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Paul’s Thorn and God’s Grace
In this part of Paul’s letter, he explains why he will not build his reputation on impressive experiences. Instead, he points to weakness, prayer, and the Lord’s answer about grace and power.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
These verses present Paul’s own explanation of boasting, weakness, and Christ’s power. He mentions great revelations, a painful “thorn in the flesh”, his repeated prayer for it to leave, and the Lord’s reply that grace is sufficient. The passage stays focused on how Paul speaks about himself and his troubles.
2 Corinthians 12:5–10Main takeaway
This passage teaches that Paul sees Christ’s power at work especially in human weakness, because the Lord’s grace is sufficient.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Boasting only in weaknessPaul says he could speak on behalf of another kind of person, but for himself he will boast only in weaknesses.
Explanation
Paul says he could speak on behalf of another kind of person, but for himself he will boast only in weaknesses. He also says that even if he did boast, he would be speaking truth. Still, he holds back so people will judge him by what they actually see and hear from him.
02The thorn and its purposePaul says the greatness of the revelations could have led to excessive self-exaltation. He therefore speaks of a “thorn in the flesh”, also called a messenger of Satan to torment him.
Explanation
Paul says the greatness of the revelations could have led to excessive self-exaltation. He therefore speaks of a “thorn in the flesh”, also called a messenger of Satan to torment him. The passage does not identify exactly what the thorn was, but it repeats that this kept him from being exalted excessively.
03Paul’s repeated prayerPaul did not treat this trouble lightly. He says he begged the Lord three times that it might leave him.
Explanation
Paul did not treat this trouble lightly. He says he begged the Lord three times that it might leave him. This shows a real and repeated request. The verse tells us Paul asked for removal, without adding details about when this happened or how long the suffering lasted.
04Grace that is sufficientThe Lord’s answer is central: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Explanation
The Lord’s answer is central: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Because of this, Paul says he will gladly glory in weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest on him. He can even take pleasure in many hardships for Christ’s sake, because in weakness he knows true strength.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does Paul restrain his boasting, even when he says he would be speaking the truth?
Look at how Paul wants people to think about him only from what they see and hear, not from exaggerated impressions.
02What two descriptions does Paul use for his suffering in verse 7, and what repeated purpose does he name?
Notice both the phrase “thorn in the flesh” and “messenger of Satan”, then observe the repeated line about not being exalted excessively.
03What exactly does the Lord say is sufficient, and what does Paul conclude from that answer?
Read the Lord’s words carefully, then connect them with Paul’s decision to glory in weakness and his statement about strength.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
2 Corinthians 12:5–10
5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.
6For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me.
7By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.
8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me.
9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
10Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.