It was this heaven that Paul the apostle was caught up. Although he does not identify the first two, possible references to the atmospheric and celestial heavens are suggestive. But which one? The heaven we most often think of is the third heaven. Paul does not say if people do these things, they will not get any rewards in heaven. The apostle spoke of a vision that took place fourteen years earlier. Paul also said he was "caught up" into the "third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). This is the space beyond the earth and it covers the entire universe. The third heaven - Where God is; far above the aerial and the starry heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not knowGod knows. The Third Heaven Douglas Ward. People's Bible Notes for 2 Corinthians 12:2. Apocalypse of Paul (Revelation of Paul): Apostle Paul in Sweetrainbow. The location I write about here is where Christians go when we die. Read full chapter. Paul spoke of the highest of the three heavens, i.e. Whether he was in the body or out of the body, I dont know, God knows. Let me put this in other terms for clarity. Both shamayim and ouranos are used variously in Scripture to refer to three different places. He is, however, stating he was taken to the third of a sequence of three (logically implying that a first and second domains exist). In the next verse he calls the same place paradise. Answer (1 of 6): Paul never mentions being taken up to the third heaven, but he does say he knew someone who was (2 Corinthians 12:2): > I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the There will be no hurt, death, or pain in the third heaven and earth. A possible objection is that the distinction between sky/space is an anachronism, the distinction having arisen from our increased understanding of astronomy. He didnt say what it looked like. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. NASB. 55:10) and second (interplanetary and interstellar space; Gen. 15:5; Ps. He says that they will not be there. 12:2). Distinctions. In the original version of Pauls journey to the third heaven, the only messenger that the apostle meets is an angel of Satan. the Third Heaven, when He wrote to the Corinthian church: 2 Cor 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years agosuch a one caught up to the third heaven. 11:11; 1 Kings 8:35; Isa. THE FIRST HEAVEN. Here, again, we encounter long speculations as to whether Paradise is the same as the third heaven; whether St.,Paul is referring to The third refers to the dwelling place of God (see Revelation 16:11 and 19:1, among others). Even though we have to live and have our feet planted on earth, our ultimate citizenship is in the third heaven with God. Paul was caught up to the third heaven, 2 Cor. 6:9 (3 Ne. Therefore, when Paul describes being caught up to the third heaven, he is describing his experience as a prophet, seeing a heavenly vision. This is the place where God resides with his angels, and where Jesus is preparing a place for us ( John 14:1-3 ). (32-37) But of that day and that hour.--See Notes on Matthew 24:36-41.. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. All he knew was that it was like someone caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2). Paul was stoned and his spirit apparently left his body. (Eph. But the good news is that the sleep of death is not permanent. Jan 31, 2011 #6. It is clear that Paul was speaking of himself (v. 7). I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Paul preached in the synagogue for three months. Nevertheless, I will come to visions and revelations from the Lord. (Acts 14:17). 6:9 ). 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. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not knowGod knows. 12, in verse two we see that this man about whom Paul wrote was caught up to the third heaven and in verse 4 he was caught up into paradise, which, by comparing Scripture with Scripture, we see is the new Jerusalem. God dwells in the highest heaven, But will God really dwell on earth? Those stars show the lesser heavens, but are hints of the "third heaven" from which the Light of the World came to shine in our darkness first as a baby and then as a man. Paul said he was taken to the "third heaven" in 2 Corinthians 12:2. There are five figures in the Bible who, according to standard Jewish and Christian interpretation, are reported to have ascended to heaven: Enoch (Gen 5:24); Elijah (2 Kgs 2:1-12); Jesus (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9); Paul (2 Cor 12:2-4); and John (Rev 4:1). 13:10) heavens, is the abode of God ( 1 Kings 8:30; Ps. Third, heaven is where God dwells. It refers to that which is raised up or lofty. We will now go back to Paul's record of his revelation of the third heaven and earth in Corinthians. Twelve men who had known only the baptism of John, were re-baptized which was their initial scriptural baptism. