Quote:
Originally Posted by Pressing-On
I believe it was his inability to forgive himself and the condemnation that plaqued him for persecuting the early church. You do remember he stood by while Stephen was stoned to death?
"And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." Acts 7:58
What regret to be an accomplice to murder only to find out you were wrong all along! And what a weight to carry that Stephen could have been a strong and dependable force to help build the NT church, but he was gone, murdered.
Heavy weight to carry, IMO. |
Very true.
Perhaps Paul's thorn in the flesh was a combination of all these things... his very humanity. I can see how Paul would have much regret from the past. I can see how Paul may have had health issues. I can see how Paul may have faced temptations being unmarried and traveling. I can see how Paul faced many foes who troubled him. I can see how Paul may have struggled with being too abrasive.
However, I don't think Paul had poor speaking ability. He was a member of the Sanhedrin. He also sat at the feet of Gamaliel. Lastly Paul quotes several Greek philosphers in the Epistles, meaning Paul was well versed in rhetoric and sophist oratory. Some have postulated that Paul was married to the high priest's daughter and that they divorced after his conversion. If these things are true.... Paul was most likely a brilliant man on par with Socrates and Plato. Perhaps even the greatest mind on earth during the Apostolic era.
One thing not mentioned that I just thought of... Paul may have been deeply troubled emotionally over the loss of his spouse if divorced or widowed.
Maybe Paul's "thorn" wasn't so much a single issue... but his imperfection. His struggles in the flesh (his humanity) wherein all these things played a part.
If we're honest, do not most of us have more than one thorn in the flesh? Daily we struggle with our humanity as it's frailty and imperfection is revealed in one way or another be it regret, guilt, shame, sickness, conflicts with others, personality flaws, or lust.
Maybe Paul's thorn was wanting to be like Jesus... and finding it impossible in one way or another. The Lord allowing this accusing spirit to throw Paul's weakness in his face daily in one way or another. Why? That he might remain humbled, for God's grace is sufficient in our weakness. (Indication of a propensity towards "spiritual pride"? Perhaps.)
Maybe some preachers and evangelists posting here can relate to this.
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