Apostle Paul Thorn in the Flesh
THE APOSTLE PAUL THORN IN THE FLESH
Introduction
THE APOSTLE PAUL WHO WAS CALLED BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST TO BE AN APOSTLE TO THE GENTILES HAD A THORN IN HIS FLESH.
MANY HAVE TRIED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS “THE THORN IN THE FLESH” WITHOUT THE REVELATION FROM THE SCRIPTURES ALONE.
WHATEVER WAS THE THORN IN THE APOSTLE PAUL’S FLESH; IT ALLOWED GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TO USE PAUL MIGHTILY IN THE SPIRIT; AND PAUL RECEIVED AN ABUNDANCE OF REVELATIONS OF THE NEW COVENANT WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE EPISTLES OF PAUL.
THE APOSTLE PAUL ALSO RECEIVED AN ABUNDANCE OF REVELATION ABOUT THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH IN THE FLESH OF MAN.
KEY QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERED:
- DID THE APOSTLE PAUL RECEIVE AN ABUNDANCE OF REVELATION?
- WHO GAVE THE APOSTLE PAUL THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
- WHAT WAS THE EVIDENCE OF THE THORN IN THE APOSTLE PAUL’S FLESH?
- WHAT DID JESUS CHRIST ACCOMPLISH THROUGH THE APOSTLE PAUL BECAUSE OF THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
- WHAT WAS THE APOSTLE PAUL CONCLUSION ABOUT THE FLESH OF MAN BECAUSE OF THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
- DID THE APOSTLE PAUL RECEIVE AN ABUNDANCE OF REVELATION FOR THE LORD?
THE APOSTLE PAUL RECEIVED THE ABUNDANCE OF REVELATION OF THE MYTERY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD FROM THE LORD.
Gal 1:11-12 (KJV) 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 (KJV) 12 For G1063 I G1473 neither G3761 received G3880 it G846 of G3844 man, G444 neither G3777 was I taught G1321 it, BUT G235 BY G1223 THE REVELATION G602 OF JESUS G2424 CHRIST. G5547
Gal 2:1-2 (KJV) 1 Then G1899 fourteen G1180 years G2094 after G1223 I went up G305 again G3825 to G1519 Jerusalem G2414 with G3326 Barnabas, G921 and took G4838 Titus G5103 with me G4838 also. G2532
Gal 2:2 (KJV) 2 And G1161I WENT UP G305 BY G2596 REVELATION, G602 AND G2532 COMMUNICATED G394 UNTO THEM G846 THAT GOSPEL G2098 WHICH G3739 I PREACH G2784 AMONG G1722 THE GENTILES, G1484 but G1161 privately G2596G2398 to them which were of reputation, G1380 lest by any means G3381G4458 I should run, G5143 or G2228 had run, G5143 in G1519 vain. G2756
2 Cor 12:1-6 (KJV) 1 It is G4851 not G3756 expedient G4851 for me G3427 doubtless G1211 to glory. G2744G1063I WILL COME G2064 TO G1519 VISIONS G3701 AND G2532 REVELATIONS G602 OF THE LORD. G2962
2 Cor 12:2 (KJV) 2 I knew G1492 a man G444 in G1722 Christ G5547 above G4253 fourteen G1180 years G2094 ago, G4253 (whether G1535 in G1722 the body, G4983 I cannot G3756 tell; G1492 or whether G1535 out G1622 of the body, G4983 I cannot G3756 tell: G1492 God G2316 knoweth;) G1492 such an one G5108 caught up G726 to G2193 the third G5154 heaven. G3772
2 Cor 12:3 (KJV) 3 And G2532 I knew G1492 such G5108 a man, G444 (whether G1535 in G1722 the body, G4983 or G1535 out G1622 of the body, G4983 I cannot G3756 tell: G1492 God G2316 knoweth;) G1492
2 Cor 12:4 (KJV) 4 How that G3754 he was caught up G726 into G1519 paradise, G3857 and G2532 heard G191 unspeakable G731 words, G4487 which G3739 it is G1832 not G3756 lawful G1832 for a man G444 to utter. G2980
2 Cor 12:5 (KJV) 5 Of G5228 such an one G5108 will I glory: G2744 yet G1161 of G5228 myself G1683 I will G2744 not G3756 glory, G2744 but G1508 in G1722 mine G3450 infirmities. G769
2 Cor 12:6 (KJV) 6 For G1063 though G1437 I would desire G2309 to glory, G2744 I shall G2071 not G3756 be G2071 a fool; G878 for G1063 I will say G2046 the truth: G225 but G1161 now I forbear, G5339 lest G3361 any man G5100 should think G3049 of G1519 me G1691 above G5228 that which G3739 he seeth G991 me G3165 to be, or G2228 that he heareth G191 of G5100G1537 me. G1700
- WHO GAVE THE APOSTLE PAUL THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
THE APOSTLE PAUL SOUGHT CHRIST THREE (3) TIMES FOR THE REMOVAL OF THIS THORN IN HIS FLESH.
