Catholics/2 Cor. 12:2-4

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/12/2010


Question
What does the scripture mean?  Is Paul talking of himself or a different man?  Is the third heaven the same as paradise that he mentions?  Thanks.

Answer
Although the reference is not clear, the "third heaven" to which St. Paul refers is probably the Saint's vision of God.  The "sting of the flesh," sometimes translated "thorn in the flesh," which St. Paul complains of has been variously explained as anything from chronic conjunctivitis of the eye, epilepsy, malaria, rheumatism, pride, depression, or concupiscence, among other things.

Catholics

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Fr. Michael

Expertise

A traditional Catholic priest, who provides forthright answers to questions FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TRADITIONAL CATHOLICISM (not the New Order) on topics pertaining to TRADITIONAL Roman Catholicism, including theology, the Bible, Church history, the Latin language, liturgy (especially the Traditional Latin Mass), and music (especially Gregorian chant), and current events in the Catholic Church.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.