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.
I knew a man
The context allows us to understand this man to be Paul. He uses the third person to detach himself somewhat and remove from the passage any cause for self-glory. Indeed, the entire passage is designed to remove from Paul any self-glory. All anyone need ever know about Paul is what they see and hear.[1]
I knew a man above fourteen years ago
I’m thinking of myself fourteen years or more ago. I’m thinking of those days just beginning the pastorate in Astoria about thirty-eight years ago. All of that seems more like a dream than reality these days. I know it happened. I know I was there. I know we started with absolutely nothing. I know some people hurt us so terribly. I know others stayed by us. I know God did miraculous things to care for us, provide for us, and to bring us to the place we are today.
I want to, even need to tell those stories. But they are almost unreal in my memory and maybe seem irrelevant to those who might hear.
Is that some of what Paul expressed?
[1] 2 Corinthians 12:6 (KJV)
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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