For a former Pharisee to have not recognized him is likely explained through understanding that Paul was not able to see him properly-giving weight to theories of trouble with his vision. Yet at this point he seemed unable to identify the high priest, even though the high priest would have stood out because he wore special garments and accessories. Though Paul, previously being a Pharisee, would have been able to recognize the high priest quite easily. Paul responded by telling them that he did not realize that the man was the high priest. Paul was in the Sanhedrin at this point and referred to the high priest as a "white-washed wall" and those who stood by him asked why he was insulting the high priest.
Another example of Paul's poor eyesight is found in Acts 23:3-5. And only two verses later Paul states that the Galatian church would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him if it were possible ( Gal 4:15). Some have speculated that the physical infirmity was a disease which affected his eyesight and the higher altitude in Galatia would have been better for him, especially if the disease was malaria. Paul says that because of physical infirmity he preached the gospel to the Galatians at the first ( Gal 4:13). Other evidences of poor vision can be found earlier in the epistle to the Galatians. Paul even wrote in large print as noted in Gal 6:11. Other times we see Paul adding a salutation with his own hands ( 1 Cor 16:21 2 Thess 3:17) as opposed to physically writing the entire epistles. A mentioned amanuensis of Paul is Tertius who wrote down the book of Romans and added his own greeting to the church in Rome ( Rom 16:22). Paul took advantage of various amanuenses to do the actual writing of at least some of his epistles. Many of these physical disabilities also affect the eyesight and it seems probable that even Paul himself experienced difficulty with his vision-this could very well be caused by his thorn in the flesh. Physical infirmities that seem to fit the situation are malaria, Malta fever, epilepsy, convulsive attacks, and chronic ophthalmia. Some even propose that Paul dealt with either carnal temptation or depression.Ī physical ailment, however, seems more likely here, though the lack of details forbid a proper diagnosis. Others have suggested that Paul's own remembrance of his past was his thorn Paul's past included the persecution of the church ( Acts 8:1-3 Gal 1:13 Phil 3:6) which may have continually haunted him and kept him humble. Even in Numbers 33:55 thorns are used as a metaphor for the enemies of the Israelites. Some have suggested that Paul's thorn came in the form of Jewish persecution because of the surrounding context speaking of opponents.
There have been many theories as to what exactly this thorn was-so many theories in fact, that it is impossible to diagnose Paul's situation with complete assurance. Its intent was to keep Paul from conceit on account of his visions and revelations which otherwise may have given him a reason to boast.
The apparent purpose of this thorn was beneficiary. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.-NIVĪfter Paul had explained his visions and revelations to the Corinthians ( 2 Cor 12:1-6), he tells them about the thorn in the flesh that was given to him. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 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. What was the "thorn in the flesh" to which Paul makes reference in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9?
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