THE APOSTLE PAUL THORN IN HIS FLESH WAS TO AVIOD SPIRITUAL PRIDE BEING CONCIEVED IN HIM.
2 Cor 12:7-12 (KJV) 7 And G2532 lest G3363 I should be exalted above measure G5229 through THE ABUNDANCE G5236 OF THE REVELATIONS, G602 THERE WAS GIVEN G1325 TO ME G3427 A THORN G4647 IN THE FLESH, G4561 THE MESSENGER G32 OF SATAN G4566 TO G2443 BUFFET G2852 ME, G3165 lest G3363 I should be exalted above measure. G5229
2 Cor 12:8 (KJV) 8 FOR G5228 THIS THING G5127 I BESOUGHT G3870 THE LORD G2962 THRICE, G5151 THAT G2443 IT MIGHT DEPART G868 FROM G575 ME. G1700
GREEK-buffet-kolaphizō–2852
- to strike with the fist, give one a blow with the fist
- to maltreat, treat with violence and contumely
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
κολαφίζω kolaphízō, kol-af-id’-zo; from a derivative of the base of G2849; to rap with the fist:- buffet.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- to strike with the fist, give one a blow with the fist
- to maltreat; treat with violence and contumely
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST ALLOWED THE APOSTLE PAUL TO REMAIN WITH THE THORN IN HIS FLESH TO ALLOW THE APOSTLE PAUL TO RELY OF THE GRACE OF GOD THROUGH THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
2 Cor 12:9 (KJV) 9 AND G2532 HE SAID G2046 UNTO ME, G3427 MY G3450 GRACE G5485 IS SUFFICIENT G714 FOR THEE:G4671 FOR G1063 MY G3450 STRENGTH G1411 IS MADE PERFECT G5048 IN G1722 WEAKNESS. G769Most gladly G2236 therefore G3767 will I G2744G0 rather G3123 glory G2744 in G1722 my G3450INFIRMITIES, G769 that G2443 the power G1411 of Christ G5547 may rest G1981 upon G1909 me. G1691
2 Cor 12:10 (KJV) 10 Therefore G1352 I take pleasure G2106IN G1722 INFIRMITIES, G769 IN G1722 REPROACHES, G5196 IN G1722 NECESSITIES, G318 IN G1722 PERSECUTIONS, G1375 IN G1722 DISTRESSES G4730FOR G5228 G0 CHRIST’S G5547 SAKE: G5228FOR G1063 WHEN G3752 I AM WEAK, G770THEN G5119 AM G1510 I STRONG. G1415
GREEK-weakness/infirmities-astheneia-769
- want of strength, weakness, infirmity
- of the body
- its native weakness and frailty
- feebleness of health or sickness
- of the soul
- want of strength and capacity requisite
- to understand a thing
- to do things great and glorious
- to restrain corrupt desires
- to bear trials and troubles
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
ἀσθένεια asthéneia, as-then’-i-ah; from G772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:—disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- want of strength, weakness, infirmity
a. of Body
α. it’s native weakness and frailty
β. feebleness of health; sickness
b. of Soul: want of the strength and capacity required
α. to understand a thing
β. to do things great and glorious; as want of human wisdom, of skill in speaking, in the management of men
γ. to restrain corrupt desires; proclivity to sin
Ϩ. to bear trials and troubles
THE APOSTLE PAUL OUTWARD APPEARANCE IN THE FLESH WAS NOT AN INDICATION OF GOD’S SPIRITUAL STRENGTH IN HIM THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT OR AN INDICATION OF WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HIS SPIRIT AND HIS SOUL.
