What Was Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (Part 2)

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh Do You Have One? (Part 2)

They (the Christian Jews) threw Paul out of the Temple where he had gone to worship God and went about "to kill him." All of this transpired because Paul taught the freedom available in Christ and for no other reason.

Let us look at what Paul taught to the Church. The circumcision that God required under the law of Christ (love being the commandment and fulfilling of the law) was circumcision of "the heart" in the spirit, in the new birth and following the administration of the Gospel. That all believers, whether of Israel or Gentile nation, were a Jew because of the inner change made when they had believed and received Christ as their savior and were born again.
“Romans 2:25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

He taught that by the works of the law, following the traditions and regulations of the law, no man could be saved and that we are saved by "faith" in order that it would be by God's grace that all would receive the promise God made to Abraham. That meant not only the Jews but the Gentiles also, saved by faith in Christ Jesus and God, not by works.
“Romans 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,"

In the following record you will be surprised, of all people of the time, who was numbered into the people who were a "thorn in Paul's flesh." The apostle Peter was a thorn in Paul's flesh for a time, until Paul confronted him on his opposition to the truth of God's Word. And, it was not only Peter but the other Jewish believers who were still zealous for the law. Paul corrected Peter with instruction from God. Paul taught that by the works of the law no one could be justified in the eyes of God and that only by the faith of Jesus Christ could justification be obtained. Here is the first recorded instance of "the people" who were Paul's "thorn in the flesh." Paul said in verse 11, "when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed." Now that's an example that no one is perfect including servants of God if there ever was one, one Apostle hindering the teaching of another Apostle. It still goes on in the Church today where those who are teaching erroneous doctrine tend to put down them who are teaching Biblical accuracy in order to make their teaching seem sound. What made matters worse; Peter was living by his actions like a Gentile but was still compelling the Gentiles to adhere to the law (hypocritical behavior in the least). Again "People", "the thorn in the flesh."
“Galatians 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews
dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

What a cry of exasperation from Paul, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you"? Paul had taught them the liberty of Christ Jesus. Still they had been infected by "the thorn in the flesh" started trying to obtain acceptance from God through the works of the law that Paul had told them no longer applied. At the end of this bit of reproof and correction to them he told them that there is neither Jew nor Greek (Gentile), neither slave nor free, neither male nor female because we are all one and equal in the sight of God. That Jesus Christ had redeemed us from the curse of the law, that we are counted righteous through our belief not works, that we are justified by our faith, that the inheritance we have received from God is not available by the law and is only obtained by the faith of Jesus Christ which makes us His children. Again people, Paul's "Thorn in the flesh."
“Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Paul concludes whit the warning to the Galatians that they should be aware of the people who constrain them to be circumcised, for their own glory and not the glory of God. Again, People, Paul's "Thorn in the flesh."
“Galatians 6:11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."

Paul in his letter to the Colossians, warns them to beware of these people (thorn in the flesh) trying to ruin their belief of the accurate doctrine he taught them through the philosophy, deceit, tradition of men and not after following the true doctrine of Christ. He tells the Colossians they do not have to be circumcised as the Jewish believers "who were zealous” for the law were trying to convince them to do. Paul told them that they had already been "circumcised with the circumcision made without hands". He further instructed them not to allow anyone to judge them in respect to what they ate, what they drank, or in anything they did as operation of their freedom in Christ Jesus. He further cautioned them not to get caught up in the doctrinal error of "worshipping angels". He concluded this reproof and correction of doctrinal error by telling them again the sound doctrine that our life is hid with Christ in God and when Christ, who is our life, makes his second coming that we absolutely will appear with him in glory. (Encouragement after this round of correction.) Again, People...Paul's "torn in the flesh."
“Colossians 2:8-3:4 - 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

Finally, there is the instruction Paul gave Titus about this "emerging thorn in the flesh" on the Island of Crete. Paul had taken Titus with him on his fourth missionary journey and had found it profitable to the believers on Crete to leave Titus there to instruct and commission elders in the various church locations on the island. No sooner than Paul had left the island, the circumcision / zealous for the law gang (believing Jews) showed up and started their usual campaign to subvert the teaching of Paul. Paul told Titus that these people needed to be stopped from their corruption of the faith of the new believers in Crete. It is also clearly indicated that these particular "thorns in the flesh" were out to make “money” from their teaching and circumcision of the new Gentile believers. People again, Paul's "thorn in the flesh."
“Titus 1:9-11; "9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake."

Just as then, today we still have "thorns in the flesh" in the body of Christ. Many Christian groups propound adherence to stringent laws derived straight from the Old Testament law. Many members of the Body of Christ have been deceived into trying to "work their way to heaven." Today, though circumcision is not really an issue, mental circumcision by adherence to the Old Testament law is still being taught by these "thorns in the flesh." We still have Theologians out there teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. People who would rather observe comfortable traditions contrary to the Word of God, than to apply the accuracy of God's Word to themselves and the Church - the body of Christ. Paul concluded that the end result of this erroneous teaching made the Word of God of no effect through their tradition which they had delivered to the new believers. To sum it all up Paul told Titus that unto the pure, all thing are pure, but to these "thorn in the flesh element" they were defiled and unbelieving and even their mind and conscience is defiled. _Titus 1:14; "14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled."_

As we have seen, Paul's THORN in the flesh was PEOPLE. Take care to weigh out the things of the Word of God you are taught as being the Word of God and use your own study and searching of the scriptures to ascertain the truth.