Paul Knew Such a Man 2 Corinthians 12:3

As Paul the apostle told the church members concerning his “visions and revelations” he shared, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven”, and in chapter twelve and verse three of Second Corinthians, Paul repeats how he, “knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body” where we read:

And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)

The verse begins, “And I knew such a man, ...” Paul began with the words, “I knew” which means “Paul saw, perceived, noticed and discerned” “a man” or “a male human being”. Paul once again referred to how he remembered an experience from his past.

The verse continues, “(whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)”. Paul began with the word, “whether” which means “if” “in the body” or “within the physical body or corpse” “or out of the body” which means “”, “I cannot” which means “Paul was not able to” “tell” or “see, perceive, notice or discern”: “God” which refers to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “knows” or “sees, perceives, notices and discerns”. Paul shared how God knew whether he was in or out of his body.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how he referred to his “visions and revelations” again, and all the while did not know whether he was “in or out of” his body. Nonetheless, this experience was an important one to Paul, and Jesus Christ allowed him to encounter it. Jesus knows both the physical and spiritual world, and should we ever encounter “visions and revelations” such as Paul, let us be assured “God knows” whether they shall be in or out of our bodies.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Caught Up to the Third Heaven 2 Corinthians 12:2

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord”, and in chapter twelve and verse two of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how he was, “caught up to the third heaven” where we read:

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

The verse begins, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,...” Paul began with the words, “I knew” which means “Paul saw, perceived, noticed and discerned” “a man” or “a male human being” “in Christ” which refers to the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “above fourteen years ago” or “more than fourteen years prior to the current time”. Paul referred to himself as he remembered a spiritual experience he encountered fourteen years prior to writing these words.

The verse continues, “(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows;)”. Paul began with the word, “whether” which means “if” “in the body” or “within the physical body or corpse”, “I cannot” which means “Paul was not able to” “tell” or “see, perceive, notice or discern”: “God” which refers to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “knows” or “sees, perceives, notices and discerns”. Paul shared concerning a time when he had an “out of body experience” which he could not perceive but knew God could.

The verse goes on to say, “ such an one caught up to the third heaven.” Paul added the words, “such an one caught up” which means “this kind or sort seized, carried off by force or snatched out or away” “to the third heaven” or “to the third region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly things”. Paul knew he was “snatched away” to the “third heaven” where God and other eternal spiritual beings dwell.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how he knew he was taken to “the third heaven”, however, he wasn't certain whether he was in or out of his body. Jesus Christ has the ability through the Holy Spirit of God to move a person's spirit from the earthly natural world to the “spiritual world” where heaven exists. Paul had this “vision and revelation”, and he desired for the church members in Corinth to know about it. The plan of salvation is “eternal and everlasting” through Jesus Christ, and Paul was able to experience this world before his physical death.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: ” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Visions and Revelations of the Lord 2 Corinthians 12:1

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth how he, “through a window in a basket was ... let down by the wall, and escaped” from the governor “under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend” him , and in chapter twelve and verse one of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how he would, “come to visions and revelations of the Lord” where we read:

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

The verse begins, “It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. ” Paul began with the words, “it is not expedient” which means “it is not helpful or profitable” “for me” or “for Paul” “doubtless” which means “truly, verily, certainly and forthwith” “to glory” or “vaunt, rejoice or boast”. Paul had no need to “vaunt, rejoice or boast” concerning himself.

The verse continues, “ I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord”. Paul began with the words, “I will come” which means “Paul would address, go to, visit and follow” “to visions” or “sights or appearances presented to one whether asleep or away” “and revelations” which means “laying bare, disclosure, manifestation and appearance” “of the Lord” or “of he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah”. Paul began to consider “sights and appearances” and “disclosures and manifestations” from Jesus which were given to him.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he was blessed to experience “visions and revelations” from God. Because Paul was used mightily by the Lord Jesus to share His “gospel”, and he was given insight to the “eternal” world that is unseen by the physical. Jesus Christ desires for everyone to know there is a “spiritual world”, and there should be no “glorying” within oneself as all honor and glory must be directed to Jesus Christ who rules both the physical and spiritual worlds.

Next time Paul shares with the church members how he was, “caught up to the third heaven”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Escaped Through a Basket 2 Corinthians 11:33

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-three of Second Corinthians, Paul shared how he, “through a window...escaped his hands” where we read:

And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

The verse begins, “And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, ...”. Paul began with the words, “and through a window” which means “and by means, reason and account of” “in a basket” or “a braided rope, band or hamper made of ropes” “was I let down” which means “Paul was loosened, slackened, relaxed from a higher place to a lower” “by the wall” which means “through and by means of the wall around the city or town wall”. Because the governor purposed to have Paul arrested, he was let down the city wall by other disciples of Jesus (See Acts 9:24-25).

