I mentioned previously that I might give a short blurb explaining what I believe Paul's "thorn" was. So, here goes (Yeah...short blurbs aren't really my thing). First, let's look at the passage where he mentions it:
What could it be? How about we look over in Galatians for another clue?
Paul is clearly talking about the same affliction here, but the last statement about the Galatians wishing they could pull out their eyes and give them to him is a huge clue here. Maybe it's something wrong with his eyes? Look at this:
What would necessitate Paul to write in large letters? Could it be poor eyesight? Are there other clues about this? Check this out:
The context for that quote is that Paul was before the Council, and the High Priest ordered him to be whupped upside the head. Paul barked back at him, calling him a "whitewashed wall" and actually cursing him.
How could he not recognize the High Priest? It's possible he was being sarcastic. "I didn't realize that jerk was the High Priest...", but I suspect he just couldn't see that far.
Of course, what I've presented here isn't an ironclad case. But remember, when Paul was converted, he was struck blind, then received his sight again when Ananias laid hands on him. There's no reason to think he received his full sight back. Or, he may have at that point, but then had it go bad at a later date.
I've heard other ideas for Paul's thorn, from a nagging wife to a case of arthritis. Thoughts?
That was pretty short, wasn't it? Not even 500 words...