In the May issue of our Chapter & Verse Newsletter, we looked further at the subject of Paul's Thorn in the Flesh. We saw that in 2 Corinthians Satan gave Paul a thorn in his flesh. The purpose of this thorn was to (buffet) or to strike with the fist, to maltreat, treat with violence and contumely.
We also saw that the word messenger in verse 7 comes from the Greek word aggello. This word aggello or messenger occurs 186 times in the bible. The majority of the time this word is translated angel.
In fact, its translated angel 179 times. It's only translated messenger 7 times.
Because of the abundance of revelation that God gave Paul the devil sent a demon, a dark angel to buffet Paul and his ministry.
Paul was doing the adversary great harm ever since he defected from his leadership recorded in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts. This messenger, this aggello, this angel was sent by Satan and given a specific assignment to eliminate Paul.
In this issue I'd like to look at some more records regarding just how this messenger of Satan, this dark angel, buffeted Paul throughout his ministry.
Let's look at the book of Acts chapter 28.
Acts 28:1-6 1And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. 3And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
Here we see an animal was used to kill Paul. I always get a chuckle out of this record because it shows among other things just how fickle people can be. In verse 4 they said. "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live."
However when Paul did not die they changed their minds because according to verse six: "Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god."
How do you like that, from a murderer to a god in two short verses. That's pretty good!
Satan wanted to buffet Paul. He assigned a dark angel with that objective. This is and always has been his nature. I'd like to show you three different translations of Isaiah 14:6. First in King James:
Isaiah 14:6 He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.
Now look at the New American Bible:
NAB Isaiah 14:6 That struck the peoples in wrath relentless blows; That beat down the nations in anger, with oppression unchecked.
And the New International version:
NIV Isaiah 14:6 which in anger struck down peoples with unceasing blows, and in fury subdued nations with relentless aggression.
This is our adversary and God describes his personality here in Isaiah. Here we see him described as attacking people with relentless aggression, unceasing blows, and oppression unchecked.
Paul's thorn in the flesh was not a person, it was a personality: a dark angel sent by Satan to buffet him. However, God's answer to the problem was for Paul to do his job and God would take care of Paul.
Dark angels or demons are spirits without bodies. In order for them to express their personality they must have access to a body. Their first choice is mankind, however, if they can't get into a person then they will settle for an animal.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10�8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9And 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. 10Therefore 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.
Paul knew exactly what his thorn was. He calls it a "thing" and an "it" in verse 8. This is an appropriate name to call a messenger from Satan.
Matthew 26:67 Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
Jesus endured the same treatment.
Acts 9:1-16 1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
So you see Paul's thorn in the flesh was just what the Bible said it was: an angel from Satan. When you follow Paul's life thought out the book of Acts you will quickly find that this dark angel incited the people against Paul to stone him.
This demon incited the government against Paul to buffet him. A storm, a viper, a servant of Satan, the religious leader, and false brethren were among the group that this demon had access to so he could influence them to get rid of the Apostle Paul.
1 Peter 2:20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.1 Peter 3:14-17 14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Every man or woman who ever stood or will ever stand for God knows they will need to endure a sampling of what Paul endured. When Paul started in the ministry he knew what he was getting in to we should not be discouraged when things flare up.
God never leaves us; as he was with Paul, Peter, and Jesus, he is and will be for you as you believe and walk out in faith.ÿ