Yes—the thorn in the flesh was given to Paul to keep him humble and to prevent him from being lifted up in pride because of the abundance of revelations he received.
Les Feldick teaches that the thorn was a constant, pestering reminder that Paul was not to become puffed up or to reveal everything he had seen and heard. God used a messenger of Satan to buffet Paul, so that he would depend on God's grace rather than exalt himself.
2 Corinthians 12:7 — This verse directly states that Paul was given a thorn in the flesh 'lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.'
The Apostle Paul himself explains in Scripture that he was given a thorn in the flesh — a messenger of Satan to buffet him — specifically so that he would not be exalted above measure because of the abundance of revelations he received (2 Corinthians 12:7). He asked the Lord three times to remove this thorn, but the Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:8–9).
Les Feldick teaches that the thorn in the flesh was God's way of keeping Paul humble. Because Paul had received such an overwhelming abundance of revelations — even being caught up into paradise — he was constantly tempted to become proud and exalted. The thorn, a messenger of Satan, served as a constant buffeting reminder not to repeat everything he had seen and not to get puffed up. Les emphasizes that God does not personally inflict discomfort or pain; rather, the thorn was a satanic messenger that God used to accomplish His purpose. Paul wanted to be kept from being exalted, and God's answer to his three prayers was that His grace was sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Les Feldick points out that God does not inflict discomfort or pain Himself. The thorn is called "the messenger of Satan" in 2 Corinthians 12:7. So while the source of the buffeting was satanic, God allowed it and used it as a humbling instrument for the Apostle Paul.
The Scriptural purpose is clear: the thorn was given "lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations." Les Feldick explains that the constant pestering thorn was a reminder to Paul not to reveal everything God had shown him and not to get puffed up. This is also connected to the principle that no flesh should glory in God's presence — all credit belongs to God alone.
Paul besought the Lord three times for the thorn to depart. The Lord answered, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Les Feldick sees this as God's explanation for keeping Paul humbled — Paul would experience God's strength in his weakness rather than trusting in his own exaltation.
Restraint From Revealing Revelations
Les explains that Paul was bursting to share what he saw and heard, but the thorn and God's design kept him from sharing it so people would not begin to worship him.
Purpose: Keep Paul From Being Puffed Up
Les says the thorn was a constant pestering reminder: 'Paul, don't you repeat these things. Don't you get puffed up.' He also notes that God does not inflict pain Himself.
Given to Keep Paul Humble
Les says God put a human suffering on Paul's body to keep him humble, lest he should get proud and feel exalted.
No Flesh Should Glory
Les connects the thorn's purpose to the principle that no flesh should glory or boast in God's presence; all credit belongs to God.
God's Answer: Grace Sufficient
Les shows that Paul prayed three times for the thorn to depart, but God said His grace was sufficient and His strength is made perfect in weakness.
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2 Corinthians 12:7: 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.
This is the key verse revealing that the thorn's purpose was to prevent Paul from being prideful due to the abundance of revelations.
2 Corinthians 12:8: For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
Paul prayed three times for the thorn to be removed, showing his human struggle with the affliction.
2 Corinthians 12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
God's answer explains that Paul's weakness is where God's strength is made perfect.
1 Corinthians 1:29: That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Les ties the purpose of the thorn to this principle that no one is to boast in God's presence.
Les Feldick does not identify it as a specific disease. He calls it a constant, pestering thorn and a messenger of Satan that buffeted Paul. He mentions that Paul suffered physical disabilities and sickness, but Scripture does not name the exact condition.
Les Feldick says, "Does God ever inflict discomfort or pain Himself? I don't think so." The thorn is described as a messenger of Satan, so God permitted it but did not personally afflict Paul.
God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." The thorn remained so Paul would rely on God's strength and not be exalted above measure.
Watch the Teaching: What Happened to Paradise After the Cross? (2 Corinthians 12)