2 Cor 10:7 (KJV) 7 DO YE LOOK ON G991 THINGS AFTER G2596 THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE? G4383 If any man G1536 trust G3982 to himself G1438 that he is G1511 Christ’s, G5547 let him G3049 G0 of G575 himself G1438 think G3049 this G5124 again, G3825 that, G3754 as G2531 he G846 is Christ’s, G5547 even G2532 so G3779 are we G2249 Christ’s. G5547
OTHER RELATED SCRIPTURE ON 2 COR 10:7
THE APOSTLE PAUL UNDERSTOOD THAT THE OUTWARD MAN WHICH IS THE FLESH OF MAN IS PERISHING, WHILE THE INWARD MAN WHICH IS IN THE HEART OF MAN AND THE SOUL OF MAN WHICH CONSIST OF THE MIND OF MAN, THE WILL OF MAN, THE CONSCIENCE OF MAN, THE EMOTIONS OF MAN, IS BEING RENEWED AS WE FOLLOW AFTER CHRIST.
2 Cor 4:16 (KJV) For which cause G1352 we faint G1573 not; G3756 but G235 though G1499 our G2257OUTWARD G1854 MAN G444 PERISH, G1311 yet G235THE INWARD G2081 MAN is renewed G341 day G2250 by G2532 day. G2250
THE LORD REVEALED THAT HE LOOKS AT THE HEART OF MAN FOR THE EVIDENCE OF OEBEDIENCE
1 Sam 16:7 (KJV) But the LORD H3068 said H559 unto Samuel, H8050 Look H5027 not on his countenance, H4758 or on the height H1364 of his stature; H6967 because I have refused H3988 him: FOR THE LORD SEETH NOT AS MAN H120 SEETH; H7200FOR MAN H120 LOOKETH H7200 ON THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE, H5869 BUT THE LORD H3068 LOOKETH H7200 ON THE HEART. H3824
GREEK-appearance-prosopon–4383
- the face
- the front of the human head
- countenance, look
- the face so far forth as it is the organ of sight, and (by it various movements and changes) the index of the inward thoughts and feelings
- the appearance one presents by his wealth or property, his rank or low condition
- outward circumstances, external condition
- used in expressions which denote to regard the person in one’s judgment and treatment of men
- the outward appearance of inanimate things
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
πρόσωπον prósōpon, pros’-o-pon; from G4314 and ὤψ ṓps (the visage, from G3700); the front (as being towards view), i.e. the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person:—(outward) appearance, × before, countenance, face, fashion, (men’s) person, presence.
THAYER’S GREELK LEXICON
- XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
a. the face .i.e. the anterior part of the human head; unknown to one by face .i.e. personally unknown; in presence not in heart
b. countenance; look
c. the appearance one presents by his wealth or poverty, his rank or low condition; outward circumstances, external condition
2. the outward appearance; surface
- WHAT WAS THE EVIDENCE OF THE THORN IN THE APOSTLE PAUL’S FLESH?
THE APOSTLE PAUL’S APPEARANCE WAS WEAK IN THE FLESH, BUT THAT WAS NOT AN INDICATION OF THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIS LIFE.
WHEN WE ARE WEAK IN THE FLESH, WE ARE STRONG IN OUR SPIRIT IN MAN BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS WRITING ABOUT WHAT THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH WAS SAYING ABOUT HIM.
THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS REFERENCING THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH COMMENTARY ABOUT THEIR VIEW OF HIM AS AN APOSTLE.
THE APOSTLE PAUL HAD THREE (3) WEAKNESSES IN HIS FLESH
BY THE STANDARD OF THE WORLD:
- HIS BODILY PRESENCE OR THE STRENGHT IN HIS FLESH WAS WEAK AND HAD AN EVIDENT TREMBLING IN HIS FLESH.
- HIS SPEECH WAS NOT ELOQUENT, AND WAS DESPISED BY THOSE WHO SPOKE ELOQUENTLY.
