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2 Corinthians 12:7
Verse
Context
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
6Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, 7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
Sermons
Charles Stanley
Zac Poonen
Carter Conlon
Keith Daniel
Chuck Smith
Denny Kenaston
Willie MullanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And lest I should be exalted - There were three evils to be guarded against: 1. The contempt of his gifts and call by his enemies. 2. The overweening fondness of his friends. And, Self-exultation. A thorn in the flesh - The word σκολοψ signifies a stake, and ανασκολοπιζεσθαι, to be tied to a stake by way of punishment; and it is used, says Schoettgen, to signify the most oppressive afflictions. Whatever it was, it was τῃ σαρκι, in the flesh, i.e. of an outward kind. It was neither sin nor sinfulness, for this could not be given him to prevent his being exalted above measure; for sin never had and never can have this tendency. What this thorn in the flesh might be has given birth to a multitude of conjectures: Tertullian thought it dolor auriculae, the ear ache; Chrysostom, κεφαλαλγια, the head ache; Cyprian, carnis et corporis multa ac gravia tormenta, many and grievous bodily torments. I believe the apostle to refer simply to the distresses he had endured through the opposition he met with at Corinth; which were as painful and grievous to him as a thorn in his flesh, or his being bound to a stake; for, if he could have devoted himself to destruction, Rom 9:3, for his rebellious and unbelieving countrymen, what must he have suffered on account of an eminent Church being perverted and torn to pieces by a false teacher! God permitted this to keep the apostle humble, and at last completely delivered the Church out of the hands and influence of this deceiver; none, not even the incestuous person, having been turned finally out of the way by the false doctrines there preached. The messenger of Satan - Another mode of expressing what he calls the thorn in the flesh; and he seems most plainly to refer to the false apostle at Corinth. The apostle himself was, as he styles himself to this Church, αποστολος Ιησου Χριστου, Co2 1:1, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The person in question is styled here αγγελος Σαταν, the apostle or angel of Satan. It is almost impossible to mistake the apostle's meaning and reference. Jesus Christ sent Paul to proclaim his truth, and found a Church at Corinth. Satan, the adversary of God's truth, sent a man to preach lies at the same place, and turn the Church of God into his own synagogue; and by his teaching lies and calumnies the apostle was severely buffeted. We need seek no other sense for these expressions. Many, however, think that the apostle had really some bodily infirmity that rendered him contemptible, and was the means of obstructing the success of his ministry; and that the false apostle availed himself of this to set St. Paul at nought, and to hold him out to ridicule. I have shown this, elsewhere, to be very unlikely. The best arguments in favor of this opinion may be found in Whitby; but I forbear to transcribe them because I think the meaning given above is more correct. No infirmity of body nor corporeal sufferings can affect and distress a minister of the Gospel, equally to the perversion or scattering of a flock, which were the fruit of innumerable labors, watchings, fastings, prayers, and tears.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
exalted above measure--Greek, "overmuch uplifted." How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint! [BENGEL]. abundance--Greek, "the excess"; exceeding greatness. given . . . me--namely, by God (Job 5:6; Phi 1:29). thorn in the flesh-- (Num 33:55; Eze 28:24). ALFORD thinks it to be the same bodily affliction as in Gal 4:13-14. It certainly was something personal, affecting him individually, and not as an apostle: causing at once acute pain (as "thorn" implies) and shame ("buffet": as slaves are buffeted, Pe1 2:20). messenger of Satan--who is permitted by God to afflict His saints, as Job (Job 2:7; Luk 13:16). to buffet me--In Greek, present: to buffet me even now continuously. After experiencing the state of the blissful angels, he is now exposed to the influence of an evil angel. The chastisement from hell follows soon upon the revelation from heaven. As his sight and hearing had been ravished with heavenly "revelations," so his touch is pained with the "thorn in the flesh."