 We have all heard so much about the thorn in Paul's flesh, as being a physical sickness from God, to teach him a lesson. Many cessationalists (people that believe miracles, signs and wonders ceased) are using this as an excuse that God does not want us healed. But what are the actual verses saying that are quoted to support this mindset?
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, 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. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” There is so much to debate on this subject, but because this article is linked with the message of “All were Healed” - I will make only a few brief comments. The word for “infirmities” used here comes from the word “as-then-ace” and as a negative particle “sthenoo” - meaning “strength-less.” It truly could mean sickness but also means “without strength” which is certainly more in keeping with what Paul was saying. Paul's suffering was caused by the abundance of revelations that God showed him. Let us not forget that Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, wrote 14 of the 27 books of the New Testament. "The thorn" was a messenger of Satan, so it wasn't God that sent it. Paul never mentioned any physical sickness that he suffered of, nor in the following verses or elsewhere. In "2 Corinthians 11: 23-30" - he is listing the sufferings he went through, during his ministry years and there is no physical illness. He ends the list calling them all as his "infirmity." Everything we read here is persecution for preaching the gospel of Christ. We may conclude that the demon sent by Satan was using certain people in almost every city where Paul was ministering, to persecute Paul. Perhaps the motivation behind the persecutions, was that those who heard the good news of the Gospel and saw the miracles performed through Paul, to be afraid to come to Christ, to not suffer like Paul. On four occasions, Paul asked the churches to pray for his ministry as co-laborers, but he never asked help in prayer for healing. Maybe because he was never really sick? Galatians 4:13-15 "You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me." Paul wrote to the Galatians, that "... that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first." Let us remember that the cities of Lystra and Derbe are located in the province of Galatia. (Acts 14). In Lystra, the arrival of the Jews from Iconium and Antioch stirred up the crowd against Paul. Things degenerated so much, that they started to stone him to death. When they considered him dead, they dragged him out of the city. The disciples surrounded him (surely, they prayed for him) and Paul rose up and entered into the city. The next day, he went to Derbe and then to other cities of Galatia preaching the gospel and making more disciples. How do you think was Paul looking, after being hit by many stones, thrown by an angry crowd that wanted to kill him? It's very likely to have swollen eyes, bruises, open wounds and only God knows what else... It couldn't have been something pleasant to see. But Paul reminds the Galatians about the great love they were showing him, in spite of his looks after being stoned (probably to death). Next consider the verse is commonly used to demonstrate that Paul was suffering from a common disease in those times, that was affecting the eyes - “For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me." In reality, Paul was saying that the church appreciated and loved him so much, that they would haven given him their most valuable possession: their eyes. It was an expression of the day. We are all familiar to the expressions which are saying that the "apple of the eye" is more valuable treasure to someone. Hebrews used to have the same expressions. But the use of it would not necessarily mean that Paul literally needed their eyes, because his were incurably ill ( as many say this was the disease that Paul named as the thorn that God didn't want to remove from him). In chapter 16 of Acts, we read that Paul returns to visit the churches of Galatia, yet he plainly states that only the first time have physical health problems. His second visit was at an interval between one to three years from the first visit and he was healthy. Galatians 6:11 "See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! " The above verse is also used as supposed proof of Paul's alleged eye disease. Opinions are divided on how should be translated the Greek term for "letter" which can equally be a letter of the alphabet or letter as epistle. Paul could actually say that he wrote a great letter in length, or that wanted to emphasize the importance of what he wrote and ensure that readers will pay serious attention to his warnings. Do you think that a great man of God who looked sickly and aroused pity by suffering from a disease that he could not mask (eyes being the most visible and glasses have not yet been invented) would cause crowds of sick people to come to him to be healed? Who would want to follow Paul's God, if he was so sick? I think we all know the answer. 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." So, every time when Paul speaks about suffering is all due to persecutions, including his physical infirmity from Galatia, which was the effect of being stoned to death. Paul came to this conclusion after he asked the Lord three times to remove the persecutions from him and the Lord explained to him why He didn't. The second Epistle to Timothy was the last letter written by Paul, before his martyrdom, and the Galatians was second he wrote, after the epistles for the Thessalonians. Carmen. Pușcaș
