What does Les believe Paul's thorn in the flesh actually was?
Paul's thorn in the flesh was, according to this view, a vicious case of ophthalmia, a common ancient eye disease. It would have caused a repulsive appearance, mattery eyes, and impaired eyesight, explaining why the Galatians would have plucked out their own eyes for him.
Les explains that there is a lot of controversy about what Paul's thorn in the flesh was, and while some views are absurd and some make sense, the view he has always adhered to and still stands on is that Paul had a vicious case of ophthalmia. This eye condition was very common in the ancient world, where they did not have antibiotics and so forth. It would lead to a repulsive appearance, those mattery eyes, and it affected his eyesight. Les points to Galatians 4:15, where Paul says the Galatians would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him, asking why they would want to give him their eyes if he did not have a need for it. He also notes the last verses of Galatians, verse 11, where Paul says he wrote in large print with his own hand.
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 was Paul given the thorn in the flesh?
Paul's thorn in the flesh was given for the same concept Paul has been describing—so that no flesh would glory, but God alone would be credited.
What did Paul's thorn in the flesh remind him?
Paul's thorn was given to remind him that he is not who he would like to think he is—he is still a nobody.
What was the purpose of Paul's thorn in the flesh?
God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh, a human suffering, to keep him humble so that the abundance of his revelations would not make him proud and exalted above measure.
Why did God give Paul the thorn in the flesh?
The reason Paul was given the thorn in the flesh is the same concept taught in verse 29 — that no flesh should glory, boast, brag, or get puffed up in God's presence, and God will not have it.