Thorn in the Flesh

Thorn in the Flesh (σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί), an infliction ("a messenger of Satan to buffet me") mentioned by Paul as an offset to his extraordinary revelations (2Co 12:7). The expression has called forth very many, and some very absurd, conjectures (see the commentators, ad loc.), which may be resolved into the following heads, the first two of which are, from the nature of the case, out of the question:

1. Spiritual Temptations. —Many have thought that the apostle refers to diabolical solicitations ("interjectiones Satanse"), such as blasphemous thoughts (so Gerson, Luther, Calovius), or remorse for his former life (Osiander, Mosheim, etc.), or-according to Romish interpreters who seek a precedent for monkish legends incitements to lust (so Thomas Aquinas, Lyra, Bellarmine, Estius, Corn. a Lapide, etc.). These are all negatived, not only by their intrinsic improbability, but by the qualification "in the flesh."

2. Personal Hostility. —This we know Paul frequently experienced, especially from Judaizing sectaries, and hence this explanation has been seized upon by many ancient interpreters (e.g. Chrysostom, Theophylact, (Ecumenius, Theodoret), as well as later ones (Calvin, Beza, etc.) and moderns (Fritzsche, Schrader, etc.). But this, too, could hardly with propriety be called a "fleshly" affliction.