Paul was caught up to the THIRD heaven

[tonychanyt]

2 Corinthians 12:

2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. 3 And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.

1. First Heaven: The sky or atmosphere where birds fly and clouds form.
2. Second Heaven: Outer space, the realm of stars, planets, and celestial bodies. 3 Third Heaven: The dwelling place of God, often equated with Paradise or the ultimate destination of the righteous.

Jesus spoke to one of the criminals crucified with him in Lk 23:

43b “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

The third heaven was understood as the highest.

 

[Paleouss]

First Heaven: The sky or atmosphere where birds fly and clouds form.

Greetings and blessings to you, Tony. I hope you are doing well. Yes, I think the Scriptures teach a three heavens concept. Not only are there verses that speak to a first heaven, (Gen 6:7, Isa 55:10, Matt 6:26), and third heaven" (2Cor 12:2) or "heaven of heavens" (Due 10:14, 1King 8:27). But also verses that refer to the subject as "heavens", plural (Heb 4:14, Gen 1:1).

In regard to the Luke 23:43 verse. There is some dispute regarding the meaning of this verse. Does it refer to a part of Hades? As in the Jewish theology, the department of Hades where the blessed souls await the resurrection. Therefore not properly 'heaven'. Or is it a reference to one of the three heavens in which you reference? Or is it both?

My current position is that it refers to a part of Hades and is not in reference to any of the other mentions of the three heavens.

Peace be to you brother

 

[tonychanyt]

In regard to the Luke 23:43 verse.

Check out TODAY you will be with me in paradise and follow up there