What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What was the thorn in Paul's flesh?"
Answer
The exact nature of the “thorn in the flesh” (often also translated as “thorn in the flesh”) is not clearly defined in the biblical and Adventist writings, but it is described as a physical suffering that was meant to keep Paul from pride and to keep him humble. Some interpreters suspect that it may have been a poor eyesight. In response to his repeated prayer, God did not remove the suffering, but gave him the necessary grace to endure it steadfastly.
A physical ailment of unknown kind
»And there was also his “thorn in the flesh” (…) – a physical ailment whose exact nature is not revealed – to strike him and keep him humble.«
Possible speculation about an eye affliction
»Some think that his “thorn in the flesh” was poor eyesight.«
God's answer to the prayer for deliverance
»When Paul prayed that the thorn in his flesh might be removed, the Lord did not answer his prayer by taking the thorn away, but by giving him grace to endure the trial. "My grace," He said, "is sufficient for you.«
Protection against spiritual self-exaltation
»If it was necessary for Paul to have a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan, who struck him, so that he would not become proud through the abundance of revelations with which he was favored, then it is a reasonable conclusion that all who seek to walk with God (...), are also in danger of self-exaltation and the devil's wiles.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
