THE THIRD HEAVEN

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A devotional discussion by Doug Kisaka

In 2 Corinthian’s12, When Paul writes about a man being caught up in the 3rd heaven in verse 2 and in paradise in verse 3m he is really talking about himself. He gives this away in verse 7 when he says, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh.”

This is important because what he is saying here is that he was constantly reminded of his own fallibility as a human being. And rather than boast about the revelations God gave him, he preferred to humble himself and glory in the weakness of his humanity, and thereby giving all glory to God’s greatness. 

It is therefore no wonder he refers to himself in the third person in verses 2 and 3.

Verse 9 reveals how he was reminded of his frailties. He writes of a messenger of Satan sent to buffet (or taunt him). He is clearly referring to a great temptation, as it occurred when Satan challenged Job’s faith in God (in the Book of Job) or when he tempted Jesus, in the Last Temptations of Christ, (recorded in Synoptic Gospels). 

Paul does not say what form this took, but the one thing we can be sure of is that it reminded him of his human frailty.

Each of us has a major weakness(es) or Achilles’ heel(s), that remind(s) us of our own frailties, no matter, no matter of our status In life or how pious, overhyped, accomplished, revered or famous we are. And when we are tempted, those tendencies or weaknesses expose us our humanity back to us, reminding us of our reliance on God salvation and power through Christ Jesus, a reminder why we should always be humble—As the saying goes, ‘But for the grace of god go I.’

2 Corinthians 12:2-9

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.

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.

5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

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.

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.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me