Paul’s boasting continues into the realms of visions and revelations though he doubts that his boasting will be profitable. Still, he continues in the hope that he will silence his critics and draw his readers from overrating such irrelevant credentials. Paul speaks of a man in Christ he knows who was caught up to the third heaven. Paul is likely speaking of himself. Because he loathes boasting of any great experiences of his, he is likely referring to himself in the third person. Also, he later speaks of a thorn in the flesh sent to keep him humble, which contextually applies to this vision. The word caught up is the same word used of Philip being taken to another physical location (Acts 8:39-40) and of the rapture of the church (1 Thess 4:17). Biblically, the first heaven describes the earth’s atmosphere. The second heaven describes the universe containing the sun, moon, and stars. And the third heaven is where God dwells. Paul also refers to this as paradise. The false teachers were clearly ready to use any means to exalt themselves but Paul would not speak about what he was shown during this experience. If he had chosen to boast, he would not have been a fool for he would have spoken the truth. Paul wasn’t interested in elevating himself because of any unique experiences he had. His sufficiency was in Christ and he lived only to give God the glory. Because of the propensity for pride after seeing such a revelation, God gave Paul a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. Paul describes his thorn in the flesh as a messenger of Satan, which reminds us of how God allowed Satan to afflict Job. There is no indication of what this affliction was, but as Paul is speaking of physical weaknesses, it was likely a physical ailment. Paul asked the Lord three times to have this removed. His request was not granted but he was reminded that God’s grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness. When we are strong, then we are more inclined to rely on our own strength. When we are weak, then our successes must be attributed to God alone. Because of this Paul was glad to boast of his weaknesses because that was when the power of Christ was certainly upon him. Because of Christ, he was content, he could take pleasure in his weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities because his weaknesses so boldly displayed Christ’s strength.

Have you found yourself burdened with an ailment or weakness that you wish God would take away but He hasn’t? Can you see this as a blessing from God to keep you humble and as an opportunity for God to work Christ’s power through you? Do you need to pray for God to help you with a shift in perspective?