"Thorn In The Flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Questions

[bluebell]

Right. He probably would have said what it was if he wanted to disclose it. Or maybe it was common knowledge among the people of Corinth. It also could have been just a general propensity to sin. Whatever it was though, it is good to know that even the Lord's anointed struggle with the same type of challenges the rest of us do. It reinforces their humanity.

I agree. I wouldn't be surprised if that's one of the reasons that we have his struggles with 'the thorn' recorded in scripture. It's too easy to believe that the ancient leaders of the church and/or prophets were spiritual giants above temptation or real weaknesses. It's nice to know Paul was like everyone else in that regard.

[ERayR]

Where does that come from? References Please.

Bump. frankenstein I am still waiting I would like to look at this info.

[Ryan.Samples]

2 Corinthians 12:7-10:

I have recently studied these verses about Paul's "thorn in the flesh" and have done a little research, but I still have several questions. I would greatly appreciate some help/thoughts:

-The "thorn" is given to us for making sure we stay dependent on the Lord. Does this necessarily have to do with sin? Could it be serious health issues, financial problems, or any other issue? What was Paul’s “thorn”?

-Paul describes the "messenger from Satan" in these passages. My confusion is if the Lord actually sends Satan to tempt and test us or if there may be some sort of translation error in this passage?

-According to these verses, some “thorns” will always be there to torment us and, more importantly, make us always dependent on the Lord. It appears that none of us, in this life, can expect to completely overcome our “thorn”, despite our best efforts.

-I also thought It was interesting that Paul asked the Lord three times to remove this weakness, but the “thorn” was never removed.

Thoughts…

Why do you assume everyone gets a thorn? Keep in mind Paul received his thorn directly as a result of the revelations he received.

[zerinus]

2 Corinthians 12:7-10:

I have recently studied these verses about Paul's "thorn in the flesh" and have done a little research, but I still have several questions. I would greatly appreciate some help/thoughts:

-The "thorn" is given to us for making sure we stay dependent on the Lord. Does this necessarily have to do with sin? Could it be serious health issues, financial problems, or any other issue? What was Paul’s “thorn”?

-Paul describes the "messenger from Satan" in these passages. My confusion is if the Lord actually sends Satan to tempt and test us or if there may be some sort of translation error in this passage?

-According to these verses, some “thorns” will always be there to torment us and, more importantly, make us always dependent on the Lord. It appears that none of us, in this life, can expect to completely overcome our “thorn”, despite our best efforts.

-I also thought It was interesting that Paul asked the Lord three times to remove this weakness, but the “thorn” was never removed.

Thoughts…

In Ether 12 we read the following:

26 And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness;

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

So I would say it was a weakness of some description, although we are not told exactly what.