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 “But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” Matthew 14:27-31
Jesus was not surprised by the disciples' cry of terror. He knew they wouldn't believe that He is the one who walks on the water as on solid ground. His gentle and loving voice calmed them so much that Peter not only believed that He is, but he was ready to do what his Lord was doing. At first, Peter BELIEVED that he could walk on water to get to where Jesus was. Therefore, he asked the Lord to call him. After the Lord gave him the "green light," he continued to be positive and excited. Peter relied on the "Come," calling and stepped out on THE WORD OF JESUS, walking on the water and as long as he did not doubt, he remained on top of the water, living the miracle. Unfortunately, too soon he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the circumstances (the wind and the waves). Instantly, his logic and fear took over and as he lost his support base, he began to sink. It's easy to have faith to resolve the serious problems that we are going through, as long as we are surrounded by brothers full of faith and we are where the Lord's presence is strong. But what happens when we are alone and begin to think logically, considering our troubles from every angle, and remembering the failures of the past?If we do not stop these thoughts, doubt and unbelief will take control and will cause us to sink into the very problem we are fighting with. 2 Corinthians 10: 4,5 ”For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, ” God has provided spiritual weapons, strengthened by Him, so that they are really effective. The Bible, prayer, praise and worship, keeping a pure heart, without sin are a few of them. The Bible's promises are for those who live in obedience to God and the Christian authority in spiritual warfare is rooted in Jesus, who lives in the heart which is sincerely and completely surrendered to Him. It is not easy to forget it all and all the real troubles we are going through, but it is not impossible. God does not ask us to do what He does not equip us to do. We can take the thoughts of doubt captive, by proclaiming the truth of God's Word. The more we repeat the truth, the more real it will become for our mind and spirit. By doing so, we will strengthen our faith. The thoughts that we let to roam free in our minds are those that nourish our faith. Faith in what God can do to solve our problems or fear that we can't get out of the pit we are in. By focusing on failure and disaster, we are paving our road to destruction. Matthew 13:58 ”Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” How many blessings and wonderful gifts are not received, because of not having the faith for them? Their lack of faith that “Jesus is the Christ' - deprived the people of Nazareth of the miracles that the Lord could have done for them. Around that city, only a few believed and were healed. Matthew 13:54-56 ”When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so thatthey were astonished and said, “Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this Man get all these things?” What “they thought they knew” in their minds as a result of the physical reality that they thought they knew, canceled all that Holy Spirit showed them during Jesus' ministry. By “reasoning” - they stepped away from the presence of God that had touched them in the synagogue while Jesus taught them. Afterward they chose to doubt Him. We are called to "WALK BY FAITH and NOT BY SIGHT" (2 Corinthians 5:7) The Holy Spirit is always ready to help us, once we recognize that we need His help and call on Him! John 14:26 ”But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” Carmen Pușcaș Philippians 4:8 ”Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
”In Greek, ”think about” means to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on a thing, with a view to obtaining it. We know that when we do that on all that is mentioned in the verse above, we can live joyful and fulfilled lives. The original term for "think about such things" in Greek, is "logizesthe" (the root of the English terms "logic, logical") and means to consider, take account, weigh, meditate on: (Thayer's Greek Lexicon Strongs NT - 3049: λογίζομαι) So, Paul, being led of the Holy Spirit, urges us to meditate and focus on all the good things; which enables us to not only live happy and fulfilled lives, but also to inherit eternal life. Why would it help us to think only about what is true? Jesus tells us that the devil is "a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it." (John 8:44) Jesus is "the truth." His words on the pages of the Bible are all believable and powerful. "Jesus said,"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me." (John 14: 6) When we think or speak a lie, we agree with the devil and give him the right to hurt us. Every lie is followed by