And to keep me from being puffed up and too much elated by the exceeding greatness (preeminence) of these revelations, there was given me a thorn ( a splinter) in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to rack and buffet and harass me, to keep me from being excessively exalted. Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me; But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

On the contrary, you know that it was on account of a bodily ailment that [I remained and] preached the Gospel to you the first time. And [yet] although my physical condition was [such] a trial to you, you did not regard it with contempt, or scorn and loathe and reject me; but you received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus [Himself]!

Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself! Verse Conceptsevil, origins ofEnjoyment, Lack OfBodyGod, Purpose OfMinistry, Qualifications ForPainSatan, Kingdom OfThornsWeakness, PhysicalBeneficial Afflictions For HumilityAfflictions, Benefits OfSatan, Work OfAfflictions Of MinistersDamage To The BodySigns Of Possible Demon PossessionSatanharassment

On the contrary, you know that it was because of a physical illness that I [remained and] preached the gospel to you the first time; Verse ConceptsdiseasesInfirmitiesThe Gospel PreachedSicknessWeaknessIllness