2 Corinthians 12:3

2 Corinthians 12:3, in plain English

Paul continues describing this same experience, again emphasizing the uncertainty about whether it was physical or spiritual—showing that what matters isn't the mechanics of the experience, but that God orchestrated it.

Why it's here

By repeating this detail, Paul underscores that the nature of the experience is mysterious, but the reality of it is undeniable. He's not trying to sound mystical or impress anyone; he's being honest about what he does and doesn't understand about his own encounter with God.

Who's speaking

Paul

Where it sits in the story

This reflects the wider biblical theme that God's presence transcends our normal categories of physical and spiritual. Bodies and spirits aren't separate in God's economy—they're part of a unified whole that operates on a different level than ordinary reality.

The scholarly reading

Paul reiterates the uncertainty about whether he experienced this heavenly ascent physically or spiritually, emphasizing that only God comprehends the nature of the encounter.

Language and setting

The repetition is deliberate and rhetorical—it creates emphasis while simultaneously expressing genuine theological humility. Paul cannot and will not make definitive metaphysical claims about the mode of his experience. This stands in implicit contrast to the 'super-apostles' who likely spoke with more certainty and sensationalism about their visions. The repeated phrase 'God knows' (oida ho theos) functions as a theological boundary-marker: some knowledge belongs to God alone, and human speculation beyond that boundary is presumption.

Voice

Paul, continuing his recollection and defense.

Significance

This echoes the Deuteronomic principle that God's knowledge exceeds human categories of understanding (Deuteronomy 29:29). It also anticipates Paul's later insistence in 1 Corinthians 13 that our knowledge is fragmentary and provisional, a theme central to his theology of spiritual maturity and the limitations of human comprehension.

1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord.

2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows.

3And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows—

4was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.

5I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses.

Read all of 2 Corinthians 12 — Paul begs God three times to remove his suffering. God's answer redefines strength: My grace is sufficient. My power is made perfect in weakness.