Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

We have all heard suppositious sermons from various theologians in the pulpit as to the nature of "Paul's thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7). A very large number of theologians believe that we are not told what this thorn in the flesh was and surmise it was some great trouble, some great temptation (actually have heard some say booze or liking immoral women), or some physical ailment . With some preachers, if they have bad feet, Paul's thorn in the flesh was bad feet. If they had bad eyesight, Paul's thorn in the flesh was poor vision. The possibilities abound in speculation without regard to the truth of the Word of God. The Devil was allowed, in this limited manner, to put stress on Paul by God. When he had asked God to remove the stress over this thorn in the flesh, God's response was that in Paul's weakness (inability on his own to overcome this situation) God would overcome the problem for the glory of His Word. Paul concludes that it is a time to rejoice when inabilities, lack of things needed, persecution, and "distresses for Christ's sake" occurred to him. Paul knew that when these things happened to him, God in response only made him stronger through His power.
_2 Corinthians 12:1-10; "1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 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. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."_

The fact of the matter is that the Word of God clearly defines the nature of "thorns in the flesh," a figure of speech that was clearly understandable by the first century believers. Through applying an examination of the scripture, with the understanding that where an unclear phrase is used first is where God gives us the definition of the phrase, lets go to God's Word to see exactly what a "thorn in the flesh" really is from the perspective of God.

In Numbers the inhabitants of the land would be pricks in the eyes and thorns in your sides (flesh). The "thorns" were people.
_Numbers 33:55; "55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell."_

In the book of Joshua, the remnant of the nations they had driven out of the promised land would be snares and traps, scourges (whip marks) on their sides, and "thorns" in your eyes (flesh). The "thorns" again were people.
_Joshua 23:11-13; "11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the LORD your God. 12 Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you: 13 Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out any of these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you."_

In Judges, the inhabitants of the land (again) would be as "thorns" in their sides (flesh). This third usage, "thorns" were people.
_Judges 2:2-3; "2 And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? 3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you."_

In Ezekiel, God told Israel that there would be no more pricking brier and no grieving "thorn" of all (the unbelieving inhabitants) that are around them who dispised Israel. This fourth usage, "thorns" are people.
_Ezekiel 28:24-25; "24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor any grieving thorn of all that are round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I am the Lord GOD. 25 Thus saith the Lord GOD; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob."_

In Micah, the prophet declaired that the good man was gone from the earth and that the best of them in Israel were like a brier and sharper than a "thorn" hedge, when hed expressed sorrow for Israel's sins against God's will. Here for the fifth time, "thorns" are people.
_Micah 7:2-6; "2 The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net. 3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. 4 The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity. 5 Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. 6 For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house."_
In light of the scriptural definition expressed by God to five different prophets (men of God), it is clear that the only thing that "thorn in the flesh" could be would be people. One might question who were these people who were such a pain to the apostle Paul? In order to see the answer to this question, we need to look at the epistles written by Paul and find the commonality of doctrinal correction Paul addressed to the church repeatedly that involved people.

To start with, lets consider the situation that Paul opperated under in his ministry. Paul was a traveling missionary whose ministry was to the Gentiles and he did not stay for lengthy periods of time at any one place. During his four missionary journeys, the longest he stayed at any place recorded, was for three years in Ephesus with the Ephesian church. Paul's missionary journeys caused him to be away from the churches he had started through his ministry to the Gentiles and as the only natural means to keep his relationship with these young churches, Paul wrote letters to them. His letters were a mix of more advanced (meatier) inspired teachings than he was able to teach when he was present with them and scriptural correction of doctrinal errors and practices being taught and believed by the churches themselves.

