Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Boasting Yet Again

1 I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. 5 On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses— 6 though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth; but I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.

Paul continues with his tongue-in-cheek comments about his boasting. He has seen words, images, and other things revealed to him by Jesus. He is speaking of an event that happened sometime between A.D. 40-44. It was not a planned trip for him, but he was “caught up” into paradise/the real and highest heaven. There he heard things he is not permitted by Jesus to report to them. What he is really boasting about is that he knows the truth and the false apostles do not.

Almighty God who has sent the Spirit of truth into us to guide us into all truth: so rule our lives by your power that we may be truthful in thought and word and deed. May no fear or hope ever make us false in act or speech; cast out from us whatsoever loves or makes a lie, and bring us all into the perfect freedom of your truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Brooke Foss Westcott, 1825-1901