Les Feldick believes Paul's thorn in the flesh was a severe eye disease called ophthalmia, which was common in the ancient world.
According to Les, Paul's thorn was a physical affliction, specifically a painful and repulsive eye condition, that God allowed to keep him humble. Les notes that this is one interpretation among several, but he personally adheres to this view based on the context of Paul's writings.
2 Corinthians 12:7 — This verse directly mentions Paul's thorn in the flesh and is the foundation of the question.
The Bible mentions Paul's 'thorn in the flesh' in 2 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul writes, '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 indicates that the thorn was a painful or distressing condition allowed by God to keep Paul from becoming proud due to the revelations he received. The passage also identifies it as 'the messenger of Satan,' suggesting it was a satanic attack, though permitted by God for Paul's spiritual benefit.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's thorn in the flesh was a physical affliction, specifically a severe case of ophthalmia, a common eye disease in the ancient world. He emphasizes that this condition was painful and repulsive, limiting Paul's eyesight and causing him discomfort. Les explains that the purpose of the thorn was to keep Paul humble, preventing him from being exalted above measure because of the abundance of divine revelations he received. He also notes that the thorn was a constant reminder not to boast or reveal all that God had shown him. While acknowledging that there are various opinions on the exact nature of the thorn, Les confidently holds to the ophthalmia interpretation.
Les teaches that the thorn was given to keep Paul humble. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul says it was 'lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations.' Les emphasizes that the thorn served as a constant reminder for Paul not to become proud or boastful about the revelations he had received from God. It was a debilitating condition that kept him dependent on God's grace.
Les Feldick asserts that the thorn was a physical affliction, specifically ophthalmia, a common eye disease in the ancient world. He describes it as 'vicious' and notes that it was painful and repulsive, affecting Paul's eyesight. This view is based on his study of the cultural and medical context of Paul's time. Les acknowledges other theories but remains convinced of this one.
Why God's Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Hello, and welcome to Through the Bible with Les Feldick, an Oklahoma rancher and farmer. Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for over 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say, time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Purpose: Kept Humble
Les explains that the thorn was a constant reminder to keep Paul from getting puffed up or boastful about the revelations he received.
Ophthalmia as the Thorn
Les directly explains his view that Paul's thorn was a serious eye disease (ophthalmia), common in the ancient world, which was painful and repulsive, and that Paul likely carried it to his death.
God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Les clarifies that it was God who allowed the thorn, a messenger of Satan, to buffet Paul, underscoring God's control even over satanic attacks for Paul's humility.
Why Paul Said "I Die Daily" — 1 Corinthians 15:31 Explained
He suffered at the hands of the Jews, He suffered at the hands of the Romans, He suffered at the hands of physical disabilities and sickness and what have you. Alright, now then in verse 32, He said, "...if so to speak." I think that's the best way to put it. "...if so to speak, I have fought with the beasts at Ephesus.
The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained
And I have to feel that every time that Paul came under one sort of oppression or another, that was his first memory. But look what I did in opposition to this myself, and how God had the perfect candidate to take all of the abuse, because he had handed out so much himself, and it just carried him I think until the day, as I read someplace the other night, that of course we all believe that Paul w…
Why Does God Wait Until the End to Judge? — 1 Corinthians 4 Explained
So it wasn't just the Jew, it was the Jew and the Gentile that were after him. In perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in the sea, and among false brethren. In weariness. He was human. He wasn't a superstar. He was human. In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst. He couldn't stop and get a Big Mac along the way, you know.
What Is Truth? Jesus Christ Explained Verse by Verse
God himself. The ministers of God. "...in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses." Now, you remember we went through these things a few weeks ago, or at least a few programs back, how the man was suffering constantly all of the attacks of Satan, privations, sickness, threats on his life. And here he mentions some more of them.
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 where Paul mentions his thorn, indicating its purpose to keep him humble.
The Bible mentions it in 2 Corinthians 12:7 as a 'messenger of Satan' given to Paul to keep him humble, but it does not specify the exact nature of the affliction.
Les teaches it was a severe eye disease called ophthalmia, common in the ancient world, which was painful and repulsive, and served to keep Paul humble.
Watch the Teaching: Why God's Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness — 2 Corinthians 12:9