I must boast; not that it is profitable, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I know someone in Christ who, fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows), was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this person (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard ineffable things, which no one may utter. 5 About this person I will boast, but about myself I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.
Paul defends his apostolic authority to the Corinthians, not by boasting of worldly success or persuasive speech, but by reluctantly speaking of divine revelations. He writes, “I must boast; not that it is profitable…”—indicating that such boasting is not beneficial in itself, but necessary, because some were questioning his legitimacy in comparison to the so-called “super-apostles” who had impressed the Corinthians with powerful speech and outward signs(cf. 2 Cor 11:5–6).
Paul’s response is both ironic and humble: he will speak of visions and revelations but does so in the third person to avoid drawing attention to himself, using a common rabbinic rhetorical technique to show modesty when describing extraordinary spiritual experiences. The event he describes occurred “fourteen years ago”, placing it around A.D. 42—well before this letter was written in A.D. 55–56. He says twice, “whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.” This is not philosophical confusion but an acknowledgment that the experience transcended ordinary perception. Paul is indicating that this was not merely a dream or imagined state, but a true encounter with the divine—even if the manner of it remains a mystery.
When Paul says he was “caught up to the third heaven” and “into Paradise,” he is describing the same event using two expressions that convey the highest experience of God’s presence. In ancient Jewish understanding, the “third heaven” referred to the spiritual realm where God dwells, above the sky (first heaven) and the stars (second heaven), as reflected in Deut. 10:14. The term “Paradise” similarly denotes the dwelling place of the righteous and the intimate nearness of God—what Jesus promised the good thief in Lk 23:43. Paul’s language suggests a mystical encounter with the divine—not a vision of the created order, but a brief and hidden participation in the glory the saints will one day fully behold in the Beatific Vision, which is the direct and perfect seeing of God in heaven, unmediated and eternal.
When Paul says he “heard ineffable things, which no one may utter,” he uses a term that means not only unspeakable, but inexpressible—realities so sacred and mysterious that human language cannot adequately convey them. The Greek phrase arreta rhemata suggests both the holiness and the hiddenness of what he experienced. In Jewish apocalyptic tradition, some heavenly revelations were considered too exalted to be spoken aloud or shared publicly. Paul may be indicating that what was revealed to him was not only beyond words, but also divinely withheld—either due to its overwhelming holiness or because God did not permit it to be shared.
When Paul says, “About this man I will boast,” he is referring to himself in the third person, deliberately distancing his personal identity from the extraordinary vision he describes. He does this to emphasize that such an experience was not his own accomplishment but a gift received entirely by God’s grace. Paul refuses to boast in himself, as if he had earned or achieved this revelation, and instead underscores that the true measure of apostleship is not spiritual ecstasy but humble reliance on God. He reminds us that the greatest spiritual experiences are not displays of holiness but calls to deeper humility. They are not badges of honor, but gifts given for the soul’s transformation. As St. Basil the Great (c. 329–379 AD) warned: “Do not think yourself better for having seen a vision. Measure your growth in humility, for the evil one too can appear as an angel of light.” (Letter 8).
Paul’s vision of Paradise should never be mistaken as a goal for us to strive toward by our own effort, as if mystical experiences were the summit of Christian life. Rather, they are unmerited gifts given to a few—not for their glory, but for the strengthening of the Church. What we are called to seek is not revelation, but faithfulness. It is in daily trust, obedience, and love that we come to know the God who sometimes speaks in visions, but always draws us near through grace.
Almighty God, You who dwell in unapproachable light, draw us nearer by the quiet power of Your grace. Teach us not to seek extraordinary signs, but to be faithful in ordinary things. As You once caught up Your servant Paul into the mystery of Paradise, help us to walk humbly in this life, content to know that You are near, even when unseen. May we live not for our own glory, but for Yours, and desire not visions, but the grace to love You more each day. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Sources and References
- The Holy Bible, New American Bible, Revised Edition (2011).
- A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture, ed. Bernard Orchard et al. (London: Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1953).
- The Navarre Bible: Corinthians, Faculty of the University of Navarre (Dublin: Four Courts Press / Scepter, 2008).
- The Paulist Biblical Commentary, ed. José Enrique Aguilar Chiu et al. (New York: Paulist Press, 2018).
- St. Basil the Great, Letter 8, in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Vol. 8, ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1994).
- Deuteronomy 10:14 (on the “highest heavens” belonging to the Lord).
- Luke 23:43 (Jesus’ promise of Paradise to the repentant thief).
- 2 Corinthians 11:5–6; 12:1–5.
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