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. If there is a third heaven, there must be two more, though the Bible doesnt mention them. The word paradise is of Sanscript origin and signifies a park or garden. Paul was stoned and his spirit apparently left his body. The reference to the third heaven is to make it clear that this is not the atmospheric heaven above the Earth, where spiritual activity does, in fact, take place. Jesus descended from a place called heaven (John 2:13), and also returned there (Acts 1:11). Following his list of boasts in 2 Corinthians 11:2233, Paul further The Heavenly Perspective. The scriptural examples of the seven heavens in the Old Testament are labored attempts to validate extra-biblical teachings. There are actually three heavens described in the Bible. imacountrygirl2 Posts: 428 Joined: 8 21. He also says that a lot of heterosexuals will NOT be there either. It appears third heaven is the same place Jesus refers to in Revelation 2:7. The first heaven is what is called the firmament or sky that covers the earth. Verse 18 - Romans 2:29.. - (1) All mankind liable to God's wrath. 2. Neither the Son.--The addition to St. Matthew's report is every way remarkable. And I know that this man was caught up into paradisewhether 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 The word heaven is found 238 times in the New Testament alone. Paul speaks of being taken up into "the third heaven" ( 2 Cor 12:2). Pauls Third Missionary Journey 2 D. Paul at Ephesus Acts 19 1. Third, heaven is where God dwells. Verse 18. It is clear that Paul was speaking of himself (v. 7). (Acts 14:19-20) Paul called this the third heaven or paradise 2 Co 12:1-4. Jesus promised to the criminal on the cross: Today you will be with me in paradise ( Luke 23:43 ). When used of an actual place, Scripture speaks of three heavens. This does nothing to undermine the apostles writing, but rather serves as a reminder of the (sometimes veiled) beauty and complexity of scripture. We are actually not living in our place of citizenship. Second, is the heaven of the stars, and the principalities and powers of evil abide. After Jesus was baptized he saw the heavens opening and He saw the Holy. 1:1). Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. 3 I know that this manwhether in the body or out of the body I dont know, God knows 4 was caught up into paradise. However, the third heaven was beyond the sight of human beings. Therefore, Paul, like John in Revelation, had a heavenly vision. Paradise, or the third heaven, is the place where God is. It would appear that Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 refer to his experiences as a result of that "near death" stoning at Lystra. So we assume there is a first heaven and a second heaven if there is a third. It is a Real Place. Verses 18-32. Verse 4. We dont go to heaven or hell, or maintain any conscious state. God tells us in His word that He indeed created three separate and distinct (not necessarily levels) heavenly places. Acts 19:1-7 NOTE: This is the last mention of John the Baptist in the New Testament. In the end, the third heaven will roll down and replace this earth that we live on now. The first being our immediate atmosphere, the second is outer space as far as it stretches, and the third is the place where God himself dwells. Paul used the third person to avoid boasting. What happened during Pauls desert years was only the beginning of a life-long processGod renewed his mind and transformed him into the image of Christ. Scripture refers to three heavens. People read about the third heaven in these verses. 2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years agowhether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, God knowssuch a man was caught up to the third heaven. This is the heaven where God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more mourning and pain ( Revelation 21:4 ). It's important to note here that Paradise is not the third heavens spoken of in Revelation, but the pleasant section of Hades, where the spiritd of Abraham and all the just are, awaiting the resurrection (Luke 16:22-23; 25-26). The Bible speaks of three heavens not 7 and these are not dimensions). 2. Whether I was in my body or out of my body, I dont knowonly God knows. God, however, is certainly not limited to one geographical place. A main point of departure with older scholarship is the understanding of Second Temple Judaism; the covenant with God and the role of works as a means to either gain or keep the covenant.. A central concern for Paul was the inclusion of Gentiles into God's New Covenant, Only 2 Corinthians refers to this incident, and then only in sketchy terms. When the apostle Paul (the theologian formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) wrote to the church in Corinth about a particularly significant religious experience, he informed them that his journey to the third heaven or Paradise resulted in his hearing things that are not able to be told, that no mortal is permitted to. Although it appears to be the place of spiritual beings, no more is said about it. a. Ecclesiastes 3:1 planning life. Psalm 19:1-2 worship. The heavens were opened to Ezekiel as he was by the river Chebar, and he saw visions of God (Ezek. Therefore, when Paul describes being caught up to the third heaven, he is describing his experience as a prophet, seeing a heavenly vision. The idea of the third heaven is a strange concept to us today that raises all sorts of questions. We can learn a lot about heaven from the book of Ezekiel. Various ancient sources, including passages in the Bible and other early Jewish writings, speak of multiple heavens. In other words, this third heaven is above us. The second heaven is a place where apostates are tortured, similar to hell. Acts 19:8 3. The third heaven is the dwelling place of God. 6:12). In other words, the first heaven is the sky, the second heaven is the rest of the physical universe and the third heaven is the spiritual abode of God. I have not found higher in the book. 12:2. Paul wrote that he was caught up to the third heaven ( 2 Corinthians 12:2 ). Coming back to II Cor. There are several places in the Bible that refer to a heaven.. For the apostle, that change began with connecting his rich biblical knowledge to the revelation that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. 