Title of Abstract
A Thorn in the Mind: An Interpretation of 2 Corinthians 12.7b-10
Session Title
History and Literature
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies
Faculty Mentor
Peter Judge, Ph.D.
Abstract
In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul describes a “messenger of Satan” being sent to him in the shape of a “thorn in the flesh” to serve as a reminder that Christ’s grace is sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12.7b-10); however, the exact interpretation of what this thorn represents is unclear. I present a historical overview of this passage, along with the three common opinions as to what the thorn actually is—a physical ailment, an enemy of Paul, or, verbatim, a messenger of Satan—along with biblical evidence for each of these opinions. I argue, however, that an additional, equally valid interpretation—that the thorn represents, in modern terms, a mental affliction—can also be supported with biblical evidence. In addition, I discuss the evangelical Protestant Church, its view of mental health, and the role it can play in using 2 Corinthians 12.7b-10 to minister to those suffering with mental illness.
Course Assignment
RELG 495 – Judge
Start Date
12-4-2019 3:45 PM
A Thorn in the Mind: An Interpretation of 2 Corinthians 12.7b-10
West 214
In his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul describes a “messenger of Satan” being sent to him in the shape of a “thorn in the flesh” to serve as a reminder that Christ’s grace is sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12.7b-10); however, the exact interpretation of what this thorn represents is unclear. I present a historical overview of this passage, along with the three common opinions as to what the thorn actually is—a physical ailment, an enemy of Paul, or, verbatim, a messenger of Satan—along with biblical evidence for each of these opinions. I argue, however, that an additional, equally valid interpretation—that the thorn represents, in modern terms, a mental affliction—can also be supported with biblical evidence. In addition, I discuss the evangelical Protestant Church, its view of mental health, and the role it can play in using 2 Corinthians 12.7b-10 to minister to those suffering with mental illness.
