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what might paul's 'thorn in the flesh' have been, considering the context of his ministry?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

“By the exceeding greatness of the revelations, because of this, to keep me from being too exalted, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too exalted. Concerning this thing, I pleaded with 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 I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.”

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, a bustling Roman city. In this section, he's reluctantly defending his apostolic authority against critics, sharing a profound spiritual experience, and then immediately following it with this admission of personal struggle.

What does it mean for us to find strength in unexpected weaknesses or limitations?

Then — the setting

Paul wrote 2 Corinthians around 55-56 CE from Macedonia, addressing a diverse and often turbulent Christian community in Corinth. The specific nature of Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' has been a subject of much speculation through history. Suggestions range from specific physical ailments like an eye disease (perhaps related to Galatians 4:15), epilepsy, malaria, or a speech impediment, to intense spiritual or psychological burdens, or even opposition from particular individuals or groups in his ministry. Paul's description of it as a 'messenger of Satan' and something that 'torments' him suggests a persistent, painful, and deeply troubling affliction, whatever its precise form.

Across the Testaments

The passage is in the New Testament, reflecting Paul's theological development regarding suffering. In the Old Testament, physical ailments or personal struggles were often seen as a direct consequence of sin (e.g., in Job's friends' theology) or as divine judgment. While the Old Testament also shows figures like Moses struggling with a speech impediment (Exodus 4:10-12), Paul here reframes the experience. He doesn't see his 'thorn' as punishment for sin, but as a divinely permitted means to prevent pride due to extraordinary spiritual revelations, ultimately showcasing God's power through human weakness. This theme of God's power made perfect in weakness is a significant New Testament development, especially in Paul's theology.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Galatians 4:13-14
Paul alludes to a physical ailment that affected his ministry among the Galatians.
Philippians 4:11-13
Paul speaks of learning contentment and being able to do all things through Christ who strengthens him, resonating with finding strength in weakness.
Matthew 26:39-44
Jesus pleads three times with God to remove a 'cup' of suffering, similar to Paul's three pleas.

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