2 Corinthians 12:24 The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) 2 I know a man in Christ who was caught up into the third heaven 14 years ago. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. 33:1314; Matt. When Paul says that he went to the third heaven, he means that he went to the place where God dwells. 3. Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell]. But the Bible never uses the terms first heaven and second heaven. 28:12; Judges 5:4; Dan. 0. 13:9). In my opinion, that connects us to the new heaven of Rev. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heavenwhether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. - For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold back the truth in unrighteousness. (2) 2nd heaven: Stellar universe. 12:45. Psalm 73:25 trust God worship. 2Co 12:2 I knew a man in Christ. The third refers to the dwelling place of God (see Revelation 16:11 and 19:1, among others). Paul is giving instruction on how we can promote the presence of God in our lives. (Read Rev 4:1-11). - (a) The heathen world in general. (Eph. (That explains why in 2 Corinthians 12:2 Paul refers to being caught up into "the third heaven.") But as much as Paul had experienced of heaven, he is remarkably tight-lipped on the subject in his epistles. Paul stated this man was caught up to the third heaven. And in t he book of Revelation, the apostle John wrote about the throne room he saw in Heaven and the glory that fills it. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). Heaven is a real place described in the Bible. By: Steve Shirley A: The third heaven, also called Paradise by Paul (2 Cor 12:4), is the place where the Lord and all believers who have died are residing. In 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 Paul refers to this place: Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. Paul spoke about the concept of the third heaven. In particular, St. Paul at one point speaks of being taken up to the third heaven (2 Cor. February 24, 2012. The third heaven. 2 Corinthians 12:2 in all English translations. This statement is very revealing because it tells us there are three heavens and to enter this third heaven you must be caught up (Harpazo); the same words used for the resurrection of the dead and rapture passages (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). - Into Paradise. The second heaven is not called such in Scripture; rather, the existence of the second heaven is inferred from the fact that the Bible speaks of a third heaven, and, if there is a third heaven, there must be a first heaven and second heaven, too. Psalm 44:13,14 After Paul sees God and all the other revelations in the Third Heaven, he likely considered himself as very privileged and unique. God knew his temptation to boast about all He had allowed for him so because of these surpassingly great revelations. This was the experience Paul described. 8:2; Isaiah 13:10) and some say is also the abode of all supernatural angelic beings. It was this heaven that Paul the apostle was caught up. In 2 Corinthians 12:2 Paul said that he was caught up to the third heaven, and then in verse 4 he states that he was caught up to paradise. New Living Translation I was caught up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. The logical conclusion is that the place called paradise is located in the third heaven. The apostle Paul was caught up to the third heaven, but he was prohibited from revealing 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 ESV / 35 helpful votesNot Helpful. It would appear that Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 refer to his experiences as a result of that "near death" stoning at Lystra. 7:13 ). S. Member. In a similar manner, John, in humility, didnt refer to himself (John 13:23, 24; 19:26; 21:20). The Greek word translated "heaven" is ouranos (the same word that inspired the name of the planet Uranus). He was caught up to Paradise third heaven (the first heaven is the atmosphere, the second is that of the stars, and the third the abode of God and heavenly beings). Top. What is the "third heaven" that Paul is speaking about in (2 Cor 12:2)? In the Bible, the word "heaven" occurs 276 times in the New Testament alone. Now The Apostle Paul talked of a man caught up to the third heaven. The Third Heaven Written by Paul According to Paul, everything beyond or above the firmament was considered the third heaven The second heaven, although it is not identified precisely as 2Co 12:01-10 Pauls Visit to Heaven Ron Dunn Heaven is an actual place and is described as the beautiful dwelling place of those who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Savior. 