Q.

What is the thorn in his side that Paul describes?

186

Q

I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I

do the very thing I hate. (Rom. 7:15)

Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

(Rom. 7:24)

Whether it was guilt and regret for past transgressions or an ongoing tor-

ment, Paul clearly felt that his physical existence got in the way of his spiritual

calling.

One thing about Paul’s struggle, whatever it was, is that we can all proba-

bly relate at one time or another. Who among us, after all, hasn’t found it hard

to forgive ourselves for something we’ve done? Despite God’s covenant with

humanity that nothing we can do is enough to make us unworthy of grace, we

are all too ready to pass judgment on ourselves.

Thank God that God is better at the whole forgiveness thing than we

seem to be.

Scriptural References

Romans 7:13–25; 8:38–39; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

Suggested Additional Sources for Reading

• Sandra Hack Polaski, A Feminist Introduction to Paul (Chalice Press, 2005).


• John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul (David C. Cook, 1994).

Suggested Questions for Further Discussion/Thought

1. Would some sort of physical infection—especially one with its origin in
   a sex act—undermine Paul’s integrity? Would you have similar reactions
   concerning a contemporary religious leader?


2. What do you think the thorn was in Paul’s side? Why?


3. Do you have any thorns in your side?


4. Why do we often fi nd it harder to forgive ourselves than to forgive
   others?

http://www.ebook3000.com