Where Does the Bible Mention a Third Heaven?
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Christianity has a long history of supernatural experiences. One famous passage in the New Testament mentions the Lord bringing a person into the “third heaven.” Paul mentions this experience and uses this phrase. Yes, it is strange, but what was Paul talking about?
And who?
Where Does the Bible Talk about a Third Heaven?
The concept of the “third heaven” is mentioned in the Bible in the writings of the apostle Paul in the New Testament.
2 Corinthians is Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth, at least the second one included in the canon of Scripture. Corinth infamously dealt with some serious issues, both morally and theologically. Paul’s letters are full of truth but primarily corrective.
At the end of 2 Corinthians, Paul asserts his authority as an apostle to correct the church in Corinth. Paul explains God’s call on his life and work in the city as the one who planted the church. As he discusses his authority, Paul provides a glimpse into a supernatural experience. This passage offers insight into the biblical understanding of different realms or heavens:
“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. 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—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4, ESV)
Paul was no strange to spiritual encounters. The book of Acts recounts his conversion experience as a direct encounter with Jesus, leading to him being blinded for several days.
So what is he trying to say when he describes this spiritual experience?
What Does “Third Heaven” Mean?
The concept of multiple heavens is also alluded to in other parts of the Bible, although the specific term “third heaven” is not used specifically in other passages. In the ancient Jewish cosmology of the time, there was a common belief in multiple heavens or layers of the heavens.
The first heaven is often understood as the physical sky or the atmosphere surrounding the Earth, where clouds, birds, and atmospheric phenomena are observed. This is the visible sky that we see from Earth. The second heaven is associated with outer space, where celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and galaxies exist. It is the realm beyond Earth’s atmosphere and is considered the domain of the celestial bodies.
The third heaven, as mentioned by Paul, is understood to be the highest and most divine realm, where God’s presence resides in its fullness. It is often associated with paradise, the dwelling place of God, and a realm of spiritual and supernatural realities beyond human comprehension.
Who Entered the Third Heaven?
The reference to the “third heaven” in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 has been a topic of discussion and speculation among scholars and theologians throughout history.
The most widely accepted interpretation is that Paul is referring to himself. While he speaks in the third person, the context and content of the passage strongly suggest that he is recounting a personal experience. Again, remember this is a part of 2 Corinthians where Paul is asserting his authority to speak into the Corinthian churches’ situation. Paul’s usage of the term “man in Christ” has led many to conclude that he is speaking about himself humbly and indirectly. According to this view, Paul’s visit to the third heaven was a profound and transformative encounter with God’s presence and mysteries.
While many scholars agree that Paul spoke of himself in a semi-humble way when he spoke of the experience in the third heaven, there are other theories.
Some scholars propose that Paul might refer to someone with a similar experience. However, this view is less common, as the passage reflects Paul’s deep spiritual encounter. The choice of words and the personal nature of the description align more closely with Paul’s personal narrative.
Another interpretation suggests that Paul is speaking symbolically or metaphorically, describing a collective spiritual experience of believers in Christ. This view emphasizes the mystical union of believers with Christ and their participation in heavenly realities. However, the specific details and language of the passage make it more likely that Paul is describing an individual encounter.
Some scholars propose that Paul’s experience was an apocalyptic vision, a revelatory encounter often described in Jewish and early Christian literature. Apocalyptic visions involve glimpses into heavenly realms and insights into God’s mysteries. This interpretation aligns with the language of Paul being “caught up” and hearing “things that cannot be told.”
Some interpretations suggest the “third heaven” might symbolize a deeper spiritual reality rather than a literal celestial realm. The focus is on Paul’s divine revelation and insights rather than a specific geographic location in the heavens.
Regardless of the interpretation, the passage underscores the transformative and transcendent nature of spiritual experiences and highlights the mystery and wonder of encountering God’s presence. It serves as a reminder of the depths of God’s revelations and the profound impact such encounters can have on a person’s faith and ministry.
Is the Third Heaven an Expression?
Many scholars and theologians debate whether the “third heaven” mentioned in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 should be understood literally or not.
