The Apostle Paul's Eye Condition and Spiritual Vision

As others have mentioned, it might have been bad eyesight. Certain biblical scriptures point towards this as a probable answer. Let's delve into three scriptures that indicate this condition and explore its implications on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul.

Eye Condition and Scripture References

Acts 23:1–5, Gal. 4:14-15, and Gal. 6:11 are three pivotal scriptures that suggest that Paul may have had a condition affecting his eyesight. These scriptures touch upon the "thorn in his flesh," a metaphor used by Paul to describe a continual hardship or weakness that he carried. Paul himself believed this thorn to be a reminder of his past persecution and a means to keep him humble.

Paul's Faith and Attitude of Gratitude

Despite the physical difficulties, Paul's faith was unwavering. He understood that an attitude of gratitude was the basis of all praise and worship. In his eyes, whatever health condition he faced was a blessing, as he always considered himself unworthy of God's mercy and grace.

The Thorn in His Side

The "thorn" was not just a physical ailment; it was a representation of his past, which Paul had deeds in legalism towards the Jewish faith. He often reflected on his past and expressed deep regret over persecuting believers. It was a continuous reminder of his failures and a source of spiritual conflict, which he called a "messenger."

The Conversion of Saul to Paul

The story of Paul's conversion begins with an incredible moment. While traveling toward Damascus, a great light blinded Saul and he heard a voice asking why he was persecuting Jesus. Upon realizing that the voice belonged to Jesus, Saul faced an event that would change his life forever. This experience led him to Damascus, where he was cared for, and after three days, he "saw" spiritually, overcoming his Pharisaic blindness.

The Vision After Conversion

Jesus instructed Saul to go to a particular house in Damascus, and after three days, a brother of Jesus baptized him. This event was a turning point for Saul, who began to teach that Jesus was the Christ from the Hebrew Scriptures, or what we now know as the Old Testament. The New Testament, which we know today, was still in the process of being written at this time.

Physical Ailments and Spiritual Sight

It is suspected that Paul experienced vision problems later in his life as a residual impact of his initial blinding. One of the scriptures that point to this is Galatians 6:11, where Paul mentions that he wrote in a large hand to ensure that his letters were legible. This could indicate a deteriorating visual condition that necessitated larger handwriting.

Thorn in His Side

The scripture that is often quoted as the "thorn in his side" actually refers to 2 Corinthians 12:7, where Paul prayed thrice to be freed from it, but was told that God's grace was sufficient. This condition served as a constant reminder of his past and the events that brought him to the truth of Jesus as the son of God.

Paul's Later Ministry and the New Covenant

As Paul's ministry progressed, he became known simply as Paul, dedicating the rest of his life to spreading the Gospel, especially to the Gentiles, and writing epistles that would later become part of the New Testament. Through these writings, he covered a multitude of topics to help both Jews and Gentiles understand the sacrifice of Jesus and the New Covenant.

Paul often referred to the New Covenant as containing "better promises," which are the Abrahamic promises. These promises were made to Abraham, repeated to Isaac and Jacob, and were affirmed through the sacrifice of Jesus, ending the Mosaic Covenant and making the New Covenant active.

Conclusion

The Apostle Paul's eye condition was not just a physical ailment; it was a symbol of his spiritual journey and a continuous reminder of his past. His faith and perseverance in the face of this challenge were testaments to his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel and fulfilling the promises made by God.