Contradictions and Paradoxes in 2 Corinthians 12:3

Check out Contradictions Catalog of 2 Corinthians 12:3 for the comprehensive list of verses that contradicts 2 Corinthians 12:3. Some key contradictions and paradoxes are described below.

According to Paul, he met a man who had an amazing experience, but he's not sure if it happened in real life or in his spirit; only God knows for sure. This shows that some things are mysterious, and we might not always understand them, but God does.

2 Corinthians 12:3: And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

Contradiction with Matthew 17:2

This verse describes an event (the Transfiguration) where Jesus' divine nature is temporarily revealed to Peter, James, and John with a physical transformation, which contrasts with Paul's uncertain out-of-body experience in 2 Corinthians 12:3.

Matthew 17:2: And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

Contradiction with John 3:13

This verse states that no one has ascended to heaven except Jesus, whereas 2 Corinthians 12:3 implies the possibility of a heavenly journey or vision experienced by Paul.

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 1 Timothy 6:16

This verse speaks of God dwelling in unapproachable light, which contradicts the idea in 2 Corinthians 12:3 of Paul being caught up to the third heaven and seeing heavenly things.

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 Hebrews 9:27

This verse mentions it is appointed for men to die once and then face judgment, which conflicts with the idea in 2 Corinthians 12:3 of a man potentially being caught up to heaven before dying.

Hebrews 9:27: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Contradiction with Ecclesiastes 9:5

This verse declares that the dead know nothing and lack consciousness, which stands in opposition to the notion of a conscious heavenly experience like the one discussed in 2 Corinthians 12:3.

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.
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