Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh in 2 Corinthians Explained
If Paul had a demon, a Christian can too!
Today we are asking the question, what was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh” and what is this “Messenger of Satan” mentioned in verse seven of 2 Corinthians 12?
In the opinion of this minister, this is one of the most fumbled upon and mis-taught verses in the bible. It reads:
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. 2 Cor 12:7
Paul’s thorn in the flesh was given to Him by an Angel or messenger from Satan. This thorn was allowed to be given to Paul to “buffet” him.
The verse states clearly that it was Satan that gave this thorn to Paul, not God. When most people read this verse of scripture they believe that Paul’s thorn in the flesh was a disease of some kind. Some others surmise that it must have been a deformity. There are many interpretations or teachings available in biblical internet resources that you can research. It is the opinion of this minister that Paul’s thorn was a physical malady caused by a demon.
This verse raises questions about Paul’s thorn. Questions like:
- Was Paul’s thorn a physical or spiritual malady or sickness?
- Was this thorn a person or group of adversaries?
- Why did Paul need to be buffeted by God?
- What or whom was this “messenger of Satan”?
- Did God cause this thorn of Paul’s?
AND, Can a Christian have a demon?
This verse raises lots of questions. Christian commentators have supplied various explanations and possible answers over the centuries. Let’s take a look at what the bible can reveal to us.
2 Cor 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.
It seems obvious that this thorn was given to Paul to keep him humble. Paul was the greatest of the apostles and received great revelations directly from God, to be given to the congregation, the priests and we could surmise to leaders of countries also. Paul was held up to the highest stature among all of Christianity. It would have been very easy for Paul’s ego to go wild and self-destruct from his own self-pride.
This thorn was a messenger, not a message or end result.
The word “Messenger” is the English translation of the Greek word “Angelos” or “Aggelos”. Greek was the original language of Paul. Most of the New Testament was written in Greek.
Strong’s Concordance states the following about the Greek word for messenger:
Original Word: ἄγγελος, ου, ὁ
aggelos: an angel, messenger
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: aggelos
Phonetic Spelling: (ang’-el-os)
Short Definition: an angel, messenger (A worker of Satan)
Strong’s Concordance states the following about the Greek word for Satan
Satanas in the Greek means “Satan”.
Together they read” Angelos Satanas, an Angel from Satan. A fallen angel.
God’s Angels are created messengers, helpers, servants, workers and defenders.
Satan’s Angels are also his messengers, helpers, servants and workers.
Satan’s Angels are all fallen angels. They are all “workers or Satan or Evil”.
Yes, the Greek for the messenger that brought Paul’s thorn in the flesh is Angelos Satanas.
Angelos Satanas- A Demon from Satan.
Can a Christian have a demon? Paul did and it was IN HIS FLESH, not just a familiar spirit whispering lies and temptations into his ears.
Paul sought the Lord 3 times for deliverance from that demon in his flesh. The Lord told him NO, that His grace would be sufficient.
There is a war on, a war for our souls. The demonic wants us sick, living with a ruined testimony and/or dead. And this war on the saints is REAL. Having been involved in deliverance ministry, I can tell you that if Jesus said there are demons, you better believe the Word of God, and not follow the speakers of prosperity and a feel good faith in modern churchianity.
How can the average Christian be expected to “Stand In The GAP” and speak the truths of God during these Last Days, if they don’t even know that Satan’s workers could be putting lies in their mouths and making them sick. We are commanded to speak the Holy Truth, be Overcomers and to put Satan’s workers “Under our Feet”!
When that 5th trumpet sounds, the particularly bad bunch of demons, sealed up at the time of Noah’s flood, will be let loose. Men’s hearts will fail as they look at some of these fearful things coming. Don’t you think it is about time you get ready for this antichrist War on the SAINTS?
Today make a decision to be delivered, delivered from all sin, demonic influence and oppression that may be affecting or controlling you.
In deliverance this is the key – Be SUBMITTED to God, so that you have the POSITIONAL AUTHORITY and can clearly follow the lead of the Holy Ghost and overcome all evil.
2 Cor 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
#1 SUBMIT TO GOD
#2 THEN RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU
Most of modern Christianity teaches that “A Christian cannot have a Demon”!
But if Paul had a demon, I guarantee you, so can you and I.
Starting today you can become free. See our complete teaching on “Self Deliverance”.
You can be cleansed and healed by repentance, forgiveness and by the power of “The Blood of Jesus”! All saved born again Christians have the authority to declare against the enemy:
“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus Christ.” And the enemy MUST flee.
Have you taken the “Spiritual Warfare Training” onsite? It’s free and many thousands of lives have been transformed because of it.
Psalm 91
May God Bless and raise you up,
Pastor Thomas Holm
The World Wide Ministry of The Joseph Plan
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