Paul clues us in concerning the thorn’s purpose: “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations.” So, God’s goal in allowing the thorn in the flesh was to keep Paul humble.
Tunachojua kuhusu mwiba huu katika mwili linatokana na Paulo mwenyewe katika 2 Wakorintho 12: 7: "Na makusudi nisipate kujivuna kupita kiasi, kwa wingi wa mafunuo hayo nalipewa mwiba katka mwili, mjumbe wa Shetani ili anipige, nisije nikajivuna kupita kiasi. " Kwanza, madhumuni ya mwiba katika mwili ilikuwa kuweka Paulo awe mnyenyekevu.