Journal: Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal
Volume: RPTJ 08:1 (Fall 2021)
Article: A Thorny Subject: Paul’s Thorn & Ours
Author: Michael D. Mock

RPTJ 8:1 (Fall 2021) p. 68

A Thorny Subject: Paul’s Thorn & Ours

Michael D. Mock

D.Min. Student Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. (2 Corinthians 12:7, ESV)

Christians struggle to understand and thereby apply the passage of Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Some consign it to the dustbin of theological esoterism. Others seek answers. Regardless of the level of understanding or sanctification of believers, they desire to know the identity of the thorn. This quest to know is not an unreasonable pursuit. After all, the Lord included the passage for the instruction of his people, and for their growth. Even this passage is profitable for teaching and training in righteousness. Indeed, Paul himself makes application of the thorn’s painful presence to himself and to his readers.

For its present-day applications, then, studying the thorn is a worthwhile pursuit for both sinning and suffering saints. Are they given to conceit? Surely that temptation remains in the hearts of believers. Are Christians harassed? Paul affirms this reality when he calls the thorn a “messenger of Satan” sent to harass him, used by God to prevent a conceited heart in Paul. Surely Paul is not in a category of one. Therefore, this text is useful for all believers. However, the question remains: what is Paul’s fleshly thorn? Inquiring minds inquire. Seeking the identity of the thorn is no small matter. Yet the desire to know is not merely to titillate the intellect in seeking things too lofty for it. Discovering the identity of Paul’s thorn should help Christians make application in their respective thorny relationships.

Summary Of Interpretations

All inquiring minds have to acknowledge that the quest to uncover the identity of the thorn is fraught with interpretive difficulties. The challenge is evidenced by the diversity of viewpoints among Bible interpreters. Even a cursory consideration of the commentaries yields reason for skepticism. Perhaps it is too high of a goal to expect unanimity on such a difficult text. Even the more confident commentators wisely stop short of dogmatism. Some reject the possibility of knowing altogether, and so they suspend judgment this side of heaven (Harris,1 Matera2). Others adopt the view that the thorn is a reference to a bodily affliction like ophthalmia, migraines,

RPTJ 8:1 (Fall 2021) p. 69

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