A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 12

I must needs glory (καυχασθα δε). This is the reading of B L Latin Syriac, but Aleph D Bohairic have δε while K M read δη. The first is probably correct. He must go on with the glorying already begun, foolish as it is, though it is not expedient (ου συμφερον).

Visions (οπτασιας). Late word from οπταζω. See on Lu 1:22; Acts 26:19.

Revelations of the Lord (αποκαλυψεις Κυριου). Unveilings (from αποκαλυπτω as in Re 1:1). See on 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts 9:3; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; 27:23f.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3, etc.).

I know a man (οιδα ανθρωπον). Paul singles out one incident of ecstasy in his own experience that he declines to describe. He alludes to it in this indirect way as if it were some other personality.

Fourteen years ago (προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων). Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in Joh 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Acts 9:30; Acts 11:25). We have no details of that period.

Caught up (Î±Ï Ï Î±Î³ÎµÎ½Ï Î±). Second aorist passive participle of Î±Ï Ï Î±Î¶Ï , to seize . Even to the third heaven (ÎµÏ Ï Ï Ï Î¹Ï Î¿Ï Î¿Ï Ï Î±Î½Î¿Ï). It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer).

I do not know (ουκ οιδα). Paul declines to pass on his precise condition in this trance. We had best leave it as he has told it.

Into Paradise (εις παραδεισον). See on Lu 23:43 for this interesting word. Paul apparently uses paradise as the equivalent of the third heaven in verse 2. Some Jews (Book of the Secrets of Enoch, chapter viii) make Paradise in the third heaven. The rabbis had various ideas (two heavens, three, seven). We need not commit Paul to any "celestial gradation" (Vincent).

Unspeakable words (αρρητα ρηματα). Old verbal adjective (α privative, ρητος from ρεω), only here in N.T.

Not lawful (ουκ εξον). Copula εστιν omitted. Hence Paul does

not give these words.

But on mine own behalf (υπερ δε εμαυτου). As if there were two Pauls. In a sense there were. He will only glory in the things mentioned above, the things of his weaknesses (11:30).