5.22.2009

Third Heaven

In II Cor. 12, Paul shares about a very unusual experience.

Vs 2 “I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether is was in the body or out of the body I do not know- God knows… he was caught up to paradise.”

Third heaven? Out of body experience? Did anyone learn about this passage in Sunday School?
There are many theories on what this “third heaven” is.

One thing that might help: The world “paradise” comes from the Persian word, which means a “walled garden”. When a Persian king wished to honor someone very special to him, he made that person a “companion of the garden.” This gave the person the right to walk with the king in the royal gardens in close and intimate companionship (Barclay 286).

Jesus uses this analogy in Luke 23 on the cross when he tells the criminal “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

God walked with Adam in the “Garden of Eden” before the fall of mankind.

What is your theory of the third heaven?


Hebrew starts on Monday!

5.21.2009

light and momentary troubles… huh

Here are some observations and questions on II Cor. 11

In this passage Paul is writing in response to opposition against him.
It is a fascinating passage but something really jumps out at me as I read.

In chapter 4 Paul writes about his ministry. Look at verses 8-12, and 16-18 of chapter 4.

Then read chapter 11: 23-29.

What light and momentary troubles have plagued Paul?
How is he outwardly wasting away but inwardly being renewed?
How is death at work in him but life at work in others?


How does this inspire you?

How does it challenge you?