..."third heaven"?

[super64]

---

2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ: above fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth), such a one caught up to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I know not: God knoweth):
2Co 12:4 That he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words which it is not granted to man to utter. 2Co 12:5 For such an one I will glory: but for myself I will glory nothing but in my infirmities.

Hello,
With a “third heaven” reference, would that imply different layers or stages of heaven?

Does this mention of a “third heaven” and “he was caught up into paradise and heard secret words” refer to John being caught up in the “spirit”(Rev 1:10)?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[reliz]

Here’s a transcription of The Navarre Bible’s commentary on 2 Cor 12:2:
“’The third heaven’ according to some commentators, simply refers to the situation in which the blessed dwell, that is, the most sublime level of divine contemplation. Others see in it an echo of Jewish traditions which spoke of a first heaven (the atmosphere of the earth), a second (the heaven of the stars) and a third (the dwelling-place of God). In any even, ‘Paradise’ (v.4) would have the same meaning."

 

[super64]

Here’s a transcription of The Navarre Bible’s commentary on 2 Cor 12:2:
“’The third heaven’ according to some commentators, simply refers to the situation in which the blessed dwell, that is, the most sublime level of divine contemplation. Others see in it an echo of Jewish traditions which spoke of a first heaven (the atmosphere of the earth), a second (the heaven of the stars) and a third (the dwelling-place of God). In any even, ‘Paradise’ (v.4) would have the same meaning."

thank you,

Scott