The Thorn in the Flesh w/ Rev. Dan Borvan

In this episode of Abounding Grace Radio, Pastor Chris Gordon sits down with Rev. Dr. Dan Borvan of Christ Reformed Church to walk through Paul's account of his thorn in the flesh in 2 Corinthians 12. They trace how Paul's apostolic authority was under constant assault from the so-called "super-apostles," who saw his weakness and suffering as proof he wasn't legitimate — a mindset rooted in Greco-Roman culture's contempt for humility and its love of power and status.

Chapters:
3:45 - Introducing 2 Corinthians 12 & the thorn in the flesh
5:56 - Paul's apostolic authority under attack
7:30 - Suffering, humility & the ancient world
9:14 - Greco-Roman power vs. Christ's humility
12:04 - Paul's catalog of sufferings
12:34 - Paul's vision of the third heaven
14:36 - The thorn given to prevent conceit
16:00 - A messenger of Satan, permitted by God
18:02 - Paul's pleading prayer for healing
20:08 - The thorn's purpose: humility & dependency
23:00 - Reading providence backward: Joseph's story
26:00 - Christianity vs. worldly power
26:44 - "My grace is sufficient for you"
31:02 - Christ's power in weakness & true contentment

Rev. Dr. Daniel Borvan is pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church. Daniel earned his Master of Divinity degree from Westminster Seminary California in 2011. As a student at Westminster Seminary he learned that all study of Scripture, theology, and church history is put into practice in the worship and work of the church. The goal is to glorify Christ by serving His church. At Westminster Seminary he also earned a Master of Arts degree in Historical Theology. His thesis paper was on Faustus Socinus.

Daniel is chairman of the Heidelberg Reformation Association. Some of his published articles are on the Heidelblog website. Daniel was installed as pastor of preaching ministry at Christ Reformed Church, September 29, 2023. Daniel is married to Marcy and they have two daughters and a son.

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