2 Corinthians 12:1-2; Caught Up to the Third Heaven
2 Corinthians 12:1-2 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
The Apostle Paul narrated the account of a man who was taken to heaven. He was imparting the knowledge that heaven is a real place. And this man who is a believer in Christ was taken to behold the splendour of heaven fourteen years ago. He did not use the first person to share this personal testimony (2 Corin. 6:7). There is a place of heavenly rest for God’s people after the tribuluation of life on earth. He speaks of the Christian’s hope.
It was a testimony that enables those listening to sit up and take stock of this man’s words. He speaks of the eternal and transcendent matters that comes by the revelation of God. He was a witness to the truth of the heavenly vision. He is therefore not telling fables but proclaiming the truth. And because it is the truth, he was willing to endure all suffering to bear witness of it.
This, the Apostle Paul recorded, for our spiritual strengthening. Let us take hold of the doctrines of heaven so that we may live this earthly life in the light of the heaven to come. Amen.