"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 [a]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me." - 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
Since Monday I have been dealing with a very painful pinched nerve in my neck. Which travels to my right shoulder blade. Forcing me to keep my head mobilized because of the pain. But, this post is not about my pain. It is an example as a lead in to the much speculation as to what was "Paul's thorn."
You can take the following with a grain of salt. But, I feel confident enough in my own Spirit that what is stated below comes from a reputable source, Kenneth Copeland:
"Tradition teaches that Paul's thorn in the flesh was sickness or disease but the Word plainly says that the thorn was a "messenger of Satan." In the New Testament, this Greek word is translated messenger seven times and angel 181 times. All 188 times this word is speaking of a personality -- not a thing like a sickness or disease. Sickness is not a messenger, nor is it a personality. Satan sent an angel or messenger to Paul to buffet him. The word buffet means "to give repeated blows, over and over and over." The thorn in the flesh was not a sickness as tradition teaches, but a messenger from Satan, as the Bible teaches. God does not use Satan's messenger service. God did not give Paul this thorn in the flesh--Satan sent Paul the thorn to stop the Word from being preached. Tradition says this thorn was something in Paul's actual flesh, but 2 Corinthians 12:7 clearly states messenger. Weymouth's translation of this verse says,..."there was given me a thorn in the flesh, Satan's angel to torture me." Jesus said in Mark 4 that Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. Paul was having to stand against this evil spirit everywhere he went." - Kenneth Copeland
This would certainly explain the attacks on ourselves when we are going about doing the Work of the Lord. Referring to Mark 4:14-15: "The sower soweth the word. And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts." Pretty much sums up the thorn to me.
I'm not familiar with the thorn story, but what you wrote here makes sense to me! Thank you for sharing. I hope that your pinched nerve stops hurting so much very soon. That sounds absolutely dreadful. (((((JBR)))))
ReplyDeleteJBR Ken Copeland can be trusted. I've watched him throughout the years. He's a true man of God. Thanks for the word on this controversial subject. Hope you're doing well today. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of this subject in quite this way before, but it makes sense to me. I do think there are evil forces in the world that we must face and deal with. I hope your neck feels better soon.
ReplyDeleteI love word studies....it brings it down to truth and reduces mankind's carnal thinking especially the Western Man and his thought process! Good stuff this am. JBR
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I pondered this scripture a lot when I was flat on my back with my neck injury. He petitioned for removal of the thorn but God replied that His strength was made perfect in Paul's weakness. I have often wondered if it did not keep Paul's focus off his own ability but on God's. I am sure I will be back to reread this a few more times today. Thanks again! I will be praying for your neck and the nerve pain. Having been there, I am so compassionate for you situation. Sending love and prayers your way!
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