Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh? Sickness, or a Messenger of Satan?

It's of vital importance that Christians aren't blown about by every wind of doctrine. Some doctrines have become part and parcel of man's traditions in the church because they "sound" reasonable to the natural mind. But on closer examination of scripture we may find they are in error, and have been passed down by tradition so often, they become taken for granted, and merely assumed they are correct.

Take "Paul's thorn in the flesh" for example:

When taken into context, and examining the meaning of the words in these verses by Apostle Paul, it is apparent they have nothing to do with healing.

For example, the word "buffet" means to to strike, a blow, to box, slap, hit, etc;
(in those connotations).

To further explain, Paul said this "thorn in the flesh" was a messenger of Satan sent to "buffet" him, ie; to battle, contend with, box around, etc.

In other words to interfere with Paul's ministry, making it difficult for him.

A messenger of Satan is a spirit, not a sickness or disease.

Also, there is no place in scripture where a "thorn in the flesh" has to do with sickness. It is a fairly common expression used today, even by unbelievers to mean something that is irritating in some fashion.

In Paul's case, when told by the LORD His grace would be sufficient, it simply meant that Jesus would give him the power to endure, and overcome the attempts by this messenger of Satan to hinder his ministry and life.

I've heard many Christians refer to Paul's "thorn in the flesh" as some sort of sickness or infirmity, but again, there is nothing in these verses to indicate that whatsoever.

All Christians have "thorns in the flesh" sent as the trials of life intended to test us. However, again, to use these verses in conjunction with healing only, is not accurate.

When we are sick, the LORD'S grace is there to help strengthen us. In the flesh, we are all weak. Therefore, God's grace is made perfect in weakness, but these verses were never intended to mean that God's grace, in our weakness meant that we were supposed to suffer the pains of sickness and death without any sort of medical care and relief. That's where some folks have added onto, and twisted these verses to try and make them into something entirely different than what they actually mean, and then into a "tradition".
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Paul gave the reason why the LORD allowed Satan's messenger to buffet him, to keep him from pride in his spiritual achievements.

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
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Buffet:

–noun 1. a blow, as with the hand or fist.
2. a violent shock or concussion.

–verb (used with object) 3. to strike, as with the hand or fist.
4. to strike against or push repeatedly: The wind buffeted the house.
5. to contend against; battle.

–verb (used without object) 6. to struggle with blows of hand or fist.
7. to force one's way by a fight, struggle, etc.
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Origin:
1175–1225; ME < OF buffe a blow +-et -et

Related forms:

buf⋅fet⋅er , noun

Synonyms:
3. slap, cuff, box, hit, sock, wallop.