I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
2 Corinthians 12:1-4 (ESV)
Throughout much of this letter to the Corinthians, Paul was defending himself and his apostolic authority against men who claimed to be superior to Paul and were leading the church into error. It is evident from what Paul says that these men came with letters of recommendation, that they bragged about their credentials and accomplishments, and claimed to have had visions and revelations from God.
Paul responded that the Corinthians themselves were his letter of recommendation (2 Cor. 3:1-2). And his list of credentials and accomplishments included a list of the times he had suffered (2 Cor. 11:16-29) and the humiliation of escaping a city by being let down from the wall in a basket (2 Cor. 11:30-33).
And, finally, he addressed the issue of visions and revelations. His opponents had likely bragged about their own spiritual experiences. Experiences that proved their special status. So, in response, Paul reluctantly shared one of his own. One that had happened fourteen years prior.
The Third Heaven
Paul was caught up to the third heaven, to paradise. He did not know whether he was physically transported there or if it was an out-of-body experience. But regardless, he found himself in paradise with the Lord (Luke 23:43). And, while there, he heard things that he was not permitted to share. The experience was solely for his benefit. And one benefit was the thorn in the flesh he received that led him to rely on God’s strength rather than his own (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
It is human nature to put people on a pedestal who have accomplished great things. And some people enjoy being on a pedestal and seek the adulation and praise of other people. But Paul’s example to us is quite different. All of his ‘bragging’ was intended to highlight his own weakness and reliance on God’s power (2 Cor. 12:9).
No matter how talented or gifted we are. No matter what our education or impact on the world. We should never allow ourselves to be the center of attention. Always keep the focus on the One who created us, redeemed us, and equipped us for service in His kingdom. He alone is worthy of praise.