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto me,.... Either by what the Jews call "Bath Kol", a voice from heaven, an articulate audible one; or by some extraordinary revelation of the Spirit of God; or by a divine impression upon his mind; whereby he was assured of what follows, my grace is sufficient for thee; the Lord always hears and answers his people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for his glory and their good: the apostle had not his request granted, that Satan might immediately depart from him, only he is assured of a sufficiency of grace to support him under the exercise, so long as it should last. There seems to be an allusion to the word "Shaddai", an appellation of God, Gen 17:1, and signifies, "which is sufficient": for God is all sufficient, and is a name that belongs to the Messiah. The angel whom God promised to the Israelites, to go before them in the wilderness, Exo 23:23, the Jews say (g) is "Metatron" (which is a corruption of the word "mediator"), whose name is as the name of his master. "Metatron" by gematry is "Shaddai, one that is sufficient": however, certain it is, that the grace of Christ is alone sufficient for all his people, to all saving purposes, in all their times of need. It is alone sufficient, not to the exclusion of the grace of the Father or the Spirit; but in opposition and distinction to anything else, that may be rightly or wrongly called grace; what men generally call common or sufficient grace, which, they say, is given to all men, is a mere chimera; no grace is sufficient but what is effectual, and that is only the grace of Christ: the light of nature is insufficient to any saving purpose; the Gospel, which is called grace, and is the means of grace, is insufficient of itself to salvation, without the powerful and efficacious grace of Christ going along with it; and so are gifts, whether ordinary or extraordinary: nothing short of the grace of Christ is sufficient grace; and this is sufficient for all the elect of God, Jews and Gentiles, Old and New Testament saints, the family in heaven and in earth, the people of God that are already called, and are to be called, and for the worst and vilest of sinners; and it is sufficient to all saving purposes, to the acceptance of their persons before God, to their justification in his sight, to their pardon and cleansing, to their regeneration and sanctification, to the supply of all their wants, and to their perseverance in grace unto glory; and it is sufficient in all their times of need, in times of bodily affliction, of violent persecution, soul desertion, Satan's temptations, and at the hour of death, and in the day of judgment. The reason given to support this answer, and to strengthen the apostle's faith in it, is, for my strength is made perfect in weakness; by the "strength" of Christ is meant, not his strength as the mighty God, but that communicative strength which he has, and is in him as Mediator, and which saints look to him for, and receive from him; this is "made perfect in" their "weakness"; not that their weakness can add perfection to his strength, for his strength is perfect in itself, not to say anything of the contradiction such a sense carries in it; but the meaning is, that the strength of Christ is made to appear, is illustrated and shines forth in its perfection and glory, in supplying, supporting, and strengthening his people under all their weakness; and if they were not left to some weaknesses in themselves, his strength would not be so manifest; see Jam 2:22. The answer to the apostle's request, supported with this reason, was wonderfully satisfactory to him; wherefore he concludes, most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities; in the weaknesses which attended either his body or soul, through the buffetings of the angel Satan, rather than in his visions and revelations; or rather than insist upon his departure from him, he is content things should be as they were, since he had such a promise of a sufficiency of grace to bear him up, under and through whatever was the pleasure of God concerning him; and since the strength of Christ was made illustrious through his weakness, so that Satan was not able to make any advantage over him, he is willing to remain in the same posture and condition: that the power of Christ, says he, may rest upon me, or "tabernacle over me"; he considered himself as a poor weak feeble creature, and the power of Christ as a tabernacle over him, as the power of God is represented as a garrison about the believer, Pe1 1:5, sheltering, preserving, and protecting him from the insults of Satan, in every form and shape; see Isa 4:6, where Christ is said to be a tabernacle, for a place of refuge, and for a covert. (g) Jarchi in Exod. xxiii. 23. Sepher Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Numb. fol. 87. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7b-10 We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was (cp. Num 33:55; Ezek 28:24; Hos 2:6); we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride. • It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:7
Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
6Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, 7or because of these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Brokenness Study #5 - the Promise
By Charles Stanley7.2K48:16Brokenness2CO 12:7In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the grace of God and expresses wonder at how God could love, be patient, forgiving, forbearing, good, gracious, and kind to him despite his flaws and sins. The preacher emphasizes that going through a process of brokenness can deepen one's understanding of God's grace and love. This process involves laying down a critical spirit and experiencing a new perspective on the cross, the blood of Jesus, and the power of sin being broken. The preacher also highlights that God never deserts believers in their seasons of brokenness, and in their weakest moments, they can experience a surge of supernatural power, strength, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.
