Paul was that Man

2 Corinthians 12:2: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

Paul speaks of his experience of being taken up into the third heaven. He dates it for us. He says it happened fourteen years before he wrote this epistle. That would be approximately the time when he had made his first missionary journey. We are told about his experience at Lystra on that first journey. “And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe” (Acts 14:19–20) Was he dead? I don’t think they would have left him there unless they were pretty sure he was dead. It is my personal opinion that God raised him from the dead. Paul was rather uncertain whether this was a vision or whether he had been caught up in reality at that time. It is quite evident that he is describing his own experience here. ¹

Personal Application

• Read Psalm 16:11. What does this verse say about your home in heaven?

Godly Encouragement

• And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” –Luke 23:43

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

To arrive at home in heaven, is anticipated everyday on earth. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, make me useful for You on earth.