- HE HAD AN INFIRMITY IN HIS EYES
- CONTEMPTIBLE SPEECH
2 Cor 10:10-12 (KJV) 10 For G3754 his letters, G1992G3303SAY THEY, G5346 are weighty G926 and G2532 powerful; G2478BUT G1161 HIS BODILY G4983 PRESENCE G3952 IS WEAK, G772and G2532HIS SPEECH G3056 CONTEMPTIBLE. G1848
- GREEK-bodily-sōma-4983
- the body both of men or animals
- a dead body or corpse
- the living body
- of animals
- the bodies of planets and of stars (heavenly bodies)
- is used of a (large or small) number of men closely united into one society, or family as it were; a social, ethical, mystical body
- so in the NT of the church
- that which casts a shadow as distinguished from the shadow itself
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
σῶμα sōma, so’-mah; from G4982; the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively:—bodily, body, slave.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- the body both of men and animals
- a dead body or a corpse
- the living body, the body consisting of flesh .i.e. physical body
- GREEK-presence-parousia-3952
- presence
- the coming, arrival, advent
- the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
παρουσία parousía, par-oo-see’-ah; from the present participle of G3918; a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect:—coming, presence.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- presence
- the coming, arrival, advent
- GREEK-weak-asthenēs-4983
- weak, infirm, feeble
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
ἀσθενής asthenḗs, as-then-ace’; from G1 (as a negative particle) and the base of G4599; strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral):—more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing).
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- weak, infirm, feeble
- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
- of the body, feeble, sick
- GREEK-contemplible-exoutheneō-1848
- to make of no account, despise utterly
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō, ex-oo-then-eh’-o; a variation of G1847 and meaning the same: —contemptible, despise, least esteemed, set at nought.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- to make of no account; to despise utterly
- to treat with contempt
2 Cor 10:11 (KJV) 11 Let G3049G0 such an one G5108 think G3049 this, G5124 that, G3754 such as G3634 we are G2070 in word G3056 by G1223 letters G1992 when we are absent, G548 such G5108 will we be also G2532 in deed G2041 when we are present. G3918
THE APOSTLE PAUL STATED THAT IT IS NOT WISE TO COMPAR COMPARE OURSELVES WITH EACH OTHER.
2 Cor 10:12 (KJV) 12 For G1063 we dare G5111 not G3756 make G1469G0 ourselves of the number, G1469 or G2228 compare G4793G0 ourselves G1438 with G4793 some G5100 that commend G4921 themselves: G1438BUT G235 THEY G846 MEASURING G3354 THEMSELVES G1438 BY G1722 THEMSELVES, G1438 AND G2532 COMPARING G4793 G0 THEMSELVES G1438 AMONG G4793 THEMSELVES, G1438 ARE G4920 G0 NOT G3756 WISE. G4920
THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS A MAN FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, YET HE CAME TO THE CORINTHIANS IN WEAKENESS AND FEAR AND MUCH TREMBLING.
HE ACKNOWLEDGE
1 Cor 2:1-5 (KJV) 1 And I, G2504 brethren, G80 when I came G2064 to G4314 you, G5209 came G2064 not G3756 with G2596 EXCELLENCY G5247 OF SPEECH G3056 or G2228 of wisdom, G4678 declaring G2605 unto you G5213 the testimony G3142 of God. G2316
1 Cor 2:2 (KJV) 2 For G1063 I determined G2919 not G3756 to know G1492 anything G5100 among G1722 you, G5213 save G1508 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 and G2532 him G5126 crucified. G4717
- THE APOSTLE PAUL HAD A GREAT TREMBLING IN HIS FLESH
THE APOSTLE PAUL WHO HAD THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT STATED THAT HE CAME TO THE CORINTHIAN CHURCH IN WEAKNESS, IN FEAR AND IN MUCH TREMBLING.
1 Cor 2:3 (KJV) 3 And G2532 I G1473 was G1096 with G4314 you G5209 in G1722 WEAKNESS, G769and G2532 IN G1722 FEAR, G5401 and G2532 IN G1722 MUCH G4183 TREMBLING. G5156
- GREEK-weakness-astheneia-769
- want of strength, weakness, infirmity
- of the body
- its native weakness and frailty
- feebleness of health or sickness
- of the soul
- want of strength and capacity requisite
- to understand a thing
- to do things great and glorious
- to restrain corrupt desires
- to bear trials and troubles
- want of strength and capacity requisite
- of the body
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
ἀσθένεια asthéneia, as-then’-i-ah; from G772; feebleness (of mind or body); by implication, malady; morally, frailty:—disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- want of strength, weakness, infirmity
a. of Body
α. it’s native weakness and frailty
β. feebleness of health; sickness
b. of Soul: want of the strength and capacity required
α. to understand a thing
β. to do things great and glorious; as want of human wisdom, of skill in speaking, in the management of men
γ. to restrain corrupt desires; proclivity to sin
Ϩ. to bear trials and troubles
- GREEK-fear-phobos-5401
- fear, dread, terror
- that which strikes terror
- reverence for one’s husband
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
φόβος phóbos, fob’-os; from a primary φέβομαι phébomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright: —be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- fear; dread; terror
- reverence; respect
- GREEK-trembling-tromos-5156
- a trembling or quaking with fear
- with fear and trembling, used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
τρόμος trómos, trom’-os; from G5141; a “trembling”, i.e., quaking with fear:—+ tremble(-ing).
