So, what was Paul’s “thorn?” One of the first rules of interpretation is to interpret Scripture by Scripture, and keep everything in its context (so you won’t be ‘conned’). Keeping this in mind, let’s proceed to see what the BIBLE SAYS was Paul’s thorn. The expression “thorn in the flesh” is not used in either Old or New Testaments except as an illustration. It is NEVER FOUND in the context of sickness. Every time it is used it is specifically stated exactly what it is. The first reference is found in Numbers 33:55: If ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes and THORNS IN YOUR SIDES(emphasis mine) and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.” Here we are told that the “pricks” and “thorns” were the PEOPLE of Canaan. They were personalities…NOT A SICKNESS! God’s illustration was to show that, as a thorn sticking in the flesh is annoying, so the Canaanites, if left in the land, would be annoyance to the children of Israel.
Yesterday’s trivia: Sennacherib, 2nd Kings 19:21
Today’s trivia: Who laughed at Nehemiah for rebuilding the Jerusalem wall? Hint: Nehemiah 1-2.
Tomorrow WARFARE @7:00pm….then enemy is packing his suitcases! because YOU ARE WELL ABLE!
PD & Kathy