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3) Paul's third Heaven and paradeisos
The second time the word paradeisos is used in the Bible it is by Paul.
I know a man in Christ, above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knows) such a one caught up even to third heaven. And I know such a man, (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knows) how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. On behalf of such a one will I glory: but on mine own behalf I will not glory, save in my weaknesses. (2Cor. 12:2-5)
Pauluses the term paradeisos, to describe an event which another person he knew had experienced. The event is not clear to Paul, as Paul speaks of not knowing whether the event was “in the body”, that is experienced on earth, or a vision “out of the body”. So we can know that something wonderful occurred to somebody Paul knew, but that not even Paul knew precisely what had occurred. We know it could not be any of Paul's experiences, as firstly he does not know whether it was “in the body” and also he is not shy to boast of his own experiences. Just before this Paul speaks candidly,
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned.. (2Corinthians 11:22-25)
IfI must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. (2Corinthians 11:30)
Paul then speaks of visions and speaks of a great vision of another man he knew above 14 year ago. After he speaks of the glorying in the man who hears words “not lawful for a man to utter” he returns to his own revelations which are clearly of another nature entirely,
Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. (2Cor. 12:5)
Paul goes on to explain his infirmities and distress and how they are a result of the work he is doing. In the visions we know Paul experienced, he is told he will suffer for the gospel.
As he came near Damascus: suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, “Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus whom you persecute”..And he trembling and astonished said, “Lord, what will you have me to do?” And the Lord said unto him, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what you must do”. (Acts 9:3-6)
Paul understood from Ananias that he was to suffer, Ananias was told,
“Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake”. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost”. (Act 9:10-17)
Paul did not here experience a great vision, or hear unlawful words, and neither did Ananias. Paul sees Jesus “out of due time” (1 Cor 15:8) and then a vision of Ananias. Paul at this time received the Holy Spirit which gave him the ability to write the “wisdom” of God (2 Peter 3:15). Paul is told he will suffer for Jesus' name's sake. This experience is why Paul speaks of glorying in his suffering. He did not see a great vision.
So to whom was Paul referring? And why does he equate paradise to the third heaven? What is the third heaven? We will look at these in reverse.
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Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. (1 Corinthians 4:5)
This may be one of the most misunderstood passages of the Bible. Paul is notorious for long sentences of connected thoughts, and this is part of a complex wide ranging thought which lasts 2 chapters, and includes what seems opposite advice:
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Cor. 5:11-13)
As I was thinking to write this article, having just read Psalm 46 as I do each year on that day, on January 25th a Bible was found untouched after a tornado hit Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
We have been given many time periods to prophetic events in the Bible. Many people think it too hard, and do not make an effort to understand them. However, if they were not to be understood, why were they given? And the Bible says the wise shall understand (Daniel 12:10).
In the light of the findings of science, how literally do we take what the scriptures say about the power of the God of the Bible, Yahweh Elohim (literally He who will become Mighty Ones)? Science at its best is a measurement of observable and repeatable phenomenon wrapped up in explanations which abound in analogy. There is no doubt in the benefit of investigating phenomena of the natural world. The surprising thing is that the more we investigate natural phenomena, the more it fits the explanations recorded over 2000 years ago.
The God of Israel is approachable and reasonable. He often speaks directly to his people. The following will seek to understand a passage where he speaks via the prophet Amos which has a few variant translations.
