Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Corinthians 12:2

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Corinthians 12:2 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Corinthians 12:2. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, he is talking about a person he knew who had a special experience with God, where they went to a very special place called the third heaven, but he isn't sure if it happened in real life or in a dream. He wants us to know that God understands things we might not fully understand.

2 Corinthians 12:2: I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

Contradiction with John 3:13

No man has ascended to heaven except Jesus, contradicting the vision of Paul being caught up to the third heaven in 2 Corinthians 12:2.

John 3:13: And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, [even] the Son of man which is in heaven.

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 3:21

Questions where the spirit of man goes, contradicting the certainty of Paul's vision of the third heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:21: Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? [of man: Heb. of the sons of man] [goeth upward: Heb. is ascending, etc]

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5

The dead know nothing, questioning Paul's experience of a conscious heavenly vision.

Ecclesiastes 9:5: For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

Contradiction with 1 Timothy 6:16

God alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light, suggesting no one can see heaven, contradicting Paul's vision.

1 Timothy 6:16: Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom [be] honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Contradiction with Proverbs 30:4

Questions the knowledge of heavenly things, suggesting human limitations, contrary to Paul's experience.

Proverbs 30:4: Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what [is] his name, and what [is] his son's name, if thou canst tell?
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