What is Paul's thorn in flesh by John MacArthur

Paul's thorn in the flesh interpreted by apologist John MacArthur of Grace To You church.

[@user-gn1pu2wo1x]

Jesus promised persecution. He never promised illness. He heals all who asked. Thank you Pastor McArthur.

[@jayonnaj18]

Praise the Lord! It makes perfect sense to me why Jesus continually buffeted Paul, torturing him with a demon constantly, so that Paul would not get the big head, realize his frailty and need for dependence on Divine strength!

[@leonardoclaros9773]

People often missunderstand the fact that God "commands demons". Although its true that if He gives an order they have to obey, is the devil that offers him first to destroy our lives, as we see in the book of Job. But he cannot do nothing without the permission of God. That does not make God as evil as the devil by concenting his actions, because he has a more complex plan, and the end result is for us to be blessed.

[@loucjenk]

Where does the bible say that the devil has to have permission from God before he can do anything to us?

[@nicholeshaw7633]

​​​Only in the story of Job he was given permission to​ test job by stripping him of all his possessions and inflicting suffering but commanded not to take his life. Job 2:1-10 It did not say the devil have to have permission but he did seek permission in this case. Satan inflicts us as humans everyday. We know that Christians do have a hedge of protection around them. This does not mean that when the devil comes at time we aren't affected. God allows some stuff to happen. This helps in strengthening our faith. @@loucjenk

[@johnkennedy7327]

I like John MacArthurs teachings, But hear I wonder.. why a thorn in the flesh is not just that, that Almighty God uses an instrument of such simplicity and size to crush the pride within Paul

[@henrymanshop8029]

Excellent explanation...

[@stewart_92]

God commands demons is a wild statement. Very clearly preaching God as the author of both good and evil. Very confusing for most people and doesn’t lead to fruitfulness in the area of growing in love for your neighbor

[@Italianlad69]

1 Kings 22:23 "Now therefore, behold, the Lord hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee. 1 Samuel 16:14 "But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. Judges 9:23 "Then God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech."

[@EvaCFricke]

It does shows God has authority over good and evil as a creator of heaven and Earth.

[@loucjenk]

Jesus did NOT allow the devil to sift him as wheat. Jesus said He would pray for him that his faith would not fail.

[@nicholeshaw7633]

God does not cause suffering as he cannot be named with evil. When the devil is after us, God however does allow some stuff to happen. In the case of Job, he went through perilous times, however the devil was not allowed to take his life. Job 2:1-10. In the Christian walk we are tested and tried but we are more than conquers through Christ. We grow in faith and put total trust in God. Many have died for the cause of Christ and their death was not in vain. Am looking forward for the glorious return of Jesus Christ when we will be reunited and recieve our greatest reward.