![]() Again, he speaks of himself in the third person, and does not say, I am the man who was thus honoured above other men. And then it is not without some reluctancy, as a thing which in a manner he was forced to by the necessity of the case. He therefore did not mention this immediately, nor till above fourteen years after. One would be apt to think that one who had had such visions and revelations as these would have boasted greatly of them but, says he, It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. The modest and humble manner in which the apostle mentions this matter is observable. ![]() Paul himself, who had been in the third heaven, did not publish to the world what he had heard there, but adhered to the doctrine of Christ: on this foundation the church is built, and on this we must build our faith and hope. This account which the apostle gives us of his vision should check our curious desires after forbidden knowledge, and teach us to improve the revelation God has given us in his word. We read of the tongue of angels as well as men, and Paul knew as much of that as ever any man upon earth did, and yet preferred charity, that is, the sincere love of God and our neighbour. The apostle does not mention what he saw in the third heaven or paradise, but tells us that he heard unspeakable words, such as it is not possible for a man to utter-such are the sublimity of the matter and our unacquaintedness with the language of the upper world: nor was it lawful to utter those words, because, while we are here in this world, we have a more sure word of prophecy than such visions and revelations. This third heaven is called paradise ( ), in allusion to the earthly paradise out of which Adam was driven for his transgression it is called the paradise of God ( ), signifying to us that by Christ we are restored to all the joys and honours we lost by sin, yea, to much better. We are not capable of knowing all, nor is it fit we should know very much, of the particulars of that glorious place and state it is our duty and interest to give diligence to make sure to ourselves a mansion there and, if that be cleared up to us, then we should long to be removed thither, to abide there for ever. It was certainly a very extraordinary honour done him: in some sense he was caught up into the third heaven, the heaven of the blessed, above the aƫrial heaven, in which the fowls fly, above the starry heaven, which is adorned with those glorious orbs: it was into the third heaven, where God most eminently manifests his glory. It would be presumption for us to determine, if not also to enquire into, this matter, seeing the apostle himself says, Whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell. ![]() When this was we cannot say, whether it was during those three days that he lay without sight at his conversion or at some other time afterwards, much less can we pretend to say how this was, whether by a separation of his soul from his body or by an extraordinary transport in the depth of contemplation. Of the honour itself which was done to the apostle: he was caught up into the third heaven. The narrative the apostle gives of the favours God had shown him, and the honour he had done him for doubtless he himself is the man in Christ of whom he speaks. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. 5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth ) 4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 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. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. 2Cor 12:9 | MHC | STEP | The Apostle's Rapture.
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