Brokenness
By Zac Poonen3.7K1:05:01BrokennessGEN 32:24PRO 16:18MAT 6:331CO 8:12CO 12:71TH 5:23JAS 4:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God breaking us in order to use us effectively. He uses the example of Jacob being broken for twenty years in his father-in-law's house and Moses being broken in the wilderness for forty years. The speaker highlights that even though believers may have great knowledge and gifts, without being broken by God, their lives will be wasted. He encourages listeners to embrace the circumstances God allows in their lives and to become weak before Him, so that His power can be released through them.
Why Do Some Battles Never Go Away?
By Carter Conlon2.6K49:32Victory1CO 10:112CO 6:142CO 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the fallen nature of humanity is defeated by the power of Christ within believers. The devil tries to convince people that their battles are greater than the strength of Christ, leading them to captivity. The preacher references 2 Corinthians 6:14 to highlight the importance of not aligning with unrighteousness and darkness. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their freedom in Christ, to fight against their fallen nature, and to obey God.
Full Surrender
By Keith Daniel2.6K1:23:34ISA 64:8JER 18:1MAT 11:28ROM 8:282CO 12:7
This sermon is about the importance of surrendering to God, highlighting the struggle to let go of our troubles and the unknown hindrances that hold us back. It emphasizes the need to ask Jesus to reveal and search our hearts so we can fully surrender and experience God's compassion and love.
(Through the Bible) Revelation 10-12
By Chuck Smith2.3K1:21:23Through The BibleACT 14:192CO 12:7JAS 5:72PE 3:3REV 1:16REV 5:1REV 10:5REV 10:8REV 11:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes how nature reveals the glory of God and serves as a means for humans to come to know Him. He distinguishes between rational and irrational individuals, stating that rational people recognize God as the creator of nature, while irrational people worship nature itself. The preacher then shifts to discussing the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the description of Jesus in chapter one. He mentions the scroll with seven seals, which represents the title deed to the earth and reveals God's intended purpose for the earth and humanity. The sermon concludes by mentioning the upcoming seven-year period for Israel and the sending of two witnesses, including Elijah, as prophesied in the book of Malachi.
Paul the Apostle - a Vibrant Life (Part 4)
By Denny Kenaston2.1K1:08:07Paul The Apostle2CO 12:72CO 12:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the Great Commission, which is the final commandment given to man. He suggests that there are hidden blessings for those who obey this commandment. The speaker also discusses how God often brings believers to a breaking point in order to mold and shape them. He encourages listeners to respond to these pressures in a way that leads to growth and a deeper understanding of God's goodness and power.
Pilgrims Problems No. 9 Pain and Suffering
By Willie Mullan1.4K58:28Pain and SufferingJOB 1:1ISA 49:12CO 12:7HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Isaiah 49 and the prophecy spoken by Isaiah. He emphasizes that God called Isaiah from the moment he was born and made his mouth like a sharp sword. The preacher also discusses the idea that sometimes God allows his children to suffer in order to glorify his name. He mentions that sufferings can come from sin, Satan, or even from God for the sake of his blood. The preacher uses the example of Job to illustrate how God allowed suffering in his life to test his faith, and despite losing everything, Job still worshipped God.
Desperation, Resignation - Part 4
By Keith Daniel1.3K08:492CO 12:7
This sermon discusses the concept of a 'thorn in the flesh' that God allows in our lives, exploring how it can be a personal struggle that affects our walk with God. It emphasizes the idea that what may be a challenge or weakness for one person is not necessarily the same for another, highlighting the need for understanding and compassion towards each other's struggles. The story of D.L. Moody is used to illustrate how even great individuals can face unique challenges that shape their faith and ministry.
God's Passion for Holiness
By Steve Gallagher1.3K39:13HolinessJOB 1:1PSA 119:9MAT 6:332CO 12:7HEB 12:141PE 1:15In this sermon, Steve Gallagher emphasizes the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He challenges the congregation to examine their homes and remove any worldly influences, such as television, magazines, and internet usage, that hinder their walk with God. Gallagher reminds the listeners that this call to holiness is personal and urges them to separate themselves from the ways of the world. He references the story of Job to illustrate God's desire for a deeper level of understanding and surrender in the lives of believers.
Desperation, Resignation - Part 5
By Keith Daniel1.3K09:142CO 12:7
This sermon discusses the concept of 'thorns in the flesh' that individuals may face, whether physical setbacks, character flaws, or psychological challenges. It emphasizes the need to seek God's purpose in allowing these struggles in our lives, highlighting the importance of grace, humility, and reliance on God's strength to overcome these obstacles and grow in Christlikeness.
