05 - The Purpose of Paul’s Thorn
Chapter 5 The Purpose of Paul’s Thorn "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelation there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me…" (2 Corinthians 12:7)
There were two indisputable reasons for Paul receiving the “thorn”. First and foremost, it was to keep Paul from being exalted. Secondly, it was sent to buffet or beat Paul down. Let’s consider both concepts briefly and later I will get into this with much more detail.
“Lest I should be Exalted Above Measure” This phrase is the most confusing of the two for several reasons. Mostly, because Greek scholars, after giving the literal definition add their educated opinion with a “figurative” example; such as “to become haughty”. ie…Strongs Greek Dictionary. However, the Greek word for “conceit” or “pride” is not in the literal text, although some translation impress it upon us.
"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me…" (2 Corinthians 12:7) New International Version The Greek word “huper-airomai”, translated “exalted above measure” is from three Greek words “huper”, ‘airo” and “mai”. The literal definitions of “huper” can be translated as “over, above, beyond, across and superior”. The literal definition for the Greek word “airo” is; to lift, to raise to sail”. Neither of these two words compounded into the Greek words mean pride, arrogance or conceit. It is the Greek extension “mai”, that is added to the end of the compound that lead these scholars to that conclusion. Because it refers to person Paul. He is the subject, the “I” that is denoted in the phrase “exalted above measure”. But does that confirm the meaning to be prideful or conceited? I am not at all convinced for many reason which are explained further in this book. As mentioned, some scholars suggest that “God foresaw the danger of pride and conceit” entering Paul following the visions and revelations God gave Him. So they claim God added a “thorn” to keep that from happening. Or to keep Paul humble. Sounds good on the surface, but is it accurate with the context? Is it accurate with the overall constitution of Gods Ways?
Certainly not all scholars lean toward that opinion. Others suggest that God was giving Paul the visions and revelations consistent with His promises to exalt the humble in due time. (1 Peter 5:6) How else can God promote His ministers if not by giving then revelation? Put another way, these scholars claim God was elevating Paul’ effectiveness against the god of this world by giving him light to shine on the darkness. This agrees with the specific mission Paul said Jesus gave to him.
“Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 26:18
Whenever Paul implied pride and conceit, including several times in this epistle to the Corinthians, he used the literal Greek word. He didn’t hide it. Furthermore, if Paul had been tempted to exalt himself into pride, wouldn’t the Lord be guilty of being the tempter? Can’t you see that? Tempting us is contrary to God’s character.
In respect to this specific phrase, this NIV and some other translations are actually interpretations. I think it is the worst of the possible translations. The actual Greek word for conceit, pride and arrogance are not in the text. Did Satan slip it in as a “Trojan Horse”? The context favors the “King James” translation “lest I be exalted above measure”, and the “Revised Standard” translation; “to keep me from being elated” is superior to the “New International”; “to keep me from being conceited”.
Someone once said, “oh but Paul wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit and probably didn’t know the Lord was protecting him from pride”. Well I ask, if God meant, : "lest Paul is lifted up with Pride", why didn’t He move upon Paul to write the best suited word to imply pride? When Paul communicated pride, or “self-exalting”, at other times in his writings, he consistently used another word which properly translates into those definitions. That is the Greek word; “tuphoo”. It means “to inflate with self-conceit”. Paul used it several times to Timothy.
“Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride (“tuphoo”) he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6)
Here Paul advised Timothy not to appoint a new convert to leadership. Why? When they possess authority, they are easily inflated with pride. PAUL WAS NOT A NOVICE. Paul was a veteran! A mighty warrior. He became a threat to Satan, the god of this world, not to himself. God choose to give Paul those visions and revelations. God knew Paul, by proving him. He had 14 years of preparation and many years of enduring hardship in service with God. Paul was a partaker of the “the meat of the Word”.
There are two other scripture that Paul uses to convey pride and conceit. Again the Greek word “tuphoo” is cited and best defines “exalting oneself”.
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is conceited [“tuphoo”] (KJV: proud) understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,” (1 Timothy 6:3-4) New American Standard In this next reference where Paul uses “tuphoo” to convey conceit, he also used another word for “proud” which is also not the same word used in 2 Corinthians 12:7. It refers to appearing above others.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, (Gr: “huperēphanos” to appear above others) blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection rucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4 NIV) In these cases an evil character is referred to and that does not fit the Apostle Paul’s problem when describing the thorn in the flesh. Not only was Paul above that character, but if Paul meant that his thorn was to keep him from being conceited, why didn’t he use the same words?
Sent to Buffet Paul The second purpose for the thorn was to buffet Paul. Note that this “buffeting” which Paul described was not the cause for the exalting but for the purpose of bringing the exalting under control. That is very important.
Other Bibles have used the word “torment” (NIV) and the phrase “to harass me” (RSV) to translate the text. The expositor’s Greek Testament mentions that the tense indicates “this buffeting was not a single isolated trial but continual”. The Greek scholar Robertson, from “Word Pictures in the New Testament” said:
“Buffet (kolaphizêi). See on #Matthew 26:67; 1 Corinthians 4:11 for this late and rare word from kolaphos, FIST. THE MESSENGER OF SATAN KEPT SLAPPING PAUL IN THE FACE”.
Buffeting refers to a repeated blow. Robertson designated two references to support his commentary. The reference in Matthew 26 is the occasion where Roman soldiers spit in Jesus’ face and slapped Him at His trial. The other reference is when Paul used the word the first time to the same group of people. In 1 Corinthians 4:11 Paul said, “we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted.” Was he speaking of sickness or hardships? There is another occasion in scripture, this time Peter uses it.
“For this [is] thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (1 Peter 2:19-20)
Peter did not insinuate buffeting is the hand of God making us sick. He was speaking of enduring grief and suffering wrongfully, as in living the Christian lifestyle. God does not “use” the devil to buffet faithful servants. Paul certainly expressed grief about the thorn. He also had to be patient in waiting on the Lords reply to his grievance. However, what fault or wrong was Paul committing in receiving visions and revelations of the Lord?
Paul’s buffeting hindered his ministry. His companions saw his hardships and told Paul something like this: “don’t keep going, can’t you read between the lines, God must be telling you something with all your difficulties.” They did this to Paul’s on several occasions. (Acts 19:29-30; Acts 21:11-14). Yet, Paul knowing God willed that he endure the buffeting, persisted onward.
Thorns represent a conflict. Christians can expect conflicts against their walk. Paul said; “I must finish the course set before me”. He knew it meant conflict. Each time Paul was hit with one blow after another, Paul got up and kept going. The purpose for the “buffeting” was to stop Paul from telling the revelations. Satan’s messenger was sent to slow Paul’s ministry.
Visions and revelation did not fill Paul with conceit it humbled him. They caused Paul to strive “toward the mark of the high calling of God”. Paul was inspired with a sense of urgency and compelling love by what the Lord revealed to him. Therefore, Satan sent Paul a message. In words it might sound like this; “This is war Paul, I will not let you minister without opposition.”
Look at Measure before closing this chapter Jesus gave us a measure of faith. But Jesus had the Spirit without measure.
Mark 7:37 And were beyond measure (superabundantly, exceedingly) astonished, saying, He hath done all things well: he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.
2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure (down beyond), above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2 Corinthians 10:13 But we will not boast of things without
Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:
Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.