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- a trembling; quaking with fear
- with fear and trembling, used to describe the anxiety of one who distrusts his ability completely to meet all requirements, but religiously does his utmost to fulfill his duty.
1 Cor 2:4 (KJV) 4 And G2532 my G3450 speech G3056 and G2532 my G3450 preaching G2782 was not G3756 with G1722 enticing G3981 words G3056 of man’s G442 wisdom, G4678 BUT G235 IN G1722 DEMONSTRATION G585 OF THE SPIRIT G4151 AND G2532 OF POWER: G1411
1 Cor 2:5 (KJV) 5 That G2443 your G5216 faith G4102 should G5600 G0 not G3361 stand G5600 in G1722 the wisdom G4678 of men, G444 but G235 in G1722 the power G1411 of God. G2316
- THE APOSTLE PAUL HAD AN INFIRMITY IN THE EYES
THE APOSTLE PAUL HAD AN INFIRMITY IN HIS EYES; WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN LEFT AS A REMINDER BY CHRIST WHEN THE SCALES WERE REMOVED FROM HIS EYES AFTER HE WAS STRUCKED DOWN ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
Gal 4:13-15 (KJV) 13 G1161 Ye know G1492 how G3754 through G1223 INFIRMITY G769 OF THE FLESH G4561 I preached the gospel G2097 unto you G5213 at the first. G4386
Gal 4:14 (KJV) 14 And G2532MY G3450 TEMPTATION G3986 WHICH WAS IN G1722 MY G3450 FLESH G4561 ye despised G1848 not, G3756 nor G3761 rejected; G1609 but G235 received G1209 me G3165 as G5613 an angel G32 of God, G2316 even as G5613 Christ G5547 Jesus. G2424
Gal 4:15 (KJV) 15 Where G5101 is G2258 then G3767 the blessedness G3108 ye G5216 spake of? for G1063 I bear G3140G0 you G5213 record, G3140 that, G3754IF G1487 IT HAD BEEN POSSIBLE, G1415 YE WOULD HAVE PLUCKED OUT G1846 YOUR G5216 OWN EYES, G3788 AND HAVE GIVEN THEM G302 G1325 TO ME. G3427
OTHER RELATED SCRIPTURES TO GALATIANS 4:13-15
THE APOSTLE PAUL BECAME BLIND AND HAD SCALES IN HIS EYES WHEN HE WAS CONFRONTED BY CHRIST ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
THESE SCALES WERE REMOVED BUT LEFT AN INFIRMITY IN THE EYES OF PAUL AS EVIDENCE.
Acts 9:8-9 (KJV) And G1161 Saul G4569 arose G1453 from G575 the earth; G1093 and G1161 WHEN HIS G846 EYES G3788 WERE OPENED, G455 HE SAW G991 NO MAN: G3762 but G1161 they led G5496 G0 him G846 by the hand, G5496 and brought G1521 him into G1519 Damascus. G1154
Acts 9:9 (KJV) And G2532 HE WAS G2258 THREE G5140 DAYS G2250 WITHOUT G3361 SIGHT, G991 and G2532 neither G3756 did eat G5315 nor G3761 drink. G4095
THE APOSTLE PAUL EYE SIGHT WAS RESTORED BY THE LORD BY THE REMOVAL OF THE SCALES.
IN GAL 5:13-15; IT IS EVIDENT THAT THERE REMAINED AN INFIRMITY IN THE EYES OF PAUL FOR OTHERS TO SEE AND TO DISREGARD HIM AS AN APOSTLE, BECAUSE OF HIS OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF HIS FLESH.