The verse continues, “... and escaped his hands.” Paul added the words, “and escaped” which means “fled away and sought safety in flight from” “his hands” or “the governor's might, activity and power”. Paul was able to flee from the threat of the governor when other disciples let him “down the wall”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we notice the threat he faced from one who was in authority. The intensity of this danger compelled Paul's comrades to help him escape over the town wall. When the gospel of Jesus Christ is shared, there is no promise of lack of troubles, however, everyone who ventures in this manner may know that God watches over them and may provide a way of escape. The “good news” of eternal life through Jesus is worth the difficulties that may be experienced, and may we always rely upon God to discover an occasion to “escape” those difficulties.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul tell the church members, “I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Governor Desiring to Apprehend Paul 2 Corinthians 11:32

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not.”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-two of Second Corinthians, Paul shared what was desired with one, “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes” where we read:

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes

with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

The verse begins, “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes

with a garrison, ...”. Paul began with the words, “In Damascus” which means “silence is the sackcloth weaver” and was “one of the most ancient and most important cities of Syria lying in almost lovely and fertile plain at the eastern base of the Antilibanus” “the governor” or “an ethnarch, one set over a people as ruler but without the authority and name of a king” “under Aretas” which means “graver” refers to “an Arabian king” “the king” whose name means “leader of the people, prince, commander and lord of the land” “kept the city” or “guarded by a military guard either to prevent hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight” “of the Damascenes” which means “the people of Damascus” “with a garrison” or “guarded by a military guard either to prevent hostile invasion or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight”. Paul referred to Damascus' “governor” who was under King Aretas who provided a military “garrison” for protection.

The verse goes on to say, “...desirous to apprehend me:” Paul added the words, “desirous” which means “has in mind, intends, desires, wishes and determines with purpose” “to apprehend me” or “to lay hold of, take, capture and imprison Paul”. Paul knew the “governor” of Damascus intended to “arrest” him.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we discover his knowledge of a government official who desired and intended to “arrest” him. Even though Paul shared the “gospel of Jesus Christ”, he was not exempt from troubles, circumstances or people in authority. Paul knew of the “governor's” intention and continued anyway to tell others about the “good news” of God. If we should ever suffer from sharing Jesus with others, let us remember Paul's plights with authorities and continue to share no matter how adverse the consequences may be.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Blessed For Evermore God and Father 2 Corinthians 11:31

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth about difficulties he faced as he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he added, “If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” In chapter eleven and verse thirty-one of Second Corinthians, Paul asked the church members about “the God and Father” who is, “blessed for evermore” where we read:

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not.

The verse begins, “The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ...” Paul began with the words, “The God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “and Father” or “the generator” “of our Lord” which refers to “he to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding; master and the title given to God the Messiah” “Jesus” whose name means “Jehovah is salvation” and is “the Son of God, the Savior of mankind and God incarnate” “Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul referred to God Almighty and His Son Jesus as his reference for that which he is about to declare.

The verse goes on to say, “...which is blessed for evermore, knows that I lie not.” Paul added the words, “which is blessed” which means “who is adored and praised” “for evermore” or “to the unbroken age, perpetuity of time and eternity” “knows” which means “sees, perceives, notices, discerns and discovers” “that I lie not” which refers to “that Paul did not speak deliberate falsehoods or deceive anyone”. Paul declared “God” to be “adored and praised” as his witness to his telling the truth.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see how he appealed to God as his witness to telling the truth. There is no better witness than God, and because the “gospel of Jesus Christ” has eternal ramifications for all who hear the message. When we look for verification of our words, actions and attitudes, let us look to “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

Next time Paul tells the church members how the “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Glory in Infirmities 2 Corinthians 11:30

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth about difficulties he faced as he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he asked, “Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?”. In chapter eleven and verse thirty of Second Corinthians, Paul told the church members, “If I must needs glory, I will glory” in “infirmities” where we read:

If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.

The verse begins, “If I must needs glory, ...” Paul began with the words, “If I must needs” which refers to “whether it is necessary, behooves and is right and proper for Paul”, “glory” or “vaunt, boast, joy and rejoice”. Paul considered whether it was “necessary” for him to brag or “boast” about that which he will declare.

The verse goes on to say, “I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.” Paul added the words, “I will glory” which means “Paul would vaunt, boast, joy and rejoice” “of the things which concern” which means “that and those events which belong to” “mine infirmities” which refers to “Paul's weaknesses, want of strength and capacity requisite”. Paul would only allow himself to “boast” in his “weaknesses”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we discover his humility as a servant of Jesus Christ. Though he was one of the greatest apostles of Jesus, yet he only “boasted in his infirmities”. When Jesus is seen from the proper perspective, humility rises and all “boasting” of personal performances and duty fades. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and all “glory” should be unto Him for the great things He has done in everyone who believes and trusts in Him. Let all other “boasting” be solely in the “infirmities” which accompany believers as well.

Next time Paul tells the church members how the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” “knows that I lie not” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Weak and Offended 2 Corinthians 11:28

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth about difficulties he faced as he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and he added to his list, “beside those things that are without, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches”. In chapter eleven and verse twenty-nine of Second Corinthians, Paul asked the church members, “who is weak...who is offended?” where we read:

Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?

The verse begins, “Who is weak, and I am not weak?” Paul began with the words, “who is weak” which refers to “what person is feeble, without strength, needy, poor and sick”, “and I am not weak” or “and Paul was not feeble, without strength, needy, poor or sick”? Paul questioned the church members about whether they thought cold not identify with people who were in a “weakened” position.

The verse continues, “who is offended, and I burn not?” Paul added the words, “who is offended” which means “what person is like one who has a stumbling block or impediment in the way upon which another may trip and fall”, “and I burn not” or “and Paul not set on fire, kindled, incensed and indignant”. Paul questioned whether there was anyone who was “a stumbling block” so that “others would trip and fall” and Paul not be “incensed” about it.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how he related to people who were “feeble and without strength” as well as those who were “stumbled” by others. The gospel was free to everyone, and when people were discovered who were “feeble” or “stumbled” because of conditions or others, Paul related to them. Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with all who will believe in and receive Him as Savior and Lord, and if a person is “needy, poor, sick or stumbled”, we should seek to identify with them and help them come to know Jesus as He really is.

Next time Paul tells the church members, “I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities” and more, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.