consequences. The truth, instead, even if it costs us in the short term, brings us long-term benefits and our Lord will help to solve the difficult situations we face. As we live, focusing on truth, we change and grow in the Lord becoming more like Jesus. All that Paul listed in Philippians 4:8, shows that everything that is worthy to be honored, all that is pure and all that deserves to be loved and received are really intrinsic parts of the truth. We do ourselves a huge favor by concentrating on all these. The mind that is centered on truth, justice, purity, goodness, love, dedication, will produce pure thoughts, in obedience to God is a blessed place. Believing and knowing the truth are essential aspects of the Christian life. How can we agree with what God's Word says if we don't know it? How can we make the right decisions if we don't know what is right? How do we distinguish between thoughts that are from our Lord, our carnal nature or from the devil, if we don't know what the Scripture says? Truth leads us and reveals God to us. It opens our spiritual ears to hear what the Holy Spirit tells us. It guides us through the vast delusions and lies of this world. Knowing the truth, makes us truly free, because we no longer believe the devil's lies that would bind us and keep us bound. Lord God, please give us more hunger for reading and studying Your Word, so we can become more like You and can accomplish all that You want us to do! Amen Carmen Pușcaș |
AuthorsAlong the decades, since we, the authors of the articles and blogs of this website, became Christians, the Holy Spirit has revealed us, deeper and deeper biblical truths about how to truly live for Christ. Through the websites that we are writing on, we try to share with others who might be interested, messages about living life with Jesus Christ as Lord. BLOG LIST BY DATE
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July 2019
CATEGORIES BIBLE, THE WORD OF GOD ARE THE OLD TESTAMENT PROMISES FOR US, THE GENTILES, TOO? 14/10/2016 GOD'S PROVISION FOR THE AGED 17/9/2016 GOD'S WORD IS POWERFUL 1/11/2016 THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD 21/7/2016 WHY DO WE HIDE GOD'S WORD IN OUR HEARTS? 9/11/2016 CHRISTIAN LIVING "BE WATCHFUL AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN..." 7/3/2017 DOES IT MATTER HOW WE LIVE? 7/9/2016 DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE 24/10/2016 FLESH OR SPIRIT? 21/7/2016 FULL JOY 6/3/2019 GOD WILL NEVER FORSAKE US! 21/7/2016 HAPPY OR SAD? 21/7/2016 IS BAPTISM BY WATER A COMMAND OR NOT? 26/8/2017 IT IS HARD KICKING AGAINST THE GOADS 30/1/2017 LIFE WITH JESUS IS WONDERFUL 29/7/2016 LITTLE THINGS 01/07/2019 LIVING TO PLEASE GOD! 6/12/2016 LORD GOD IS MY REFUGE! 6/10/2016 "NO ONE AND NOTHING CAN SNATCH US OUT OF THE HAND OF JESUS OR FATHER GOD!" 11/4/2017 NO ONE IS ABLE TO SNATCH US OUT OF GOD'S HAND! 2/12/2016 OUR JOY IN THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH 6/12/2017 PAUL'S THORN IN THE FLESH 26/8/2016 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12/19/2017 THE DEVIL HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER CHRISTIANS 18/5/2018 THE PRODIGAL SON 11/10/2018 THE TRUE MEANING OF FOLLOWING CHRIST 21/7/2016 TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, FROM HIM MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED 6/2/2017 WHATEVER IS TRUE... 5/8/2016 WHAT MAY HARDEN THE HEART? 31/1/2017 FAITH & TRUST CHOOSING FAITH INSTEAD OF DOUBT 11/10/2016 DON'T WORRY ABOUT YOUR LIFE 24/10/2016 TRULY BELIEVING - ELIMINATING DOUBT 15/10/2016 THE DEVIL HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER CHRISTIANS 18/5/2018 "WALKING ON WATER" 23/8/2016 WHAT DO WE TRUST IN? 13/6/2017 WHY IS IT SO CHALLENGING TO REMAIN CONSTANTLY VICTORIOUS IN OUR CHRISTIAN WALK? 18/7/2019 FEAR THE DANGER OF UNHEALTHY FEAR 26/6/2017 GOD, FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRIT CHRIST IN US THE HOPE OF GLORY 25/1/2018 HOW DID JESUS ANSWER TO TEMPTATION 26/1/2018 MIRACLES STILL HAPPEN TODAY 15/11/2017 THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 12/19/2017 THE IMPORTANCE OF TRULY ”KNOWING” GOD 21/7/2016 THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 18/9/2017 WE NEED GOD'S PRESENCE 21/7/2016 GRACE "GRACE UPON GRACE" 24/2/2017 WHO PAID MORE? 30/1/2017 WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE 9/19/2018 HEALING HEALING IS GOD'S WILL 26/6/2017 JOY, HAPPINESS FULL JOY 6/3/2019 HAPPY OR SAD? 21/7/2016 OUR JOY IN THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH 6/12/2017 PERSEVERANCE AND STRENGTH "BE WATCHFUL AND STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN..." 7/3/2017 ENDURANCE! 15/02/2018 HOW DID JESUS ANSWER TO TEMPTATION 26/1/2018 THE DEVIL HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER CHRISTIANS 18/5/2018 PRAYER ANSWER TO PRAYER 23/7/2016 WHY PRAY? 22/7/2016 SALVATION THE SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 18/9/2017 WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE 9/19/2018 TESTIMONIES, DREAMS, ETC JESUS SET ME FREE... AGAIN! 10/1/2017 VARIOUS HAVE YOU EVER BEEN UNEQUALLY YOKED? 1/2/2019 HAVE YOU EVER BEEN UNEQUALLY YOKED? 1/2/2019 IT MIGHT BE THE RIGHT TIME FOR SOMETHING TO CHANGE 17/5/2019 |
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