What Was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh?

Naturally, it is the case when God’s Word is read, questions are asked. You think about it, after someone reads Genesis 1-3, they might wonder, “Why was the serpent even in the garden?” If another individual were to read the Old Testament, they would likely ask, “What exactly happened to the Ark of the Covenant?” The reality is, God’s Word is full of details, and God has revealed all the information that is necessary for life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3), however, there are still some things that we have questions about. Certainly, we could list out many different questions that come from reading the inspired Word of God, but one that seems to be particularly interesting is Paul’s thorn in the flesh. What exactly was it?

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, 8 Paul says, “a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.” In a brief examination of this passage, we know this “thorn” is negatively affecting Paul, we also know that he asked the Lord to take this “thorn” away from him three separate times, but one thing we do not know is what this “thorn” represents. With that in mind, let us consider several assertations regarding what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was.

Certainly, when it comes to assertations on this subject there is no shortage of opinions. Tertullian, a second century writer, believed Paul’s thorn in the flesh was severe headaches or migraines. John Calvin asserted it was a “fleshly temptation” of some kind, while Martin Luther said it was a “spiritual temptation.” Some have said it was malaria, and others have proposed it was simply opposition from brethren. As you can see just about everyone has an opinion on what Paul’s thorn in the flesh could have been, but now consider what some highly regarded brethren have said on the subject.

Both brother J.W. McGarvey and brother Guy N. Woods proposed Paul’s thorn in the flesh was an impairment in vision. Now, there are many Scriptures they would draw upon to explain their reasoning, but the primary passage would be Galatians 4:13-15. In that context, Paul explains that he has a “physical infirmity” as he does in other passages (2 Cor. 10:10; 11:23; 12:10), but what is interesting is how Paul says the Galatians would have responded. In verse 15 he says, “For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” The conclusion then is this; Paul must have had in issue with his eyes, or he would not have made this statement. Galatians 6:11 could also add some evidence to Paul’s thorn being his vision as he said, “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand.” Could it be that Paul had to write out abnormally large Greek letters in his epistle to the Galatians because he could not see smaller handwriting?

Truthfully, we could go on and on discussing the various thoughts and theories regarding Paul’s thorn in the flesh, but the bottom line is, no one knows. Without a doubt, it is fun to talk about these sorts of questions and give our guesses, but it is important for us to remember “The secret things below to the Lord” (Deut. 29:29).