Posted by David (203.124.2.40) on December 30, 2002 at 12:29:05:
In Reply to: Re: a thorn in the flesh posted by Yong TM on December 30, 2002 at 03:42:45:
Hi Elder Yong
With regards to the above topic, I came across a different intepretation from the John MacArthur bible commentary.
He's intepretes as follows with regards to 2Cor12:7.
"This was sent to him by God, to keep him humble. As with Job, Satan was the immediate cause but God was the ultimate cause. Paul's use of the word "messenger" (Greek. angellos, or angel) from Satan suggests the "thorn in the flesh" (lit. "a stake in the flesh") was a demon person, not a physical illness. Of the 188 uses of the Greek word, angellos, in the NT, at least 180 are in reference to angels. This angel was from Satan, a demon afflicting Paul. Possibly, the best explanation for this demon was that he was indwelling the ring leader of the Corinthian conspiracy, the leader of the false apostles. Through them he was tearing up Paul's beloved church and thus driving a painful stake through Paul. Further support for this view comes from the context of chapters 10-13, which is one of fighting adversaries (the false prophets). The word "buffet" always refers to ill treatment from other people (Matt 26:67, Mark 14:56; 1 Cor 4:11, 1 Peter 2:20. ......"
Would appreciate if you could shed some light on this. Seems like this intepretation is unconventional.
Could you also comment a little on John MacArthur? Are he's doctrines "sound"? It worries
me cause I've started using his bible commentaries and help books in my bible study upon recommendation from someone that he's rather "reformed" in his doctrines.
Thanks and Happy New Year.