GOD IS NOT PROMOTING THE APPEARANCE OF OUR SINFUL FLESH.
Acts 9:17-18 (KJV) 17 And G1161 Ananias G367 went his way, G565 and G2532 entered G1525 into G1519 the house; G3614 and G2532 putting G2007 his hands G5495 on G1909 him G846 said, G2036 Brother G80 Saul, G4549 the Lord, G2962 even Jesus, G2424 that appeared G3700 unto thee G4671 in G1722 the way G3598 as G3739 thou camest, G2064 hath sent G649 me, G3165 THAT G3704 THOU MIGHTEST RECEIVE THY SIGHT, G308 and G2532 be filled with G4130 the Holy G40 Ghost. G4151
Acts 9:18 (KJV) 18 And G2532 IMMEDIATELY G2112 THERE FELL G634 FROM G575 HIS G846 EYES G3788 AS G5616 IT HAD BEEN SCALES: G3013 and he received sight G308 forthwith, G3916 and G5037 arose, G450 and G2532 was baptized. G907
- WHAT DID JESUS CHRIST ACCOMPLISH THROUGH THE APOSTLE PAUL BECAUSE OF THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
BECAUSE OF HIS THORN IN THE FLESH; THE APOSTLE PAUL RECEIVED AN ABUNDANE OF REVELATION FROM GOD AND THE REVELATION ABOUT SINFUL FLESH AND EMPHASIZED AND WROTE THE MOST ABOUT THE FLESH OF MAN IN HIS INSPIRED EPISTLES TO THE CHURCH; BECAUSE HE LIVED AND UNDERSTOOD THE WEAKNESS IN THE SINFUL FLESH OF MAN.
THE APOSTLE PAUL OBTAINED THE MOST REVELATION FROM GOD THE FATHER AND JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE HE SUFFERED GREATLY IN THE FLESH.
SCRIPTURES WITH THE MENTION OF FLESH:
THE APOSTLE PAUL MENTIONED THE WORD FLESH IN HIS EPISTLES EIGHTY-THREE (83) TIMES.
- ROMANS (22)
- 1 CORINTHIANS (9)
- 2 CORINTHIANS (9)
- GALATIANS (16)
- EPHESIANS (8)
- PHILLIPANS (4)
- COLASSIANS (8)
- 1 TIMOTHY (1)
- PHILEMON (1)
- HEBREW (5)
- JAMES (1)
- 1 PETER (6)
- 2 PETER (2)
- 1 JOHN (3)
- 2 JOHN (1)
- JUDE (3)
- REVELATION (3)
- WHAT WAS THE APOSTLE PAUL CONCLUSION ABOUT THE FLESH OF MAN BECAUSE OF THE THORN IN HIS FLESH?
THE APOSTLE PAUL CONCLUDED THAT THE SINFUL FLESH OF MAN APART FROM THE INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST (WHICH IS THE NEW SPIRIT IN MAN) AND THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS NO ETERNAL PURPOSE AND WE SHOULD NOT PURSUE THE THINGS AFTER THE FLESH.
THE APOSTLE PAUL CAME TO THE REVELATION THAT THERE IS NO GOOD THING IN OUR SINFUL FLESH.
Rom 7:18 (KJV) For G1063 I know G1492 that G3754 in G1722 me G1698 (THAT IS, G5123 IN G1722 MY G3450 FLESH,) G4561DWELLETH G3611 NO G3756 GOOD THING: G18 for G1063 to will G2309 is present G3873 with me; G3427 but G1161 how to perform G2716 that which is good G2570 I find G2147 not. G3756
Rom 7:25 (KJV) I thank G2168 God G2316 through G1223 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 our G2257 Lord. G2962 So then G686G3767 with the mind G3563 I G1473 myself G846 serve G3303G1398 the law G3551 of God; G2316BUT G1161 WITH THE FLESH G4561 THE LAW G3551 OF SIN. G266
Rom 8:13 (KJV) FOR G1063 IF G1487 YE LIVE G2198 AFTER G2596 THE FLESH, G4561 YE SHALL G3195 DIE: G599 but G1161 if G1487 ye G2289 G0 through the Spirit G4151 do mortify G2289 the deeds G4234 of the body, G4983 YE SHALL LIVE. G2198
Rom 13:14 (KJV) But G235 put ye on G1746 the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 and G2532 MAKE G4160 NOT G3361 PROVISION G4307 FOR G1519 THE FLESH, G4561 to fulfil the lusts G1939 thereof.
