2 Corinthians 12:1-6

A vision of paradise 2 Corinthians 12:1-6: Paul felt that there was nothing to be gained by his boasting. He said that he would only tell them about the visions and revelations that he had received from God. The Lord, by means of revelation, gave Paul truths that he would have never known otherwise. Paul told about a man that was taken up into the third heaven fourteen years ago. He did not know whether the man was in the body or not. He did not know but he knew that God knew. He was marvelously and swiftly taken or transferred from one place to another. The first heaven is the region where the birds fly. (Genesis 1:20) The second heaven is that where the sun, stars and moon are located. (Genesis 22:17) The third heaven is where God's throne is located. (Hebrews 12:2.)

Paul told us that the man was taken up into paradise. In paradise he saw things that were too wonderful to tell. The third heaven was called paradise. The word paradise literally means "pleasure gardens." Paul said, "On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses." Paul would not be so foolish as to boast too much. He did not want anyone to think more highly of him than they should.