The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 344: The Thorn in Paul's Side
Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Scripture Readings:

• Acts 23
• 2 Corinthians 12–13 (conclusion of 2 Corinthians)
• Proverbs 29:8–11

Overview of the Episode

This episode focuses on Paul’s experiences facing trial and persecution in Acts 23 and, more intimately, on Paul’s personal struggles with weakness and adversity in the closing chapters of 2 Corinthians. Fr. Mike Schmitz offers reflections on the humility, perseverance, and dependence on God’s grace reflected in Paul’s writings—particularly the famous passage about the “thorn in the flesh.” The episode invites listeners to accept their own weaknesses and trust in God’s sufficiency, echoing Paul’s message that the power of Christ is made perfect in our struggles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Paul’s Trial Before the Council (Acts 23) — [00:59–05:04]

• Paul Stands Before the Council: Paul defends his conscience before God; high priest Ananias orders him struck, leading Paul to rebuke him (“God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall. Are you sitting to judge me according to the law? And yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck.” [01:15]).
• Respecting Authority: Paul quickly apologizes when he learns he has insulted the high priest, citing the law: “You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.”
• Division as a Defense: Noticing a split between Pharisees and Sadducees over resurrection, Paul cleverly centers his trial on this contested issue, causing internal conflict and buying himself time.
• Plot Against Paul: More than 40 Jews vow not to eat or drink until they kill Paul—a plot foiled by Paul’s nephew.

Fr. Mike’s Reflections:

• “St. Paul is demonstrating not only that he has manners, I guess, but…that he knows the law…” [11:10]
• “He doesn’t lie about it, but he says, ‘I’m on trial because of the resurrection of the dead.’ And it’s very clever…so well done, Paul. That’s pretty great.” [12:28]

2. Second Corinthians: Visions, Weakness, and Boasting (2 Corinthians 12–13) — [05:04–10:01]

• Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”: Paul recounts being “caught up to the third heaven”—a mystical vision generally understood to refer to himself—but pivots to his own weakness: “A thorn was given me in the flesh…Three times I begged the Lord about this…But he said…‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” [06:02]

Memorable Scripture:

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.” [06:28; Paul’s letter]
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” [06:11]

• Paul’s Pastoral Concern: Paul addresses criticisms, reasserting his role as a true apostle, and laments division and unrepented sin in Corinth. He promises not to burden the community and warns that upon his return, unrepented behavior will be addressed.
• Call to Examination and Peace: He urges the Corinthians to test themselves, do what is right, and to “mend your ways, heed my appeal. Agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.” [09:15]

Fr. Mike’s Reflections:

• “This is one of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible.” [13:55]
• “We don’t know what the thorn is…a physical affliction, mental illness, temptation…it could have been a deeper spiritual wound…but God’s response is incredible: ‘My grace is sufficient. It’s enough.’” [14:25]
• “Sometimes we want God to just take it away. But sometimes, if we’re really honest, we want to be done relying on his grace…” [15:17]

3. Proverbs on Wisdom and Restraint (Proverbs 29:8–11) — [10:01–10:30]

• Contrasts the destructiveness of scoffers and fools with the wisdom and peace cultivated by the wise.
• Notably: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” [10:26]

4. Fr. Mike’s Thematic Reflection and Takeaway — [10:30–end]

• Humility and Weakness: Reflects on how Paul’s experience encourages embracing one’s weakness—leaning into it in order to lean on God.
• Contentment in Difficulty: Challenges listeners to consider: “Am I content with weakness, with hardships, with calamities, or am I still kicking and fighting against them? …Rather than fight against them, I’m going to accept them…and when I lean into them, I’m going to lean into you, into your love…” [16:38]
• The Heart of God: Emphasizes that God desires not what we have, but who we are—not “our stuff,” but “just you.” [17:34]
• A Closing Prayer: Invites listeners again to trust in God’s sufficiency, to place their hearts in God’s hands.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• St. Paul’s Famous Words (read by Fr. Mike):

  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” [06:11]

  “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” [06:29]

• Fr. Mike on Vulnerability:

  “Sometimes I want this to be over so that I don’t need to rely upon [God’s] grace anymore…But Paul here gets this message from Jesus: ‘My grace is sufficient. It’s enough.’” [15:17]

• Fr. Mike’s Summary Appeal:

  “The Lord—he doesn’t want to destroy your life. He just wants you. He doesn’t want to break your heart. He just wants your heart.” [17:34]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Intro and Readings Overview — [00:04–00:59]
• Acts 23 Reading and Commentary — [00:59–05:04]
• 2 Corinthians 12–13 Reading — [05:04–10:01]
• Proverbs 29:8–11 Reading — [10:01–10:30]
• Opening Prayer — [10:30–11:00]
• Reflection on Paul’s Trial — [11:00–13:30]
• Reflection on the “Thorn in the Flesh” — [13:30–16:30]
• Acceptance of Weakness and God’s Desire for Us — [16:30–end]

Tone & Language

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, encouraging, gently humorous (“good on you, nephew of Paul…” [12:53]), and honest about spiritual struggles. He engages the listener directly, shares personal vulnerability, and grounds scriptural teaching in everyday experience while maintaining respectful reverence for the text.

Summary Conclusion

This episode powerfully invites listeners to journey with Paul through trial, weakness, and God’s enduring grace. By highlighting Paul’s humility and God’s sufficiency, Fr. Mike challenges us to move from resistance to acceptance of our difficulties—not merely as burdens, but as unique opportunities for God’s transforming grace to work within us. In closing, listeners are reminded: God’s desire is not what we do, but who we are—He simply wants our hearts.