GREEK-provision-pronoia-4307
- forethought, providential care
- to make provision for a thing
STRONG’S DEFINITIONS
πρόνοια prónoia, pron’-oy-ah; from G4306; forethought, i.e. provident care or supply: —providence, provision.
THAYER’S GREEK LEXICON
- forethought, provident care
- to make provision of a thing
THE APOSTLE PAUL UNDERSTOOD THE ETERNAL DANGER OF WALKING AFTER THE SINFUL FLESH OF MAN. WE MUST BE SPIRITUALLY CONSCIOUS OF THE WORKS OF THE FLESH BY THE LEADING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Gal 5:16-21 (KJV) 16 This I say G3004 then, G1161 Walk G4043 in the Spirit, G4151 and G2532 ye shall G5055 not G3364 fulfil G5055THE LUST G1939 OF THE FLESH. G4561
Gal 5:17 (KJV) 17 For G1063THE FLESH G4561 LUSTETH G1937 AGAINST G2596 THE SPIRIT, G4151 AND G1161 THE SPIRIT G4151 AGAINST G2596 THE FLESH: G4561 and G1161 these G5023 are contrary G480 the one to the other: G240 so that G2443 ye cannot G3363 do G4160 the things G5023 that G3739G302 ye would. G2309
Gal 5:18 (KJV) 18 But G1161 if G1487 ye be led G71 of the Spirit, G4151 ye are G2075 not G3756 under G5259 the law. G3551
Gal 5:19 (KJV) 19 Now G1161THE WORKS G2041 OF THE FLESH G4561 are G2076 manifest, G5318 which G3748 are G2076 these; Adultery, G3430 fornication, G4202 uncleanness, G167 lasciviousness, G766
Gal 5:20 (KJV) 20 Idolatry, G1495 witchcraft, G5331 hatred, G2189 variance, G2054 emulations, G2205 wrath, G2372 strife, G2052 seditions, G1370 heresies, G139
Gal 5:21 (KJV) 21 Envyings, G5355 murders, G5408 drunkenness, G3178 revellings, G2970 and G2532 such G5125 like: G3664 of the which G3739 I tell G4302 you G5213 before, G4302 as G2531 I have G4277 also G2532 told you in time past, G4277 that G3754 they which do G4238 such things G5108 shall G2816 not G3756 inherit G2816 the kingdom G932 of God. G2316
CONCLUSION
- THE APOSTLE PAUL THORN IN THE FLESH WERE:
- TREMBLING IN HIS BODY: THE APOSTLE PAUL BODY HAD A TREMBLING WHICH WAS EVIDENT TO OTHERS IN THEIR PRESENCE.
- CONTEMPTABLE SPEECH: THE APOSTLE PAUL DID NOT HAVE ELOQUENT SPEECH AND WAS LOOKED DOWN UPON BY THOSE IN THE CONRINTHIAN CHURCH WHO CONTINUED TO RELY ON THE WISDON OF THE WORLD.
- INFIRMITY IN HIS EYES: AFTER THE APOSTLE PAUL WAS SRUCK DOWN BY THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND WAS BLINDED, THE LORD ALLOWED AN INFIRMITY TO REMAIN IN THE EYES OF THE APOSTLE PAUL.
OUR ETERNAL INHERITANCE IS MORE IMPORTANT TO GOD THAN OUR PHYSICAL FLESH WHICH HAS INHERITED PHYSICAL DEATH FROM ADAM.
- BECAUSE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL’S THORN IN HIS FLESH; HE WAS ABLE TO UNDERSTAND THE WEAKNESS IN OUR SINFUL FLESH AND THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT TO OVERCOME THE WORKS OF THE FLESH.
- GOD DID A MIGHTY SPIRITUAL WORK THROUGH THE APOSTLE PAUL, BECAUSE OF THE WEAKNESS AND THE SUFFERINGS IN HIS FLESH.
- THE APOSTLE PAUL RECIEVED AN ABUNDANCE OF SPIRITUAL REVELATION OF THE NEW COVENANT FROM THE LORD, BECAUSE HE SUFFERED GREATLY IN HIS FLESH FOR CHRIST AND THE KINGDOM OF GOD.