From:
gerald <gerald@evestamail.com>Date:
Fri, 18 Feb 2000 09:45:12To: WalterMartin@mail.serve.com
CC:
>>Dave,
>>You wrote:
>>"Paul's thorn in the flesh was not sickness. You may accept that...but that is not true. It was a messenger of satan that came to harrass Paul. Does not God's Word promise healing? Mark 16:18; II Peter 2:24? What about Matthew 8:16-17? So if God does not heal everyone, does this mean He shows favoritism? Please explain...but be brief. Thanks!"
>>
>>I set aside Mark 16 as a rule of thumb for the entire chapter is questioned by some scholars.
Ron,
> I thought that it was verses 9-20 that were in question. Some of my study Bibles say that those verses are not in the earliest manuscripts.
Pat
Gerald
I believe Paul's thorn in the flesh was a sickness, but I know the WOF teachers do not. They say it was a weakness or want of strength. Whichever we believe it is irrelevant in the perspective that God didn't answer Paul's prayer the way he (Paul) wanted it to be answered, be it a physical sickness or want of strength. This is the whole point that nothing is guaranteed, as Hebrews 11:13 points out. It does not mean that God can't and does heal. The word for infirmities is (Strong’s #769) This same word is used in Luke 5:15 and 1 Tim 5:23 and other verses:
"But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities (Strong’s #769)".(Luke 5:15)
If we use Mr. Copeland’s definition, then great multitudes were coming to Jesus to be healed of their lack of strength or weaknesses, not their sicknesses and diseases.
"Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities (Strong’s #769)". (1 Tim 5:23)
Should we then not drink water, but use wine as an aid for our lack of strength and weakness???
As far as Mark 16:18, I have to admit that it does say they will lay hands on the sick and they shall recover. But can you say that in your experience that has always happened? People have always recovered? If you are honest the answer is no. Again, this does not mean that we should not still have faith in God to heal us and pray for our healing.