Read 2 Corinthians 12:1–6
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up
to the third heaven.… And I know that this man … was caught
up to paradise.
2 Corinthians 12:2–3
Paul kept quiet about this experience of heaven for fourteen years!
During those years, he was buffeted by a “thorn in the flesh” (v. 7 KJV),
and perhaps people wondered why he had such a burdensome affliction. The Judaizers may have said, “This affliction is a punishment
from God.” (Actually, it was a gift from God.) Some of Paul’s good
friends may have tried to encourage him by saying, “Cheer up, Paul.
One day you’ll be in heaven!” Paul could have replied, “That’s why I
have this thorn—because I went to heaven!”
God honored Paul by granting him visions and revelations, and
by taking him to heaven, but He honored him further by permitting
him to hear “inexpressible things” while he was there. He overheard
the divine secrets that are shared only in that holy place.
Such an honor as this would have made most people very proud.
Instead of keeping quiet for fourteen years, they would have immediately told the world. But Paul simply told the truth—it was not empty
boasting—and let the facts speak for themselves. His great concern
was that nobody should rob God of the glory.
Something to Ponder
How can you accept all the things God has done for you without
becoming proud?