One perspective is that the “third heaven” is a symbolic or metaphorical expression rather than a literal description of a specific celestial realm. This view suggests that Paul uses symbolic language to convey profound spiritual truths and insights. Here are some reasons why the “third heaven” could be considered an expression:
- The concept of different “heavens” or levels of heavenly realms was a common theme in Jewish apocalyptic literature of the time. Apocalyptic writings often used symbolic language and imagery to convey spiritual truths and revelations. Paul, deeply steeped in Jewish thought, may have drawn from this symbolic tradition to describe his extraordinary encounter.
- Paul’s choice of words, such as “caught up” and “heard things that cannot be told,” suggests a mystical and otherworldly experience. Such language is often associated with symbolic and visionary descriptions, where the emphasis is on conveying profound spiritual insights rather than communicating he literally went to another realm.
- The passage focuses not on the physical description of the third heaven but on the spiritual revelations and mysteries that Paul received during this encounter. The purpose is to emphasize the authority of Paul’s apostolic message and the depths of his spiritual insights.
- Paul himself acknowledges the limitations of human language to fully describe his experience: “things that cannot be told.” The fact he recognizes language’s inadequacy to capture the full scope of the encounter means he may be using symbolic language to convey a reality beyond human comprehension.
- Throughout his writings, Paul emphasizes the spiritual nature of the Christian life and the unseen realities of God’s kingdom. It is consistent with his theology to use symbolic language to describe profound spiritual encounters.
While the “third heaven” could be interpreted symbolically, it’s important to note that the discussion is not a matter of questioning the authenticity of Paul’s experience or doubting the supernatural aspects of his encounter. Rather, it reflects the complexity of interpreting symbolic language in ancient texts and the diverse ways in which the Bible communicates profound truths.
Paul could have legitimately been taken into a heavenly realm. God is more than able.
What Is the Third Heaven Passage Meant to Teach Us?
The 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 passage holds valuable lessons for Christians today. While the exact nature of Paul’s experience is subject to interpretation, the passage has broader themes and implications with relevant insights.
1. The Reality of Spiritual Encounters. This account reminds Christians that spiritual encounters with God are real and can profoundly impact our faith and understanding. While not everyone may experience visions as dramatic as Paul’s, the passage encourages us to seek a deeper connection with God and remain open to His presence.
2. Humility in Spiritual Experiences. Paul’s use of third-person language to describe his own experience demonstrates humility. Christians today can learn to approach our spiritual encounters with similar humility, recognizing that any experiences of God’s presence are ultimately gifts from Him and not a basis for boasting.
3. Focus on God’s Revelation. The passage emphasizes not the sensational details of the third heaven but the “things that cannot be told.” For us, this highlights the importance of focusing on the insights and revelations that come from encounters with God rather than getting caught up in seeking extraordinary experiences for their own sake.
4. Authentic Apostolic Authority. Paul uses his encounter with the third heaven to establish the authenticity of his apostolic authority. In a world where false teachers and conflicting messages abound, we can learn to discern true spiritual leaders by examining their teachings’ consistency with God’s revealed truths.
5. Personal Relationship with God. The passage underscores Paul’s relationship with God. We can learn the value of cultivating an intimate and vibrant relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and seeking His presence. A deep connection with God can lead to a greater understanding of His truths and purposes.
6. Beyond Human Comprehension. The phrase “heard things that cannot be told” suggests that there are mysteries and truths that go beyond human comprehension. This humbling realization encourages us to approach God with awe and reverence, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts are higher than ours.
7. The Limitations of Language. Paul’s acknowledgment of the limitations of language to convey his experience reminds Christians that words can only express a fraction of the depth and richness of spiritual encounters. This encourages us to use language as a tool to point to spiritual realities rather than attempting to encapsulate them fully.
8. Prioritizing Spiritual Insights. The passage encourages us to prioritize the spiritual insights gained from encounters with God over pursuing miraculous signs or extraordinary experiences. This aligns with the New Testament’s emphasis on growing in wisdom and understanding God’s will. What God is teaching us from the event matters more than the spectacle.
The “third heaven” passage encourages us to seek genuine encounters with God, approach spiritual experiences with humility, and prioritize the insights and revelations from a personal relationship with Him. Two things are true. First, we shouldn’t dismiss supernatural and mystical encounters with a God who is Spirit. At the same time, let us not seek the experience but the words of God that transform us.
Peace.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Romonolo Tavani
This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible verse phrases and quotes. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of specific verses within Scripture's context. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today.
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