What was Paul saying the thorn reminded him about himself?
Paul said the thorn reminded him that he was not who he liked to think he was; in himself he was still a nobody. It kept him from being exalted above measure, continually showing him that, in himself, he was nothing.
Les explains that God did not put the thorn in Paul’s flesh; He permitted Satan, or a messenger of Satan, to buffet him. The reason given was 'lest I should be exalted above measure.' Les says Paul was saying this was done to remind him that he was not who he would like to think he was—he was still a nobody. Les applies it by saying that in ourselves we are all nobodies, but in Christ we become somebody. He connects this to the passage in 1 Corinthians, verse 30, where Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which the world considers foolishness and rejects.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
More Questions
Why did Paul have a thorn in the flesh?
The thorn was given to Paul to keep him from being exalted above measure and to remind him that he is not who he likes to think he is.
What does Les think Paul's thorn in the flesh actually was?
Les's most logical explanation for Paul's thorn in the flesh is that it was a common eye disease of that period, which was repulsive in appearance, painful, and limited Paul's eyesight — though he does not claim to have the only answer.
What does Paul call the thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12:7?
The thorn in the flesh is called the messenger (or angel) of Satan, given to buffet or attack Paul, lest he be exalted above measure.