I am given to believe that Pauls thorn in the flesh came from a continuious rush and swell of pelting words tossed at him by that messenger of the adversary telling him to take credit for the greatness and depth of the revelations he recieved from the Holy Spirit. Paul being as human, as those he was given to minister to and teach, without the strength of the Holy Spirit, Paul could have, no would have, succumbed to that treachery and begin to take credit for his words and teaching. But because of his faith in that "bright light" on the Damascus road, even though Pauls physical body was weak from fighting the temptations, he took it the Lord in prayer and his answer ... 2Co 12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul new that his spiritual body, that new creature, where the indwelling of the mind of Christ grew, Paul stayed with the Spirit's answer... Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
Peace and Love Through Jesus