Význam σκóλοψ τe σαρκi v 2 Kor 12,7b

The text of 2 Cor 12:7b, which is considered one of the most famous cruces interpretum in 2 Corinthians, is one of the most enigmatic texts in the entire collection of Paul’s letters. Although the expression σκόλοψ τῇ σαρκί in 2 Cor 12:7b has been the subject of much scholarly research with various proposed hypotheses, its interpretation remains unclear. It can perhaps be reckoned that this bodily suffering may have been familiar to the Corinthians and that it occurred to Paul in the context of ecstatic experiences. The Apostle Paul is not concerned with giving an accurate description of his diagnosis of his physical ailment. Whereas in Gal 4:13–15 he concentrates on highlighting the exemplary behaviour of the Galatians towards him in his illness, in 2 Cor 12 he places his physical suffering in the same line as the “insults”, “hardships”, “persecutions” and “calamities” that he endures for Christ, and the reference to this bodily affliction serves to emphasise that the weakness manifested in him is a sign that the power of Christ rests upon him (2 Cor 12:10).