Next, lets look at the scriptural record to identify the people that were involved in the undermining of the sound doctrinal teaching that Paul had left with these formative churches, when he traveled on to the next location to preach the Gospel. Our evidence from the scripture comes from: Galatians (written around 49 AD at the end of Paul's 3rd missionary journey, Romans (written during his 3 month stay in Greece recorded in Acts 20:2-3 around 55 AD), 2 Corinthians (written around 56 AD during his three year stay at Ephesus), Colossians (written in 61 AD when Paul was in prison in Rome recorded in Acts chapter 28), and Titus (written to Titus whom Paul had left on the Isle of Crete when he had left to move on with his fourth missionary journey around 59 AD). In these five epistles we find the record of the people who were causing all of the confusion in the Church.

In order to see the seed of this "thorn in the flesh," we need to read the account of the revelation from God to Peter concerning the Gentiles, his subsequent trip to the household of Cornelius' in Caesarea, and the results of his trip. Peter, knowing that going to a Gentile might present him problems, he took "certain brethren from Joppa" to accompany him (Acts 10.:23) The result of this trip was, that while he was still speaking God's Word, Cornelius' family and household got born again with the same outpouring of Holy Spirit as the Jewish believers had received on the day of Penticost (recorded in Acts chapter 2). The coming problem can be seen when Peter reports back to the center of the church which was at Jerusalem. Acts 11:2-3 indicates the immediated reaction was that the "circumcision", the Jewish believers, got upset with him and reproved him for having anything to do with the Gentiles. This was the first conversion of a gentile (substantiated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit) to be told of to the church in Jerusalem.
_Acts 10:44-48; "44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."_
_Acts 11:1-18; "1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."_

Next, in conjunction with the foregoing record, we need to look at the accuracy of the doctrine Paul taught to the Gentiles on his missionary journeys. Everywhere Paul went to preach the Gospel of Christ, he taught rightly that the Gentiles were under no obligation to be circumcised. That their believing to receive the new birth excluded them from the old covenant of the laws requirement to be circumcised. Paul taught this to the church at Corinth. He taught them that circumcision was no longer anything required of a believer and that they should remain "as is" as they were called to believe through the teaching of the Gospel.
_1 Corinthians 7:17-24; "17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God."_

Paul also taught both the believing Gentiles and Jews the liberty (freedom) we have in Christ Jesus. The members of the Body of Christ had freedom to enjoy all of the things God had created without the stringent regulations of the law as to what to eat, what to drink, or whatever they did as long as they did all to the glory of God. They only stipulation on this freedom was to be aware of those believers who were weak in their understanding of our freedom so as not to cause them to stumble/
_1 Corinthians 6:12-18; "12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."_
_1 Corinthians 10:23-32; "23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 25 Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, asking no question for conscience sake: 26 For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof. 27 If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. 28 But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: 29 Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? 31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: 33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."_

For clarification of this "thorn in the flesh", first we need to look past some of the earlier examples Paul wrote of to gain a full understanding of what this "thorn" was. The following event in the ministry of Paul transpired about 60 AD, when he arrived in Jerusalem and afterward was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Rome to appeal to Ceasar. The Many "Thousands of Jews" that "were born again believers" (and Paul's "thorn in the flesh"), who were zealous for the law (wanted the Gentile believers to submit to circumcision and the ordinances of the Old Testament law) at this time set out to beat Paul to death. They felt he deserved to die for his "sin" of teaching that the law of Moses and circumcision had been replaced by the greater law of Christ. PEOPLE are the "thorn in the flesh" for ministries who go against the popular opinion and teach the truth of God's Word. If your ministry is not experiencing some "thorns in the flesh" perhaps you have wandered out of the herd of sheep and gotten lost in the goats.
_Acts 21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. 19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law. 25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, 28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. 29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul."_
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 2:25-29; "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 4:9-16; "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, untill 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). "People", the "the thorn in the flesh."
_Galatians 2:1-20; "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 wroks 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 or 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. People, Paul's "Thorn in the flesh."
_Galatians 3:1-29; "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, deceipt, 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 insturcted them not to allow anyone to judge them in respect to what they ate, what they drank, or in anything they did as opperation 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 adherance 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 adherance 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 erronious 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.