

What personal 'thorn' or persistent difficulty in your life might be an unexpected path to strength or reliance on something beyond yourself?

Then — the setting

Paul likely wrote this letter to the Corinthian church from Macedonia around 55-56 CE. The Corinthians were a diverse, often fractious, community with many internal divisions and challenges to Paul's authority. Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' is highly debated; suggestions range from a physical ailment (like an eye condition or epilepsy) to persistent opposition from specific individuals or spiritual attacks. Regardless of its exact nature, it was a debilitating and humiliating struggle that threatened his ability to minister, forcing him into a deeper reliance on divine power rather than his own capabilities or status.

Across the Testaments

The concept of God using weakness or adversity to demonstrate power is a recurring theme. In the Old Testament, figures like Moses, who felt inadequate as a speaker (Exodus 4:10), or Gideon, who led a small, intentionally reduced army (Judges 7), demonstrate that divine strength often works through human insufficiency. This New Testament passage develops this idea by explicitly linking Christ's power to human weakness, suggesting that vulnerability can be a direct conduit for God's grace and strength, a theme central to the gospel message of a crucified Messiah.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Romans 7:15-20
Paul describes the internal struggle between his desire to do good and the impulse to do evil, a different kind of inner 'thorn'.
James 1:2-4
This passage speaks of finding joy in trials, as they produce endurance and completeness.
Philippians 4:11-13
Paul talks about learning contentment in all circumstances, recognizing strength found in Christ.

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