The phrase “third heaven” is found in 2 Corinthians 12:2, where the apostle Paul says, “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.” This has led many to wonder what exactly the “third heaven” refers to and what significance it has.
The Meaning of “Third Heaven”
In ancient Jewish thought, there were considered to be three “heavens.” The first heaven referred to the sky and space where birds fly and clouds pass. The second heaven referred to outer space where the stars, sun, and moon reside. The third heaven then refers to the dwelling place of God, the highest heaven, what Christians would call paradise.
So when Paul refers to being caught up to the “third heaven,” he is referring to somehow being transported to the very presence and throne of God. This was an amazing visionary experience where Paul was given glimpses and revelations that he was not permitted to speak about (2 Corinthians 12:4).
Paul’s Humility
It is important to note Paul’s reason for even mentioning this visionary experience. In 2 Corinthians 10-12, Paul is defending his authority as an apostle against those who were questioning him. Some in Corinth were comparing Paul unfavorably to the “super apostles” who were boasting about their accomplishments.
Paul did not want to boast, but felt compelled to demonstrate the validity of his apostleship. That’s why he reluctantly refers to his vision of heaven – not to glorify himself, but to show that he indeed had special revelations and a unique calling from the Lord. Yet right after mentioning this incredible vision, he goes on to talk about his “thorn in the flesh” that kept him dependent on God’s grace (2 Cor 12:7-10).
The Timing of Paul’s Vision
Paul says this vision occurred 14 years before the time of his writing. Most scholars believe 2 Corinthians was written around AD 55-56, so this likely refers back to an experience Paul had around AD 42, shortly after his conversion. Some think this could refer to the time Paul was stoned, dragged out of Lystra, and left for dead (Acts 14:19-20).
His soul may have left his body and been brought before the throne of God, after which he revived. This dramatic near-death experience early in Paul’s ministry may have served to validate his calling as an apostle.
Other Biblical Visions of Heaven
While exceptional, Paul’s vision was not unique. Other heroes of the faith experienced glimpses of heavenly glory, including:
– Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-7)
– Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1, 10:1)
– Stephen (Acts 7:55-56)
– John (Revelation 4:1-2)
So Paul stands in a line of those who were granted visions of heaven for a particular purpose. His vision confirmed he was specially chosen by Christ for a mission.
Paul’s Paradise Vision
In 2 Corinthians 12:4 Paul refers to being caught up into “paradise.” Paradise refers to a place of blessedness and comfort. Jesus promised the thief on the cross next to him that “today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paradise is here equated with being in the Lord’s presence after death.
Paul wasn’t sure if he was caught up bodily or just in spirit, but he did confirm he was caught up to paradise. He heard and saw things related to the state of the departed in glory that human words couldn’t express. This paradise is the same as the “third heaven,” showing heaven to be a place of unimaginable beauty, comfort, and rejoicing in God’s presence.
A Christ-Centered Vision
This vision moved Paul to boast only in Christ and instead focus on his own weaknesses. He didn’t want attention for himself but only for Jesus. Even this profound vision didn’t make Paul prideful but drove him closer to Christ.
Paul wanted everything, including this ecstatic vision of paradise, to point to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Our highest joy isn’t even a vision of heaven; it is knowing and belonging to Jesus (Philippians 3:8-10). The glimpses of glory we have should make us long for the day we will be with Him.
Implications of Paul’s Vision
So what can we learn from Paul’s vision? Here are a few key implications:
- Heaven is a real place – Paul saw the risen Christ enthroned in heavenly glory.
- Paradise involves being in Christ’s presence – Paul heard things not lawful to utter.
- Revelations from God are gifts of grace for His purposes – Paul received visions to validate his calling.
- Heavenly visions don’t make people prideful – Paul boasted only in weaknesses.
- Knowing Christ surpasses even a vision of heaven – Paul counted everything loss for Christ.
- Foretastes of glory make us long for Christ’s presence – Paul looked ahead to be with Him.
Paul’s vision stirs in us a longing for the day when we will enter heavenly glory and see our Savior face to face. It reminds us that the unseen realities are just as substantial and meaningful as earthly things. And it gives us hope that the best is yet to come as we persevere in following Christ.
Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh
Right after mentioning his vision of paradise, Paul goes on to discuss his “thorn in the flesh” given to keep him humble (2 Corinthians 12:7). Some speculate that Paul’s thorn was a physical condition, perhaps related to his eyesight (Galatians 4:15). Others think it may have involved spiritual attacks or temptations.
Whatever specifically it entailed, this thorn reminded Paul that he was dependent on God’s grace. Even the greatest apostle was frail and needed strength from Christ alone. The thorn cured Paul of any conceit or arrogance after seeing heavenly glory. It proved that power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Paul’s Purpose in 2 Corinthians 12
We must remember that Paul was not boasting or glorifying himself when he mentioned seeing the third heaven. Quite the opposite. His aim was to show that despite having unique visions and revelations, he was humble, weak, and Christ-dependent.
Unlike the “super apostles” exalting themselves, Paul wanted the Corinthians to see both the surpassing nature of his revelations alongside his profound frailty apart from God’s grace. This showed Paul’s authenticity as an apostle called and empowered by Christ. Even a trip to paradise didn’t make Paul prideful but rather more aware of his reliance on the Lord.
Conclusion
Paul’s incredible vision of being caught up to the third heaven gave Him a glimpse of the risen Christ enthroned in majesty. This paradise vision was meant to validate Paul’s calling as an apostle and give strength during trials. It stirs in believers a longing for heaven and the new creation. Yet even such visions didn’t make Paul proud or self-exalting. For Paul, everything was loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord. Paul’s thorn reminded him that human weakness provides opportunity for God’s strength.
In summary, Paul’s vision provides hope of our heavenly home with Christ. It reminds us that suffering now is not worthy to be compared with the glory to come (Romans 8:18). And it proves that God’s grace is sufficient for us in every weakness and trial we face. The heavenly realm is more real than the earthly one we now see. And the day is coming when we will be with our Savior forever, worshipping Him in paradise. Maranatha!