Desperation, Resignation - Part 8
By Keith Daniel1.3K08:49PSA 34:18ROM 8:282CO 12:72CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 12:11JAS 4:101PE 5:6
This sermon explores the concept of brokenness as the first step to greatness in God's plan. It delves into the idea that God allows challenges and weaknesses in our lives to bring out His strength and grace, leading to opportunities and heights we never imagined. The message emphasizes the importance of embracing God's will in times of desperation, seeking revelation, and ultimately resigning to His plan, finding joy and strength in our weaknesses.
Removing the Stumbling Blocks - Part 2
By Dan Augsburger1.2K43:411SA 1:11DAN 10:12LUK 11:8ROM 8:28ROM 12:122CO 12:7EPH 5:20PHP 4:61TH 5:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of persisting in prayer and praising God in all circumstances. It shares stories from the Bible, like Hannah's persistence in prayer for a child, Elijah's persistence for rain, and Joseph's journey of surrender leading to blessings. The speaker also shares personal experiences highlighting how God works in mysterious ways for our good, even in challenging situations. The key message is to trust God's timing, persist in prayer, and praise Him in all things, knowing that He is working for our good.
The Sovereignty of God
By Paris Reidhead1.2K39:53Sovereignty Of GodJHN 20:282CO 12:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of God and His purpose for our lives. He discusses the consequences that can arise from disappointment, discouragement, disillusionment, and depression, leading to spiritual defeat. The preacher uses the example of the apostle Paul, who faced neglect and hardship but understood that these circumstances were part of God's plan to make him more like Christ. The sermon encourages listeners to accept God's sovereignty and trust that even the things that seem against us are actually working for our good.
God Breaks Us to Humble Us (Tamil)
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:02:34JOB 1:12JOB 31:24JOB 38:1MAT 18:21JHN 11:251CO 5:52CO 12:7HEB 13:8JAS 1:17
This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's ability to bring heavenly life on earth, highlighting how doubt can hinder us. It discusses how Jesus always solved problems brought to Him, emphasizing His unchanging nature and the need to believe in His resurrection. The sermon also addresses the concept of God's unchanging character amidst His varying ways of working throughout history, illustrating the importance of humility, love, and grace in our lives.
The Consequences of Preaching the Truth
By Keith Daniel1.1K1:10:29PSA 118:6PSA 119:92PSA 119:165ECC 9:102CO 12:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of enduring through trials and attacks from the enemy, focusing on the need to keep one's eyes on God and find strength in His Word. It highlights the devastating effects of jealousy, defamation, and unjust attacks on preachers and faithful Christians, urging them to rely on God's grace and promises for survival and healing. The sermon draws parallels to historical figures like George Whitefield, Watchman Nee, and Madame Jean Guion, who faced intense persecution but found strength and victory through their faith and devotion to God.
Spiritual Knowledge -- Obtaining Knowledge
By Stephen Kaung9431:14:532CO 12:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difficulty of explaining the spiritual experience of salvation. He uses the analogy of developing a photo to illustrate how spiritual understanding requires the renewing of the mind. The speaker emphasizes the importance of both the slaying and the living of Jesus in the believer's life, as it leads to spiritual growth and knowledge. The passage from 2 Corinthians 4:6-11 is referenced to highlight the treasure of God's light shining in the hearts of believers, even in the midst of affliction and persecution.
The God of Grace
By Raja Selvaraj64650:10Grace2CO 12:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his gratitude for the church's emphasis on the Bible. He shares a personal story about how the Bible has shaped his life and made it meaningful. The speaker then discusses the importance of grace and encourages the congregation to be bold in their response to God. He also shares a story about a woman in India who experienced the grace of God in a miraculous way. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power of the Bible and the transformative nature of God's grace.
Holy Spirit 8
By William MacDonald63342:20Holy SpiritJOB 1:8JHN 20:291CO 14:261CO 14:341CO 14:392CO 12:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of believing in God's word without seeing. They then shift the focus to the topic of healing, acknowledging the prevalence of healing claims in today's media. The speaker highlights the need for a balanced view of healing based on the Word of God. They also share a personal story about a promise of healing found in Psalm 91 and discuss the availability of the Bible in different countries. The sermon concludes by mentioning the purpose of signs, wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit in confirming the gospel message and suggesting that the need for signs may have passed with the completion of the New Testament.
