I was reading 2 Corinthians this morning and wondering what Paul means when he says, "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven" (v12:2)? This is an issue that is not central to my faith, but I wonder what the third heaven is.
Also, on other occassions Paul talks about boasting as something he will only do regarding Christ. I've never heard a sermon on the reason for his boasting in this passage. He gives his reasoning, and it makes sense to me, but I've never heard anyone speak about this. I'd be interested to hear someone smarter than me speak on this passage (2 Cor 11 and 12).
Just some thoughts...
2 comments:
I have found different opinions of this but most seem to believe that the phrase "third Heaven" is referring to an out of body vision experience where he encountered Christ. One like mentioned in Acts 22:17 or Acts 9 (Paul's Conversion). The word "Caught up" is also used for "trance". Might also be similar to what John experienced is his dreams when he wrote Revelation.
Hope this helps.
Thanks brother.
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