Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 12:3

"And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knoweth)," — 2 Corinthians 12:3 (ASV)

None of the visions recorded in Acts can be identified with the one related here, since it occurred fourteen years before the time of writing—i.e., during the ten so-called “silent years” (A. D. 35–45) that Paul spent in Syria and Cilicia (Galatians 1:21). Paul’s expression “a man in Christ” refers to himself. How do we know?

(1) He knew the exact time the revelation took place (v.2) and that its content was beyond words, even if it were permissible to try to communicate it (v.4).

(2) The revelation was directly related to the receipt of a “thorn,” which was given to Paul (v.7).

(3) Paul would not likely feel embarrassment (cf. v.1) about boasting on another person’s behalf (cf. v.5a).

(4) For Paul to relate a remarkable experience that happened to someone unknown to the Corinthians would scarcely fit the context. The scene of the vision was the “hidden Paradise” of Jewish thought—the abode of the righteous dead that is here located within the third heaven. If Paul was quite certain of the location of the vision, he was uncertain about whether the experience happened to him in his body or apart from it (vv.2b, 3b). Consciousness of God totally eclipsed any awareness of the physical world of space and time. What Paul heard (and saw?), human words were inadequate to relate (v.4b). Furthermore, he was not permitted to try to share the content of the revelation, perhaps because it had been designed for him alone, to fortify him for future service and sufferings (Acts 9:16; Romans 8:18). Glimpses the NT does give of the coming glory are intended to strengthen faith and promote holiness (cf. 2 Peter 3:10–14), not satisfy curiosity.