Paul speaks about a 'thorn in his flesh.' All sorts of theories attempt to figure out what was wrong with Paul.
It might have been his physical appearance. He wasn't, by most accounts, a handsome man. He was once described as a little, balding, bow-legged man with a hooked nose and shaggy eyebrows. Some believe he may have had epilepsy which is painful and reoccurring, but that would allow him to work between episodes. Others believe that he may have had some type of eye trouble. When God met him on the Damascus Road Paul was blinded. It may be that his eyes never really recovered.
The most popular theory is that Paul had a type of malaria fever that resulted in devastating headaches. These headaches have been described as having felt like a red-hot bar was thrust through your head.
Whatever it was, Paul prayed that it might be taken from him. But God did not take it away, He gave Paul the strength to bear it. This is sometimes how God works. He doesn't spare us, but gives us the strength we need.
No comments:
Post a Comment