2 Corinthians 12:1-6 (Paul's vision/revelation of third heaven 14 years prior; boasts in infirmities, not self)
Context and Paul's Defense
Corinthian church doubts Paul's apostleship; he reluctantly lists credentials.
From 2 Corinthians 11:22-33: Matches "super apostles" as Hebrew/Israelite; exceeds in labors, stripes (5x 39 lashes), prisons, deaths; beaten with rods (3x), stoned (1x), shipwrecked (3x), perils, hardships, escape from Damascus (post-conversion).
Paul's conversion: Zealous Jew hunting Christians; Jesus confronts him en route to Damascus; blinded 3 days, healed by Ananias, becomes follower.
Shifts to visions/revelations to affirm credentials; speaks in third person to avoid boasting.
Thorn in flesh (v7) given to prevent pride; prayed 3x for removal (topic for next week).
Possible link: Stoned/left for dead in Lystra (Acts 14:19-20); rose after disciples gathered (vision or actual heaven visit? Paul unsure).
Heard inexpressible words (unlawful to utter); saw/heard unspeakable things in third heaven (beyond outer space: 1st=atmosphere, 2nd=stars, 3rd=God's abode).
7 Aspects of Heaven
Mentioned 275+ times in NT, 300+ in OT (e.g., Isaiah 6, Revelation 4: God on throne, seraphs cry "Holy").