Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh The earliest known interpretation comes from Tertullian (155/160–225/250). He explained Paul’s skolops as severe headaches, consistent with the verb kolaphizō (“to beat”). His view was accepted by Jerome (347–420). Chrysostom (344/354–407) identified the thorn as Paul’s named opponents (2 Tim 2:17; 4:14) and all opponents of the gospel. This view was accepted by other Greek fathers as well as by Augustine (354–430). An interpretation current in the Middle Ages was suggested