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Hi, Mel! Happy New Year!
Okay, here's my understanding of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" prayer request: The phrases "thorns in your sides" and "thorns in your eyes" are used in the Old Testament (Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13 and Judges 2:3)to refer specifically to those ungodly people in the land of Canaan who would cause the Israelites problems if the Israelites made treaties with them and lived among them instead of obeying God and driving them out of the land. Thorns are never used figuratively in the Bible to refer to disease or other things, only to people who are a problem.
Therefore, I think (and I've heard teaching along this line as well) that Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was the group of Jewish non-believers who hounded him from one town to the next and sought his death. I think Paul was asking God to make his stalkers go away so he wouldn't be stoned, whipped, arrested, etc., quite so often. I could be wrong, but that makes the most sense based on other Biblical occurrences of the word "thorn" in a figurative sense.
Be blessed, my brother!
2008-01-08 11:40:40 Posted by Traci ()
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Thanks Mel for this post. Sure made me think!
Well, Traci, thanks for that insight! I've never thought the "thorns" were from illness but didn't know what it might be. I did not "investigate" other Scriptures as you have done to come up with feasible and plausible thoughts on what Paul's thorn in the flesh could be...and I now agree with you. Again, thank you. Makes all the sense in the world now.
God bless,
2008-01-08 15:32:54 Posted by sharon41 ()
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Man, I look at my post. Full of typos and misspellings. Yikes! I am tired, I guess. But I am happy to still share with you guys what I can.
I knew someone would have another angle Traci. One day, with some time on my hands, I am likely to chase that one a bit if I remember it...
The point is to share. And not judge. I think you ladies did just great!
Many Thanks,
Mel
2008-01-08 20:58:02 Posted by Mel ()
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You're quite welcome, my brother! Sharon, thanks for the response to my comment; I love you, my sister! (Look at me, acting like this is my blog or something!)
Methinks it's time to log off; I'm getting a bit silly here. Have a wonderful evening full of sweet sleep, y'all! God bless us, everyone!
2008-01-08 21:13:08 Posted by Traci ()
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Traci, you made me laugh! I've done that myself sometimes (like I'm doing now responding to you here rather than going to your blog...but Mel is tolerant and he's dealing with two ladies here, so i don't think he will say too much, eh? LOL)
Night!
2008-01-08 23:44:30 Posted by sharon41 ()
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Off to the funny farm with all of you! Mel - I am clueless, but intesting thoughts on both you and Traci's side.
Be brave
2008-01-09 02:56:35 Posted by Lee ()
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Hi Mel,
Concerning Paul's thorn in the flesh...
Here are some scriptures: Starting at--
2 Corinthians 12:6 --For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I forbear,(refraim), lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. v7. And lest I should be EXALTED
ABOVE MEASURE through the abundance of the revelation, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet(beat) me, lest I SHOULD BE EXALTED ABOVE MEASURE.v8. For this thing I besought(pleaded with)the Lord thrice(three times), that it might depart from me. v9. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength(power) is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities(weaknesses), that the power of Christ may rest upon me. v10. Therefor I take pleasure in infirmities, in REPROACHES IN NECESSITIES, IN PERSECUTIONS, IN DISTRESSES for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. kjv
No one really knows for sure, but it seems to me as I read these scriptures, it could be, PRIDE, as you stated or PROUD........
Thanks for sharing.....
God bless you and yours....
With God's Love,
Lois
2008-01-09 22:46:31 Posted by Lois J. ()
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Lois,
Maybe so, and maybe not any of us is correct. I was not even that scholarly about it, just a feeling that I got reading it, although the words taht gave me the feeling are plain to see once you point them out. It is something to consider all around, and for someone, this understanding could be important. Lord only knows...
In Truth,
Mel
2008-01-10 09:25:14 Posted by Mel ()
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