God's Unlimited Resources for the Believer's Holiness
By Tim Conway57905:26GEN 17:12CO 12:7EPH 5:27HEB 12:111JN 2:1
This sermon emphasizes the call to pursue perfection and holiness as believers, rejecting a defeated mindset and excuses for sin. It highlights the need to put away sin and anything that hinders spiritual growth, striving to imitate Christ and love one another. The message encourages believers to rely on God's abundant resources to help them walk in righteousness and pursue holiness, even in the face of difficulties and trials.
Gv4338 Gv Failure - Back Door to Success
By George Verwer1351:21:57FailureMAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 10:16JHN 20:30ACT 9:1ROM 10:152CO 12:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of failure as a backdoor to success. He emphasizes that success cannot be achieved through magic or shortcuts, but rather through a combination of ability and agility. The speaker also highlights the importance of enthusiasm and trying, as many people never fail because they never even attempt to succeed. He references 2 Corinthians chapter 12 and shares personal experiences from the mission field to illustrate the need for perseverance and strength of mind. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to commit themselves to God and for the speaker to pray for them.
Joseph's Dungeon: The Power of the Spirit and Humility
By Mike Bickle281:06:51Power of the Holy SpiritHumilityPRO 22:4MAT 5:5LUK 14:11JHN 3:30ACT 2:12CO 12:7PHP 2:31TI 1:18JAS 4:61PE 5:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of humility in experiencing the greater power of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in 1 Timothy 1:18. He warns against building ministries on prophetic words alone, advocating instead for a foundation rooted in Jesus and Scripture. Bickle highlights that true manifestations of the Spirit's power will be accompanied by a commitment to humility, as pride can lead to the downfall of ministries. He draws parallels with Joseph's dungeon, illustrating that ministries promoting humility will thrive, while those that do not will face divine removal. Ultimately, he calls for a generation to pursue authentic expressions of faith without manipulation or exaggeration.
Mark 9:14
By Chuck Smith0Authority of BelieversDemon PossessionMAT 10:1MAT 12:33MAT 15:21MRK 9:14MRK 16:17LUK 8:22CO 12:7EPH 2:2JAS 4:71PE 5:8Chuck Smith discusses the topic of demon possession, explaining the nature of demons as wicked spirits that can inhabit and control human bodies, causing various physical and mental afflictions. He explores the uncertain origins of demons, scriptural cases of possession, and the difference between possession and oppression. Smith emphasizes that individuals can become possessed through practices like spiritism and that believers have authority over demons through Jesus Christ. Ultimately, he reassures that complete victory is found in Christ, encouraging believers to resist the devil and not give him a foothold.
The Limitations of the Tempter
By Watchman Nee0God's ProtectionTemptationJOB 1:12MAT 6:9LUK 22:31JHN 17:15ROM 6:111CO 10:132CO 12:72TH 3:31JN 5:18REV 12:7Watchman Nee emphasizes that temptations are permitted by God and serve a purpose in the believer's life, helping to cultivate humility and reliance on God's strength. He explains that while temptations are common to all, God ensures they do not exceed our ability to endure, providing a way out for every challenge. Nee encourages believers to trust in God's protection and the intercession of Christ, reminding them that temptation itself is not sin, but yielding to it is. He concludes with the assurance of Satan's ultimate defeat, urging believers to stand firm in their faith and fight against spiritual adversities.
Satan as an Angel of Light.
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentMAT 7:20LUK 22:31JHN 8:44ROM 16:172CO 11:142CO 12:7EPH 6:11JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:1Watchman Nee emphasizes that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light to deceive believers, making it crucial to have discernment beyond mere sight and sound. He warns that while Satan may appear as light, true protection comes from understanding the fruits of one's actions and the fundamental truths that distinguish God from the deceiver. Nee illustrates how Satan torments even the most faithful, as seen in Paul's experience, and highlights the importance of prayer and reliance on God for strength in times of trial. The sermon calls for vigilance against the various tactics of Satan, including his role as a sifter of faith.
