# Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh Physical or Spiritual?

**URL:** <https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/was-paul-s-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual/11025>\
**Category:** Theology\
**Tags:** featured\
**Created:** [July 29, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/was-paul-s-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual/11025 "2025-07-29T17:58:42Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Fritzpw\_Admin](https://forums.crosswalk.com/user_avatar/forums.crosswalk.com/fritzpw_admin/32/250_2.png) [@Fritzpw\_Admin](https://forums.crosswalk.com/u/Fritzpw_Admin)\
**Post date:** [July 29, 2025, 5:58pm UTC](https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/was-paul-s-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual/11025/1 "2025-07-29T17:58:42Z")

</div>

> **Was Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh Physical or Spiritual?**
>
> ![pauls-thorn-flesh-discussion](https://forums.crosswalk.com/uploads/default/original/2X/d/d0900b120c9e1c9604007bb524afc5cd1c9e67da.jpeg)
> 
> As Christians reflect on suffering, weakness, and divine purpose, we invite your voice in Crosswalk Forums.  
> #ThornInTheFlesh #PaulAndPain #christianforums #crosswalkforums #forums #crosswalk #faithcommunity #faithforums

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes “a thorn in the flesh” that was given to him—a messenger of Satan to torment him. He pleaded with God to take it away, but instead of healing, he received a powerful answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

But what exactly was that thorn?

Some believe it was a physical ailment—failing eyesight, a chronic illness, or some kind of debilitating condition. Others are convinced it was a spiritual struggle or persistent opposition from enemies. And still others suggest it was a combination of both: outward persecution mixed with inner turmoil.

Whatever it was, Paul said it kept him humble and dependent on God. But would it change how we interpret his message if we understood the thorn more clearly?

Do you believe Paul’s thorn was physical, spiritual, or both?  
How does not knowing the details affect how we apply this passage to our own struggles?  
Have you ever experienced something in your life that God didn’t remove—but used to strengthen you?

> **Infographic**
>
> ![pauls-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual-infographic](https://forums.crosswalk.com/uploads/default/original/2X/e/e5e311aebd6689dc4b0449f3013b1727e1b218ee.jpeg)

Read more here:

> **[What Is the Thorn in the Flesh Paul References in 2 Corinthians 12:7?](https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-thorn-in-the-flesh-paul-references-in-2-corinthians-127.html?utm_medium=cwforums&utm_source=Forums&utm_campaign=cwpost)**
>
> Paul’s experience with the thorn in the flesh highlights the tension between our human weakness and God’s power. Rather than removing the problem, whatever it might have been, God’s response reveals a deeper truth.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Joe](https://forums.crosswalk.com/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/j/b9e5f3/32.png) [@Joe](https://forums.crosswalk.com/u/Joe)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2025, 8:07am UTC](https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/was-paul-s-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual/11025/2 "2025-07-30T08:07:23Z")

</div>

Hi,

He was human. He is God, the second part of the Trinity.

Nuff said! (Borrowed from Marvel Comics )

Blessings

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Bruce\_Leiter](https://forums.crosswalk.com/user_avatar/forums.crosswalk.com/bruce_leiter/32/2575_2.png) [@Bruce\_Leiter](https://forums.crosswalk.com/u/Bruce_Leiter)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2025, 3:18pm UTC](https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/was-paul-s-thorn-in-the-flesh-physical-or-spiritual/11025/3 "2025-07-30T15:18:59Z")

</div>

No one knows for sure what the “thorn” was; it seems that it must have been some physical weakness, because Paul says in 2Corinthians 12:7-10,

2Co 12:7 So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.  
2Co 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.  
2Co 12:9 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  
2Co 12:10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.