Paul being a Hebrew, who was well studied in the writings that make up our Old Testament, would have understood a thorn in the side, or flesh, as being descriptive of evil people. He was constantly badgered by and plagued with the Judaizers spreading false doctrines, and zealous Jews seeking to do him harm. Judaizers tried to convince the people of the Church to come back under the Law, and return to the keeping of it, and also all of the Jewish traditions, in order to gain salvation. They were a real headache to him. It can be understood that they were likely Paul's greatest obstacle in his efforts at trying to help the members of the Church to understand what the grace of God meant, and how to remain in the teachings of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, as Paul had persecuted the Church before he became a believer, so did many Jews constantly persecute him in many ways. They caused him many problems and were vexing "thorns in his flesh".
Numbers 33:55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them [shall be] pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.
Ezekiel 2:6 And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns [be] with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they [be] a rebellious house.
Ezekiel 28:24 And there shall be no more a pricking brier unto the house of Israel, nor [any] grieving thorn of all [that are] round about them, that despised them; and they shall know that I [am] the Lord GOD.
There is a difference between prophetic language describing the “house of Israel” and practical language describing an individual.
The language used when referring to how something is a thorn in the side of a people (Israel), is the same sort of language used when God describes Israel as “playing the harlot” when seeking after false gods. This used to illustrate a point.
In the case of a person (such as Paul), there is no need for figurative language, since Paul IS a person. Paul on many occasions referenced the Judiazers and named names - why would he “code” a reference when he spoke if this issue directly in other places?
Remember the ORIGINAL issue/question is “Can God’s people suffer physical illness? Can bad things happen to God’s people? Will they be poor, or all massively rich?”
Is this then (the idea of claiming Paul did not have physical issues) back up that view?
Let me ask then, Why then did Paul have another write his letters in some cases, and then sign them, saying “see what big handwriting I use”, evidently due to his poor eyesight as he aged.
Want to argue that? If so, then why are the Health/Wealth preachers on TV wearing glasses in many cases? Why are they not healed of poor eyesight?
Health/Wealth/Word of Faith is ANOTHER Gospel — it’s not THE GOSPEL.
Those that sit on gold colored thrones and preach on TV and claim their followers are having their fillings in their teeth replaced with gold are false teachers. That is NOT the gospel.