Paul’s Revelations

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (2 Corinthians 12:7)

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12 that he had an abundance of revelations. What revelations was he referring to? He was referring to the revelations he received in the desert through personal ministry when Jesus appeared to him.

My spiritual father, Kenneth E. Hagin, stood in the office of prophet much like Paul did, and Jesus appeared to him on three separate occasions. Brother Hagin taught things that were not being discussed in the church at that time, but Jesus taught him, and he taught me and millions of others. When Jesus said things that he didn’t understand, he would ask Jesus, “Now, you show me the chapter and verse.” Jesus didn’t get mad at him; He would chuckle and then show him what it said in Scripture.

The same thing happened to the Apostle Paul. Jesus was giving him revelation about what the Scripture said. Because he was receiving such revelation that would change countless lives for centuries, a thorn in the flesh was sent to him.

What was that thorn? The Scripture goes on to explain it was the messenger of Satan. The word messenger is angelos in Greek. That's where we get our term angel. Satan saw the potential Paul had and sent a fallen angel to buffet him. The word buffet means to hit again and again and again and again and again, not so much to knock someone out but to bother them and distract them.

Paul realized that this thorn was sent to mess with him, and once he had that revelation, he wouldn’t let it bother him. He realized that God had given him power over every tactic of the enemy.

Practical Application – God will give you revelation knowledge about the Word when you read it. Don’t be surprised when you receive new revelation from God that the enemy sends persecution. Don’t be distracted! Remind yourself that you have authority and dominion over anything he sends your way.

2 Corinthians 12:1; Acts 22:17