An Unexpected Gift?

In the first part of 2 Corinthians 12, Paul describes his glorious vision and revelation of the Lord. Read about his vision in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 as you begin today’s devotional.

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

“Lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations.” Paul’s vision was so impressive that it would have been easy for him to be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations. He could have gloried himself or caused others to glory in him because of this experience.

Paul was not immune to the danger of pride. No one is.

Theologian Matthew Poole wrote, “The best of God’s people have in them a root of pride or a disposition to be exalted above measure, upon their receipt of favors from God not common to others.”

To prevent being exalted above measure, Paul was given a thorn in the flesh. Paul reveals the real reason for telling of his heavenly vision: not to glorify himself but to explain his thorn in the flesh.

It seems that everyone could see the thorn in the flesh Paul suffered from – it was no secret. His heavenly vision was a secret until now, but everyone saw the thorn. Some among the Corinthian Christians probably thought less of Paul because of his thorn in the flesh, but they knew nothing of the amazing spiritual experience that lay behind it.

Charles Spurgeon wrote about Paul’s thorn in the flesh, “He says, ‘There was given to me.’ He reckoned his great trial to be a gift. It is well put. He does not say, ‘There was inflicted upon me a thorn in the flesh,’ but ‘There was given to me.’”

Prompt: Has God given you unexpected “gifts” (thorns) that keep you humble? Talk to the Lord about them today. God gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

Based on The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.