2 Corinthians 12:1-6

Amplified Bible

Paul’s Vision

12 It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. ²I know a ^[a]man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows—such a man was caught up to the ^[b]third heaven.^(A) ³And I know that such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, [only] God knows— ⁴was caught up into ^[c]Paradise and heard inexpressible words which man is not permitted to speak [words too sacred to tell]. ⁵On behalf of such a man [and his experiences] I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my weaknesses. ⁶If I wish to boast, I will not be foolish, because I will be speaking the truth. But I abstain [from it], so that no one will credit me with more than [is justified by what] he sees in me or hears from me.

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Footnotes

2 Corinthians 12:2 Paul had this experience prior to beginning his missionary journeys.
2 Corinthians 12:2 The dwelling place of God, called Paradise by Jesus and also by Paul (v 4).
2 Corinthians 12:4 Paul apparently uses “Paradise” as an equivalent of the third heaven, the dwelling place of God (cf Luke 23:43).

2 Corinthians 12:1-6

New American Standard Bible

Paul’s Vision

12 ^(A)Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and ^(B)revelations ^[a]of the Lord. ²I know a man ^(C)in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, ^(D)God knows—such a man was ^(E)caught up to the ^(F)third heaven. ³And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, ^(G)God knows— ⁴was ^(H)caught up into ^(I)Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. ⁵^(J)In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my ^(K)weaknesses. ⁶For if I do wish to boast I will not be ^(L)foolish, ^(M)for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.