Thorn of Afflictions
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The concept of the "thorn of afflictions" is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's writings in the New Testament, specifically in his second letter to the Corinthians. This metaphorical expression has been the subject of much theological discussion and interpretation within Christian thought.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference for the "thorn of afflictions" is found in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (BSB):

> "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. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Interpretation and Theological Significance:

1. Nature of the Thorn:
The exact nature of Paul's "thorn" is not specified in the text, leading to various interpretations. Some scholars suggest it could have been a physical ailment, such as poor eyesight or a chronic illness. Others propose it might have been a spiritual or emotional struggle, or even opposition from adversaries. The ambiguity allows believers to relate personally to the concept, seeing their own struggles as a "thorn."

2. Purpose of the Thorn:
Paul indicates that the thorn was given to him to prevent pride and to keep him humble. This suggests that afflictions can serve a divine purpose, acting as a means of spiritual discipline and growth. The thorn is described as a "messenger of Satan," yet it is used by God to achieve His purposes, illustrating the sovereignty of God over all circumstances.

3. Response to the Thorn:
Paul's response to his affliction is instructive for believers. Despite pleading with God for its removal, Paul ultimately accepts the Lord's assurance that His grace is sufficient. This highlights the importance of reliance on God's grace and strength, especially in times of weakness and suffering.

4. Power Perfected in Weakness:
The paradox of strength in weakness is a central theme in this passage. Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses as a platform for Christ's power underscores a key Christian principle: human frailty can be the conduit for divine strength. This principle encourages believers to embrace their limitations, trusting that God's power is most evident when they are most dependent on Him.

5. Broader Biblical Context:
The theme of suffering and divine strength is echoed throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, figures like Job and David experienced profound afflictions, yet found solace and strength in their faith. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself exemplifies this principle, enduring the ultimate affliction of the cross, which becomes the means of salvation for humanity.

Practical Application:

For Christians, the "thorn of afflictions" serves as a reminder of the transformative power of suffering when surrendered to God. It encourages believers to seek God's purpose in their trials and to rely on His grace. The passage invites Christians to view their weaknesses not as liabilities, but as opportunities for God's power to be displayed in their lives.
Nave's Topical Index
Numbers 33:55
But if you will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which you let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein you dwell.
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2 Corinthians 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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

1 Thessalonians iii. 8-May
... On this account also Paul said, "There was given to me a thorn in the flesh ... Dost
thou see that to be shaken in afflictions proceeds from the devil, and from his ...
/.../homily iv 1 thessalonians iii.htm

Second Sunday Before Lent
... I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the ... Again, Paul
boasts of certain temporal afflictions wherein he excels the false apostles ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday before lent.htm

2D Day. Needful Grace.
... The "thorn" may still be left to goad, the trial may still be left to ... thus been led
to glory in their infirmities and triumph in their afflictions, seeing the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the faithful promiser/2d day needful grace.htm

That all Good and Righteous Men Suffer More, but Ought to Endure ...
... the second Epistle to the Corinthians: "There was given to me a thorn in the ... And
not only so, but we also glory in afflictions: knowing that affliction worketh ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that all good and.htm

Vanity of the Creature Sanctified.
... 'Twas not thus before the fall: What but pain, and thorn, and sting,. ... Yet, through
the Redeemer's love,. These afflictions blessings prove; ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/olney hymns/hymn 56 vanity of the.htm

2 Cor. Iv. 8, 9
... that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn," (2 Corinthians
12 ... 634] ." Next he also shows the mode how so great afflictions are light. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily ix 2 cor iv.htm

Abram's Horror of Great Darkness.
... measure, through the abundance of the revelations, there was given me a thorn in
the ... "Born of the earth, we are earthly""our afflictions naturally descend. ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon v abrams horror of.htm

2 Cor. xii. 1
... I have just now said, "there was given to me a thorn;" but as ... of the rest that follow
whatsoever is evil, endureth many disheartenings and afflictions, and is ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 2 cor xii.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... (5). Afflictions work for good, as they are the means of loosening our
hearts from the world. ... A thorn grows up with every flower. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

What and Whence are These?
... Tribulations abounded and afflictions were multiplied to the first disciples, and
we ... Remember, especially, when with the thorn in his flesh he prayed thrice to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/what and whence are these.htm

Resources
What should I do when God says no? | GotQuestions.org

Can a Christian consider using CBD oil? | GotQuestions.org

Does Matthew 7:21-23 mean that believers can lose salvation? | GotQuestions.org

Thorn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Thorn

Thorn in the Flesh

Thorn of Afflictions

Thorn of the Adversities of the Wicked

Thorn of the Evils That Spring from the Heart to Choke the Truth

Thorn used for Fuel

Thorn: The Ground Cursed With

Thorn: Used: As an Awl

Thorn: Used: Crown of, Mockingly Put on Jesus' Head

Thorn: Used: Hedges Formed of

Related Terms

Thorn-tree (7 Occurrences)

Thorn-bush (5 Occurrences)

Thorn-fence (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-hedges (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-bushes (1 Occurrence)

Thorn-hedge (1 Occurrence)

Brier (10 Occurrences)

Hedge (12 Occurrences)

Underfoot (14 Occurrences)

Woodland (13 Occurrences)

Treadeth (25 Occurrences)

Thornbush (4 Occurrences)

Bush (14 Occurrences)

Thistle (3 Occurrences)

Bramble (7 Occurrences)

Seneh (1 Occurrence)

Prick (2 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Crushing (93 Occurrences)

Ye (21989 Occurrences)

Thorny (3 Occurrences)

Myrtle (7 Occurrences)

Briers (17 Occurrences)

Buffet (4 Occurrences)

Thorns (56 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Flesh (468 Occurrences)

Thongs (7 Occurrences)

Visits (4 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Nettle (2 Occurrences)

Orchard (3 Occurrences)

Overmuch (16 Occurrences)

Occur (13 Occurrences)

Jaw (6 Occurrences)

Jawbone (3 Occurrences)

Lime (4 Occurrences)

Genneseret

Grieving (12 Occurrences)

Gennesaret (3 Occurrences)

Weapon (21 Occurrences)

Wreath (21 Occurrences)

Fir-tree (5 Occurrences)

Thistles (9 Occurrences)

Thornbushes (6 Occurrences)

Twisting (13 Occurrences)

Torment (19 Occurrences)

Teeth (50 Occurrences)

Twigs (8 Occurrences)

Rugged (7 Occurrences)

Renown (24 Occurrences)

Revelations (2 Occurrences)

Raining (10 Occurrences)

Rezon (3 Occurrences)

Excessively (6 Occurrences)

Exalting (10 Occurrences)

Exulting (14 Occurrences)

Exalted (126 Occurrences)

Eyes (6285 Occurrences)

Drunkard's (1 Occurrence)

Dove (27 Occurrences)

Despite (18 Occurrences)

Disdain (6 Occurrences)

Michmash (10 Occurrences)

Malicious (13 Occurrences)

Myrtle-tree (1 Occurrence)

Pricking (1 Occurrence)

Prickling (1 Occurrence)

Pastures (25 Occurrences)

Patch (5 Occurrences)

Paining (3 Occurrences)

Parched (37 Occurrences)

Poison (17 Occurrences)

Painful (18 Occurrences)

Perplexity (8 Occurrences)

Piercing (7 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Blackberry (2 Occurrences)

Thorn in the Flesh
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