EVIDENCE: Was Paul the Author?

EVIDENCE: Paul had a troubling 'Thorn'

1 Physical Sickness - The 'thorn' is a physical sickness (i.e. malaria, malta fever, epilepsy, convulsive attacks, chronic ophthalmia etc.). Many of these illnesses affect the eye-sight and would explain why Paul suffered from poor vision.
2 Mental Illness - The 'thorn' is a mental illness (i.e. brain disorder, hallucination, schizophrenia, depression etc.)
3 Spiritual Problem - The 'thorn' is a spiritual or moral problem (i.e. demon, evil-spirit, devil possession etc.)
4 Ministerial Opposition - The 'thorn' is the Jewish persecution, opposition and resistance to Paul's ministry. This is considered a weak theory because if Paul was referring to a opposing person or movement, he would have referred to such individuals by name.
2Corinthians 12:7
  brianchilton/th..
  blueletter/thor..

EVIDENCE: Paul had Eye-Sight Problems

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand [Paul's eyesight was defective and he needed help to write]
Galatians 6:11


As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 4:13-15


Paul replied, Brothers, I did not know [due to bad eye-sight] that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'
Acts 23:5

EVIDENCE: Church was aware of Paul's Eye-Sight problem

Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Galatians 4:15

EVIDENCE: Paul used Scribes to write his Epistles (Letters)

I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord's followers
Romans 16:22


Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Colossians 4:18


I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
2Thessalonians 3:17


I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
1Corinthians 16:21


Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
Romans 16:21