Where does the scripture say that 'the thorn in Paul's flesh was an idiomatic expression'?
I'm sure you know the story of Job right? Didn't God allow Satan to afflict a righteous man?
And didn't God send a 'lying spirit' into the mouths of the false prophets of Ahab?
1st Kings 22:20-23
How about King Saul?
And have you read the scriptures where Paul gave over some brothers to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, and to be taught not to blaspheme?
1st Timothy 1:19-20
"having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander,
whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."
1st Corinthians 5:3-5
"For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
The Lord said truly "My people perish for lack of knowledge".