Paul Discusses His Thorn in the Flesh

 

In this mediated message Paul discusses his thorn in the flesh and talks about his vision on the way to Damascus. He reveals that he too at times doubted his calling and shares that not everything in his epistles is what he wrote and some of the the content is incorrect. For related information, go to this page.

 

Paul Explains His “Thorn in the Flesh” and His Experience on the Way to Damascus

I AM HERE. Saul of Tarsus, now Paul of near Damascus.

Well, as you are so longing tonight for love and fellowship with the disciples of the Master, I thought that I would write you just a little to show that all the Master’s disciples are in their living spiritual bodies, and that I am alive and will never again die.

I have written many epistles which are contained in the Bible, and some are nearly correct; and, in them, you will find my idea of God and of the Master. I never taught that the Master was God, and neither did I teach the doctrine of the vicarious atonement (or the sufficiency of Jesus’ blood to save a sinner from the sins of his earthly deeds). I never taught that any man’s sins would be borne, and the penalty for same be paid for, by another. And wherever these doctrines are set forth in my epistles they were not written by me.

(John has told me that God is only a Loving Father.)

I agree with John. God is Love. For this means that God is everything that is Good and Pure and Lovely. Love is the fulfilling of the Law, and Love includes everything.

(In your writings, you refer to having had a “thorn in the flesh.” What was this “thorn”?)

Yes, it was my doubt, at times, that I was called to preach the Truth of man’s salvation as taught by Jesus; that is, sometimes I doubted that I was called to do such work. For notwithstanding the Bible narrative of my conversion, I was not altogether convinced by the vision that I saw. I know now that it was a true vision and that I was called; but, when on earth, I had doubts at times, and this was my besetting sin.

(That vision you saw on the road to Damascus must have been very bright to have blinded you.)

Well, as to that, I am afraid that I will have to disillusion you, for I was never stricken blind or taken to the house of the prophet of God, as the Bible says.

My vision, though, was plain enough; and I heard the voice upbraiding me, and I believed. But, at times, there would come this doubt that I speak of.

Of course, from my epistles, you would never think that I had any doubts. I purposely abstained from making known my doubts, and, instead, called this my “besetting sin.” But I thank God that I never let those doubts influence me to prevent me from giving the work my call; for, if I had, I would have undoubtedly relapsed into the persecuting Jew.

As I continued to preach, my faith grew stronger and, after a while, my doubt left me. And, in my latter years, I had no doubt.

(Do you and John live in the same sphere?)

No, I am not in as high a sphere as is John, for I have not that Love that he has. But I am in a very high sphere, and am the governor of the city in which I live. I am probably as much filled with this Love as any of the inhabitants of my city; and, consequently, having been a disciple of the Master, they selected me for their governor.

(Well, is Peter there with you?)

No, Peter is not in the same sphere. He is in a higher one.

(Are all of the Master’s original disciples in higher spheres than yours?)

Some are higher and some lower. Andrew is in my sphere, but does not live in my city.

I am glad that you called me tonight, or, rather, that I was attracted by the influence of your love, as I am much interested in the work that you have to do for the Master. You will be able to do this work, and it will be a great revolutionizing one when it is published.

(Would you be so kind as to write again, perhaps enlarging upon your original epistles?)

Well, I will be glad to write you at times, and I will give my present opinion on some of the things I discussed in my epistles.

So, as I have written considerably, I will say good night and stop.

Your friend and brother, PAUL OF THE BIBLE.

 

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