What is the Apostle Paul's “thorn in the flesh,” and why is an eye disease mentioned?

Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is not explicitly identified, so an eye disease is a plausible, but not obligatory, interpretation. Adventists who mention the apostle’s poor eyesight rely on several biblical hints; however, they should not present this view as an undisputed fact or a distinctive doctrine of the Church.

What Paul Says About His “Thorn”

In his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, Paul explains that following extraordinary revelations, he was given a “thorn in the flesh.” It was intended not to destroy his ministry, but to keep him from spiritual pride and to teach him to rely on God's grace. The apostle does not specify the exact nature of this affliction. This very silence is significant: Scripture reveals the purpose of the trial, but it does not satisfy our curiosity regarding its precise medical or circumstantial diagnosis.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Cor 12:7–9

The phrase “messenger” or “angel” of Satan does not necessarily mean that an actual demon indwelt Paul's body. In biblical idiom, this can describe an instrument of adversarial pressure: physical pain, illness, persecution, opponents, or a combination of these circumstances. The expression “in the flesh” certainly makes a bodily ailment likely, but it does not determine its specific form.

Why the Eyes Are Mentioned

The primary argument comes from the Epistle to the Galatians. Paul reminds the churches that he initially preached the gospel to them “because of physical infirmity.” His condition was noticeable and could have been a trial to the people. Yet the Galatians welcomed the apostle with deep love; he even says that they would have plucked out their own eyes and given them to him if possible.

“You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me.” Gal 4:13–15

These words could simply be a strong expression of devotion: “you would have given me what was most precious to you.” However, they could also be a personal allusion to a problem with his eyesight. Therefore, the eye disease theory is not a mere fabrication; it has a textual foundation. At the same time, this passage alone does not prove that an eye affliction was indeed the “thorn” described in 2 Corinthians 12.

Does Paul's Large Handwriting Confirm This?

Another argument is found near the end of Galatians. It is likely that Paul usually dictated his letters to an amanuensis and wrote only the closing lines himself. He draws his readers' attention to what he wrote with his own hand.

“See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” Gal 6:11

Some understand “large letters” literally: that Paul wrote in a large hand because of failing eyesight. That is quite possible. However, the phrase can also be translated as “what a large letter I have written to you,” meaning the apostle is emphasizing the length of the epistle or his personal involvement in writing it. Thus, while this text supports the conjecture, it does not constitute definitive proof.

Other Possible Explanations

Some commentators view the “thorn” as persistent persecution. In the Old Testament, the imagery of thorns often refers to hostile nations that cause distress to God's people. Paul's life was undeniably filled with beatings, dangers, imprisonments, and relentless hostility.

“From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked.” 2 Cor 11:24–25

Others interpret the “messenger of Satan” as specific adversaries or spiritual temptations. Nevertheless, the reality of a physical infirmity in Galatians gives significant weight to the possibility of an illness. The most cautious conclusion is this: Paul likely endured a genuine physical affliction; impaired vision is one reasonable theory, but the precise nature of the “thorn” was not revealed by God.

The Adventist Perspective and Practical Application

The Seventh-day Adventist Church holds no dogma asserting that Paul’s “thorn” was an eye disease. In Adventist commentaries and sermons, this possibility is often mentioned in connection with Galatians 4:13–15 and 6:11, but it must be distinguished from established biblical doctrine. Ellen G. White does not make Paul’s medical condition an article of faith; her emphasis, like that of the apostle himself, is focused on the sufficiency of God’s grace in human weakness.

The practical takeaway lies not in debating a medical diagnosis, but in trusting God during times of illness, limitations, or chronic pain. Like Paul, we can earnestly pray for healing while continuing to receive God’s strength for faithful service when the answer is not what we anticipated.

“Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor 12:9