3 And I know that such a manwhether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows 4 was caught up into # Paul apparently uses Paradise as an equivalent of the third heaven, the dwelling place of God (cf Luke 23:43). Note that Paul, in 2Corinthians 12, is not stating there are levels of heaven. In the bible the 3rd heaven is the one to which Paul is caught up. A deductionist (one who logically deducts things) were not sure deductionist is a real word)) would conclude that the use of the term third heaven denotes there is the second and first heaven. Paul wrote, "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" (2 Corinthians 12:2). Interestingly, Paul uses the phrase caught up to refer to how he was transported to heaven; its the same Greek word used in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 to refer to the rapture of the church. In 2 Corinthians Paul the Apostle writes, "I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heavenwhether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 4. The glorious church-life, guitar. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to The Bible says that they will NOT go to heaven. The world sings of the 7th heaven..but may be writer licencein the song.Unfounded in scripture. In fact, the Bible specifically speaks of three distinct heavens. 2 I know a man in Christ about fourteen years ago (whether he was in the body I cannot tell, or whether he was out of the body I cannot tell, God knows) who was taken up into the third This is the realm of birds and clouds that surrounds the entire earth. Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Matt. It indicates the self-imposed limitation of the divine attributes which had belonged to our Lord as the eternal Son, and the acquiescence in a power and knowledge which, like that of the human nature which He assumed, were derived Interests:Jesus Christ! The Bible says we are citizens of heaven living as strangers and pilgrims in this foreign land (Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:11). Satan is the Prince and Power of the Air. Examples are the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2), and heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3, 20; 6:12). The third heaven is where God resides, above the other two regions. They will be in the presence of God together. When the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about his visions and revelations, he told them of a time when he was "caught up to the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2). God invites human beings to adopt his heavenly perspective. (Acts 14:17). He was caught up to Paradise third heaven (the first heaven is the atmosphere, the second is that of the stars, and the third the abode of God and heavenly beings). It is The Realm of The Spirit, accessible ONLY by Now for the third time I am ready to come to you: On his first visit to Corinth, Paul founded the church and stayed a year and six months ( Acts 18:11 ). 12:2 "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 ." Answer. The first heaven refers to the atmospheric area of the birds ( Hosea 2:18) and clouds ( Deut. The second heaven is the area of the stars and planets ( Gen. 1:14-18; Psalm 19:4, 6; Jer. Paul spoke of the 3 rd heaven, presumably therefore there must be 1 st and 2 nd heaven: 2 Cor. 12 No doubt it is not seemly for me to boast. His second visit was a brief, painful visit in between the writing of 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. The third heaven is the heaven described in the Bible. First, most students of Scripture accept that Paul is writing this verse about himself, and that he is referring to his own visionary experience on the road to Damascus some years earlier (Acts 9:1-9, 22:6-11). (3) 3rd heaven: Abode of God, the angels and the dead believers. The first heaven is the immediate atmosphere above us, the second heaven is the place where the sun, moon, and stars exist, and the third heaven is Gods dwelling place. Paul did not know how he was taken to heaven because in visions people are not fully aware of their surroundings. In this model, which describes 10 levels of heaven, the first heaven is the sky, similar to the concept of heaven in much of the Hebrew Bible. Paul says in Philippians 3:20, "We are citizens of heaven." The image given by Paul is one of worship, an activity done together, toward God. Only 2 Corinthians refers to this incident, and then only in sketchy terms. At His birth "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). Posted September 16, 2004. Heaven is Gods Throne (Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:34). But as much as Paul had experienced of heaven, he is remarkably tight-lipped on the subject in his epistles. If you work your way through the nearly 700 occurrences of the word heaven in the Bible, you soon realize there is a plurality of heavens. 3. If they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, Mosiah 2:41. Some suppose it was here the apostle was let into the mystery of the future state of the church; and received his orders to turn from the Jews and go to the gentiles. Paul the Apostle has been placed within Second Temple Judaism by recent scholarship since the 1970s.