Paul's Vision of the Third Heaven
Paul was caught up into paradise and heard words no human speech could repeat - yet he balanced the experience with a thorn in the flesh, lest he grow proud.
Writing reluctantly and in the third person out of humility, Paul describes being 'caught up to the third heaven' - into paradise itself - where he heard 'unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.' He is careful not to boast in the experience itself, noting instead that God gave him a persistent 'thorn in the flesh' to keep him from being exalted above measure because of such extraordinary revelations. The account is remarkable both for the vision's scale and for Paul's studied refusal to make it a badge of spiritual status, teaching instead that God's grace is sufficient and his strength made perfect in weakness.
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Details
- Category
- Apostles
- Dreamer
- Paul
- Interpretation
- Paul's vision of paradise is paired deliberately with his 'thorn in the flesh,' teaching that even the most extraordinary spiritual experiences are given not for personal glory but are balanced by God's humbling grace.
Key Chapters
Key Passages
Caught Up into Paradise
2 Corinthians 12:1-4
1t is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.