Where was Paul brought by the Lord?

Back to Study the Book of Second Corinthians

To the third heaven.

Some teachers believe that the first heaven is earth’s atmosphere and begins just above the surface of the earth. This may be the sphere of Satan’s activity in that he is referred to as the "prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2).

Satan is the ruler of the spirits that have their thrones in the air. From this vantage point the lords of darkness control the actions of people on the earth (Ephesians 2:2).

The second heaven, then, would be all outer space, commencing at the termination of earth’s atmosphere. The second heaven appears to be a battleground in which the saints and the holy angels battle against the forces of darkness.

The third heaven would be the spiritual Heaven, the land of angels, of departed saints, and of the Throne of God. Paul refers to the third heaven as "Paradise."

Some who have had spiritual visions have stated that in the third heaven there is a city, the heavenly Jerusalem, which itself is constructed on three levels, each higher level being an area of greater holiness and glory.

At the top level of the city is located the Throne of God and of Christ.

The lowest level of the city seems to be more in line with our ordinary conception of Heaven, that is, a beautiful countryside filled with flowers, parks, and saints and angels dwelling together in love, joy, and peace.