Question: Who put the thorn in Paul's flesh and why? Despite Paul's grand character, and his faithfulness to the Lord, he was human, and as such, susceptible of being "exalted over much" by his singular experience of having been caught up to the "third heaven," the very presence of God (see 2 Cor. 12:1-6). To prevent this, he was given "a thorn in the flesh," a "messenger of Satan to buffet me." The text reads, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure" (2 Cor. 12:7). The thorn (whatever it was) was a painful affliction. It was thrust into Paul by an agent of Satan. The word rendered, to "buffet" is used in Matthew 26:67 to describe our Lord's treatment by the Sanhedrin the night before He was crucified: "Then they spat in His face and beat Him...". So great was the agony which Paul suffered from this painful disorder that three times he implored the Lord to deliver him from it. Because a greater blessing would be Paul's with the thorn than without it, the Lord did not comply with the request, but he did what was in Paul's best interest. He did give Paul grace and strength to cope with the problem. Paul acquiesced to God's will (vv. 9-10). How wonderful and how wise God is! He gave Paul what was best for him, instead of what Paul asked for. Note also that Paul did not merely resign himself to it, but he welcomed it "most gladly" (v.9). He thus submitted to God's will, "that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Paul's own strength (as is ours) was insufficient. But "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13; cf. 1 John 4:4). What Paul wanted most of all was the Lord's presence; His favor, protection and power. Paul's goal was heaven! It is impossible to identify with certainty the exact nature of the affliction (Deut. 29:29). Many suggest it was an affliction of the eyes, due to the following considerations: 1. Reference is made to his physical infirmity to the Galatians (4:13-14). At that time the Galatians would have "plucked out your own eyes and given them" to Paul (v.15). 2. He wrote with "large letters" (6:11). 3. Some believe that the incident of Acts 23:1-5 may be indicative of poor vision. Keep in mind the text does not say the Lord gave him the thorn; it says the Lord did not remove the thorn. The Bible teaches that some suffering is permitted by God, and overruled by Him for good. As was the case with Job (2:1ff.) God's gracious and restraining hand is never removed. (NICOT.447). The Father's chastening is always "for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10). ---Leon Mauldin