2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (WEL) So that I wouldn’t become arrogant—because of the many revelations—there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to repeatedly torment me, lest I would be arrogant. 8 I pleaded with the Lord about this, three times, so that it might leave me. 9 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I would gladly boast in my weaknesses instead, so that the power of Christ might rest in me. 10 Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in calamities because of Christ, for when I am weak, then am I strong.
V7 So that I wouldn’t become arrogant—because of the many revelations—there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to repeatedly torment me, lest I would be arrogant.
Paul still had the capacity to sin. We all do as long as we still have the flesh. See Romans 7:18.
To hinder pride, God sent a thorn in the flesh to torment Paul.
We know:
- It was a messenger of satan and probably of the fallen angel type.
- Its mission was to torment Paul.
The Greek word for torment is G3139 κολαφίζω kolaphízō, which means (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) “to beat with the fist, buffet, Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65; met. to maltreat, treat with excessive force, 1 Corinthians 4:11; to punish, 1 Peter 2:20; to buffet, fret, afflict, 2 Corinthians 12:7: “
What the torment consisted of is unknown. There have been many attempts. Personally, I think it was Paul’s memory. The satanic messenger reminded Paul of his pre-conversion sins.
His being rejected, hated, persecuted, experiencing sufferings, afflictions, persecutions, sickness, hunger, etc. are also a torment.
V8 I pleaded with the Lord about this, three times, so that it might leave me.
The principle taught is that there are times when praying for something should be stopped. We should stop praying for people’s salvation when they die, for other things when the situation or relationship is irreversible.
V9 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I would gladly boast in my weaknesses instead, so that the power of Christ might rest in me.
The principle is that God gives assisting grace to help us whenever we suffer. It can come in many forms from being able to continue in life despite the problem or danger, asking for wisdom, preaching or teaching, to help in any other form. God always knows how much we need and when. The grace that is given is always perfect for the situation. The greater the torment or need, the greater the grace.
V10 Therefore, I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in calamities because of Christ, for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul knows this by knowledge and experience; now, Paul can rejoice in God’s help and God’s wisdom. We learn to handle the problem by just leaving it there, being still (waiting instead of self-attempts of deliverance), and waiting for God’s perfect timing. See Psalm 37:7, Isaiah 40:31, and Micah 7:7. Being still does not mean passivity.
We learn:
- About God’s help in difficulties.
- About God’s assisting grace.
Questions:
- How has God helped you in the past?
- List some examples in your own life?