The Truth About the Apostle Paul's Thorn in the Flesh
And lest I should be exalted above measure
by the abundance of the revelations,
The
apostle Paul was constantly up against false teachers who tried to discredit
his ministry by bringing confusion, divisiveness, and turmoil into the mix.
Paul was
not a proud man. He said in Ephesians 3:8, “Even though I am the least
deserving of all God’s people, He graciously gave me the privilege of
telling the Gentiles about Christ.” God did not need to permit a thorn
in the flesh to keep the apostle meek and humble. On the contrary,
Satan’s messenger was the thorn in Paul’s flesh, sent to keep the exaltation of
Paul’s ministry from expanding beyond measure. False apostles were sent to buffet (or strike) Paul and discredit his ministry, in an attempt to overthrow the faith of those that had been won to Christ through him.
2 Corinthians 10:12-17 (NKJV)
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend
themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing
themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond
measure, but within the limits of the sphere (or domain) which God appointed us—a
sphere (or domain) which especially includes you. For we are not over extending
ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you
that we came with the gospel of Christ; not boasting of things beyond measure,
that is, in other men's labors, but having hope, that as your faith is
increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere (or domain), to
preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's
sphere (or domain) of accomplishment. But he who glories, let him glory in the
LORD.
Paul
pleaded with the Lord about these attacks three times, but God seemed to have a greater
purpose for it, and allowed it telling Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Paul
also demonstrated his humility by refusing to boast of his own accomplishments,
and even about his ascension into the Paradise of Heaven where he had seen and
heard magnificent things. He spoke of his experience in the third person so as
not to stick his chest out or appear to be show-boating his experiences.
2 Corinthians 12:1-6 (NKJV) It is doubtless not profitable (necessary, though not profitable) for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a
man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or
whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to
the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body
I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard
inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I
will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For
though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the
truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to
be or hears from me.
Paul’s
ministry had the capacity and the capability of going world-wide because of the abundance of the revelations that he received from God. That is what Paul meant by "being exalted above measure." He spoke of the exaltation of his ministry beyond the borders of Asia Minor. Satan
attacked Paul trying to limit his impact. This had nothing to do with
The apostle went on to write a significant portion of the New Testament documenting many of the revelations he received from God, and completed three missionary journeys throughout the Roman empire, and was named the apostle to the Gentiles. Satan was unable to limit Paul’s impact, for we now have the inspired word of God given through Paul equipping us for every good work.
Fight the good fight, and keep the faith!
2 Corinthians 13:14 (NLT) May the grace of the Lord Jesus
Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove