121 Boasting is necessary , though it is not profitable ; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord . 2 I know 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 , God knows -such a man was caught up to the third heaven . 3 And I know how such a man -whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know , God knows - 4 was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words , which a man is not permitted to speak . 5 On behalf of such a man I will boast ; but on my own behalf I will not boast , except in regard to my weaknesses . 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be foolish , 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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:1-6
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:1-6
(Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-6)
There can be no doubt the apostle speaks of himself. Whether heavenly things were brought down to him, while his body was in a trance, as in the case of ancient prophets; or whether his soul was dislodged from the body for a time, and taken up into heaven, or whether he was taken up, body and soul together, he knew not. We are not capable, nor is it fit we should yet know, the particulars of that glorious place and state. He did not attempt to publish to the world what he had heard there, but he set forth the doctrine of Christ. On that foundation the church is built, and on that we must build our faith and hope. And while this teaches us to enlarge our expectations of the glory that shall be revealed, it should render us contented with the usual methods of learning the truth and will of God.