From: suprdave@lightspeed.net

Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2000 09:34:50

To: gerald <gerald@evestamail.com>, WalterMartin@mail.serve.com

CC:

Subject: Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

Gerald writes:

>Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities (Strong #769)". (1 Tim 5:23)

>Should we then not drink water, but use wine as an aid for our lack of strength and weakness???

Dave:

Of course not. You know as well as I know the background of that verse. The water in that part of the country at the time was contaminated. Wine was used as a form of remedy.

 

Gerald:

>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.

Dave:

Not all the time. Not even Jesus was able to heal everyone.

Matt 13:58

Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Also, notice that Mark says 16:18 says "...they shall recover." Recovery is a process, do you agree? Not everyone that Jesus prayed for was instantly healed.

Notice:

Mark 8:23-25

So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking." Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.

Again, Paul's thorn in the flesh was not sickness. You say it was. Would you please support this view with a scriptural reference. Thank you kindly.

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