Kept by the Power of God
By Andrew Murray0Faith and TrustDivine ProtectionPSA 91:1ISA 27:3JHN 4:50JHN 13:34ROM 8:282CO 12:7EPH 3:20PHP 2:13HEB 11:11PE 1:5Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual truths of being 'Kept by the Power of God' and 'Kept through Faith' as essential for believers. He explains that God's power is all-encompassing, ensuring that every part of our being is safeguarded, while our faith is the means through which we experience this divine keeping. Murray illustrates that just as a father prepares an inheritance for his children, God not only preserves our heavenly inheritance but also keeps us on earth for it. He encourages believers to trust in God's omnipotence and to recognize their own helplessness, leading to a life of continuous faith and fellowship with God. Ultimately, Murray calls for a covenant with God, trusting Him to keep us moment by moment.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And lest I should be exalted - There were three evils to be guarded against: 1. The contempt of his gifts and call by his enemies. 2. The overweening fondness of his friends. And, Self-exultation. A thorn in the flesh - The word σκολοψ signifies a stake, and ανασκολοπιζεσθαι, to be tied to a stake by way of punishment; and it is used, says Schoettgen, to signify the most oppressive afflictions. Whatever it was, it was τῃ σαρκι, in the flesh, i.e. of an outward kind. It was neither sin nor sinfulness, for this could not be given him to prevent his being exalted above measure; for sin never had and never can have this tendency. What this thorn in the flesh might be has given birth to a multitude of conjectures: Tertullian thought it dolor auriculae, the ear ache; Chrysostom, κεφαλαλγια, the head ache; Cyprian, carnis et corporis multa ac gravia tormenta, many and grievous bodily torments. I believe the apostle to refer simply to the distresses he had endured through the opposition he met with at Corinth; which were as painful and grievous to him as a thorn in his flesh, or his being bound to a stake; for, if he could have devoted himself to destruction, Rom 9:3, for his rebellious and unbelieving countrymen, what must he have suffered on account of an eminent Church being perverted and torn to pieces by a false teacher! God permitted this to keep the apostle humble, and at last completely delivered the Church out of the hands and influence of this deceiver; none, not even the incestuous person, having been turned finally out of the way by the false doctrines there preached. The messenger of Satan - Another mode of expressing what he calls the thorn in the flesh; and he seems most plainly to refer to the false apostle at Corinth. The apostle himself was, as he styles himself to this Church, αποστολος Ιησου Χριστου, Co2 1:1, the apostle of Jesus Christ. The person in question is styled here αγγελος Σαταν, the apostle or angel of Satan. It is almost impossible to mistake the apostle's meaning and reference. Jesus Christ sent Paul to proclaim his truth, and found a Church at Corinth. Satan, the adversary of God's truth, sent a man to preach lies at the same place, and turn the Church of God into his own synagogue; and by his teaching lies and calumnies the apostle was severely buffeted. We need seek no other sense for these expressions. Many, however, think that the apostle had really some bodily infirmity that rendered him contemptible, and was the means of obstructing the success of his ministry; and that the false apostle availed himself of this to set St. Paul at nought, and to hold him out to ridicule. I have shown this, elsewhere, to be very unlikely. The best arguments in favor of this opinion may be found in Whitby; but I forbear to transcribe them because I think the meaning given above is more correct. No infirmity of body nor corporeal sufferings can affect and distress a minister of the Gospel, equally to the perversion or scattering of a flock, which were the fruit of innumerable labors, watchings, fastings, prayers, and tears.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
exalted above measure--Greek, "overmuch uplifted." How dangerous must self-exaltation be, when even the apostle required so much restraint! [BENGEL]. abundance--Greek, "the excess"; exceeding greatness. given . . . me--namely, by God (Job 5:6; Phi 1:29). thorn in the flesh-- (Num 33:55; Eze 28:24). ALFORD thinks it to be the same bodily affliction as in Gal 4:13-14. It certainly was something personal, affecting him individually, and not as an apostle: causing at once acute pain (as "thorn" implies) and shame ("buffet": as slaves are buffeted, Pe1 2:20). messenger of Satan--who is permitted by God to afflict His saints, as Job (Job 2:7; Luk 13:16). to buffet me--In Greek, present: to buffet me even now continuously. After experiencing the state of the blissful angels, he is now exposed to the influence of an evil angel. The chastisement from hell follows soon upon the revelation from heaven. As his sight and hearing had been ravished with heavenly "revelations," so his touch is pained with the "thorn in the flesh."