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To: gamarob1
Paul's tribulations centered around persecution, not the kind of "suffering for the kingdom" some think they're doing.

Paul also suffered with "a thorn in the flesh" ... which God allowed to remain with him, ... though he entreated God to remove it ... not once, not twice, but three times.
2 Corinthians 12:6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.

7 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.

8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

27 posted on 06/23/2005 12:52:11 PM PDT by Quester (When in doubt ... trust God!)
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To: Quester

Some have suggested that the "messenger" was a false teacher sent by Satan to give him much grief. Having dealt with false teachers, I can empathize


28 posted on 06/23/2005 12:53:04 PM PDT by gamarob1
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