Thorn in the Flesh

Thorn in the Flesh Koine: σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί was an expression used by the apostle Paul to describe a messenger of the Adversary, who kept slapping him on occasion.

Paul's supernatural vision

 * Apostle Paul explains how God allows an angel of Satan, to every so often, put him in his place.
 * '''2 Corinthians 12:1-10

'''Revelation of third heaven
[1] I have to boast. It is not beneficial, but I will move on to supernatural visions and revelations of the Lord. [2] I know a man in union with Christ who, 14 years ago—whether in the body or out of the body, I do not know; God knows—was caught away to the third heaven. [3] Yes, I know such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know; God knows— [4] who was caught away into paradise and heard words that cannot be spoken and that are not lawful for a man to say. [5] I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself except of my weaknesses. [6] For even if I want to boast, I will not be unreasonable, for I would say the truth. But I refrain from doing so, in order that no one should give me more credit than what he sees in me or hears from me, [7] just because of receiving such extraordinary revelations.

'''Paul's thorn in the flesh
To keep me from becoming overly exalted, I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan, to keep slapping me, so that I might not be overly exalted. [8] Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it would depart from me. [9] But he said to me: “My undeserved kindness is sufficient for you, for my power is being made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I will boast about my weaknesses, in order that the power of the Christ may remain over me like a tent. [10] So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in times of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.