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto me,.... Either by what the Jews call "Bath Kol", a voice from heaven, an articulate audible one; or by some extraordinary revelation of the Spirit of God; or by a divine impression upon his mind; whereby he was assured of what follows, my grace is sufficient for thee; the Lord always hears and answers his people sooner or later, in one form or another, though not always in the way and manner they desire; but yet in such a way as is most for his glory and their good: the apostle had not his request granted, that Satan might immediately depart from him, only he is assured of a sufficiency of grace to support him under the exercise, so long as it should last. There seems to be an allusion to the word "Shaddai", an appellation of God, Gen 17:1, and signifies, "which is sufficient": for God is all sufficient, and is a name that belongs to the Messiah. The angel whom God promised to the Israelites, to go before them in the wilderness, Exo 23:23, the Jews say (g) is "Metatron" (which is a corruption of the word "mediator"), whose name is as the name of his master. "Metatron" by gematry is "Shaddai, one that is sufficient": however, certain it is, that the grace of Christ is alone sufficient for all his people, to all saving purposes, in all their times of need. It is alone sufficient, not to the exclusion of the grace of the Father or the Spirit; but in opposition and distinction to anything else, that may be rightly or wrongly called grace; what men generally call common or sufficient grace, which, they say, is given to all men, is a mere chimera; no grace is sufficient but what is effectual, and that is only the grace of Christ: the light of nature is insufficient to any saving purpose; the Gospel, which is called grace, and is the means of grace, is insufficient of itself to salvation, without the powerful and efficacious grace of Christ going along with it; and so are gifts, whether ordinary or extraordinary: nothing short of the grace of Christ is sufficient grace; and this is sufficient for all the elect of God, Jews and Gentiles, Old and New Testament saints, the family in heaven and in earth, the people of God that are already called, and are to be called, and for the worst and vilest of sinners; and it is sufficient to all saving purposes, to the acceptance of their persons before God, to their justification in his sight, to their pardon and cleansing, to their regeneration and sanctification, to the supply of all their wants, and to their perseverance in grace unto glory; and it is sufficient in all their times of need, in times of bodily affliction, of violent persecution, soul desertion, Satan's temptations, and at the hour of death, and in the day of judgment. The reason given to support this answer, and to strengthen the apostle's faith in it, is, for my strength is made perfect in weakness; by the "strength" of Christ is meant, not his strength as the mighty God, but that communicative strength which he has, and is in him as Mediator, and which saints look to him for, and receive from him; this is "made perfect in" their "weakness"; not that their weakness can add perfection to his strength, for his strength is perfect in itself, not to say anything of the contradiction such a sense carries in it; but the meaning is, that the strength of Christ is made to appear, is illustrated and shines forth in its perfection and glory, in supplying, supporting, and strengthening his people under all their weakness; and if they were not left to some weaknesses in themselves, his strength would not be so manifest; see Jam 2:22. The answer to the apostle's request, supported with this reason, was wonderfully satisfactory to him; wherefore he concludes, most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities; in the weaknesses which attended either his body or soul, through the buffetings of the angel Satan, rather than in his visions and revelations; or rather than insist upon his departure from him, he is content things should be as they were, since he had such a promise of a sufficiency of grace to bear him up, under and through whatever was the pleasure of God concerning him; and since the strength of Christ was made illustrious through his weakness, so that Satan was not able to make any advantage over him, he is willing to remain in the same posture and condition: that the power of Christ, says he, may rest upon me, or "tabernacle over me"; he considered himself as a poor weak feeble creature, and the power of Christ as a tabernacle over him, as the power of God is represented as a garrison about the believer, Pe1 1:5, sheltering, preserving, and protecting him from the insults of Satan, in every form and shape; see Isa 4:6, where Christ is said to be a tabernacle, for a place of refuge, and for a covert. (g) Jarchi in Exod. xxiii. 23. Sepher Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Numb. fol. 87. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:7b-10 We do not know what the thorn in Paul’s flesh was (cp. Num 33:55; Ezek 28:24; Hos 2:6); we only know that its purpose was to keep him from becoming proud, to prick the bubble of pride. • It was a messenger from Satan—that is, something or someone evil—so Paul prayed to the Lord to take it away. The Lord answered each petition the same way: “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Paul’s human weakness was an opportunity for the power of Christ to work through him by God’s grace. Paul accepted his suffering because Christ’s strength showed itself through his weakness.