Things Are Not Always as They Seem

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)

What is a thorn in the flesh? When we think of a thorn, we think of a somewhat minor irritation. But the root word Paul used for thorn here describes a tent stake, not a thumbtack.

In the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint, the word skolops (thorn) shows “something which frustrates and causes trouble in the lives of those afflicted.” (Dr. Colin Kruse)

“A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me.” In a strange way, the thorn was given – ultimately given by God – but it was also a messenger of Satan.

Satan probably jumped at God’s permission to afflict Paul and did so with malice towards the apostle. But God had a purpose in it all and allowed Satan’s messenger to successfully keep Paul from being exalted above measure.

To buffet me means that this thorn in the flesh – the messenger of Satan – “punched” Paul. He felt that he was beaten black and blue by this messenger of Satan.

Paul, punched about by the devil? Who would have thought it?

Alan Redpath explained it like this: “Perhaps you have looked into the face of a Christian who is always smiling, who never seems to have any worry, is always happy and radiant and, as you have thought about your own circumstances, you have said in your heart, ‘I wish I were he! He seems to have no problems. He doesn’t have to take what I do.’ But perhaps you have lived long enough, as I have, to know that sometimes the most radiant face hides great pressures, and often the man who is being most blessed of God is being most buffeted by the devil.”

Prompt: Have you ever felt like Satan’s “punching bag”? Don’t be afraid. Keep trusting the Lord. God is a shield around you (Psalm 3:3), and He will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Based on The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik.