Paul describes his affliction as 'a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me' (2 Corinthians 12:7). The noun σκόλοψ designated anything pointed—a stake, thorn, splinter, or sharp instrument. Paul doesn't specify the nature of his thorn (theories include physical illness, persecution, spiritual opposition, or chronic pain), focusing instead on its purpose: preventing conceit from his extraordinary revelations. Despite three prayers for removal, God's response emphasizes sufficiency: 'My grace is enough for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' The thorn becomes paradoxical gift—humbling affliction that drives Paul to depend on divine power.