quote:2 Corinthians 12:2-5 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. NIV version.
posted
A friend of mine pointed out the rest of the passage and believes it is Paul, himself. Looking at the entire passage, I believe I agree.
Paul mentions his visions in verse one. He mentions his infirmities in verse 5 and again in 7. Verse 6 may give some understanding as he explains others should not esteem him too highly. Verse 7 gives the reason for his infirmities or thorn…..so he will not be “exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations,”
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 7 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.
So what do you think? Could Paul be describing himself?
Faith
-------------------- 1 Thes. 5:21 (KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
My question exactly! By the way, I have more questions: Where was Paul 14 years ago? Where was Paul in the 3 years after he converted and before he went up to Jerusalem? Some, even in the Christian faith, say he went to India and met with some guru. I don't know... Paradise? 3th heaven? It couldn't be the Heaven, I mean the New Jerusalem, could it? Where are Moses, Elijah and possibly Enoch and the Saints who raised when Jesus died on the cross? Some Christians who had near death experience came back and talked about the light, the tunnel and Heaven. Would Jesus pull Lazarus back from such a beautiful place if that's where he went - though I believe he rested in earth?
Email this page to someone.
