Christly Possession and Weakened Bodies: Reconsideration of the Function of Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (2 Cor. 12:7–10)

This article examines the function of the thorn in Paul's flesh (2 Cor. 12:7–10) in light of ancient theories of medicine and demonic possession. It argues that Paul utilizes the ambiguous meaning of the “thorn” in conjunction with ancient medical theories of the body and notions of possession. Paul uses the physiology of his weakened body claim a direct connection to Christ and to trump the claims of his hypermasculine “strong” opponents.