The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 303

fancy or illusion, 2. Ie furniBhed him with U1T1, opportwnity of eontrastinq man's trer1t- ment and God's, In the closing verses of the preceding chapter we have a catalogne of Paul's tribulations, many of these occasioned by huma.n perversity and enmity. Men treated Paul evilly; God gave him this special and me:rvellous heavenly experience! II. TBE CHARACTER 011' Tms EXPERIENCE, 1. A real, entrance into the heavenly world. Paul has no doubt about this. His only doubt is whether he was in the body at the time. He most distinctly conveys that there was a removal of his spirit into another sphere; be ie not sure whether hls body accompanied his spirit. There could not have been a doubt as to whether be was "in the body" if bis ex!)Brience had been a mere trance or any special influence brought to bear upon bis mind. There wae a removal, but whether of body and spirit, or of spirit alone, the apostle cannot declare. We may note the apostolic belief that consoicus life is possi'ble to 'U8 when we are "out of the body." 'l'be apostle did not know whether his experience was of this order, but he evidently recognizes this order of experience as possibl,e. We may note further that the apostle regarded heaven or paradise as a place ae well as a state. "Third heaven•• and.'.' paradise " seem to be used. synonymously-" _third heaven " indicating the realm in which God's glory is pre-eminently manifested. The rabbins taught the existence of seven· heavens, but it is not probable that Paul refers to their notions. 2. An entrance effected by God_. It was not by the apostle's merit or power; it was by a Divine act-he was "caught up." Admittance to the heavenly world is in the hands of God; if we enter, then God must effect the entrance for ns. Christ, the Way, is given to us by God: •3. .Astonishing'visions. Paul saw much (ver. 1). 4. Wonderful revelations. He •heard much. "Unspeakable words," understood by him, but not to be repeated on earth. Possibly they would not have been intelligible to any who had not participated in the heavenly experience. Our curiosity craves to know what Paul saw and heard, but our needs do no.t demand it. We have the speakable words of the gospel, which, rightly received, will prepare us to hear by-and-by the" unspeakable words " of heaven and to behold the heavenly glories. III. THE OBJEOT 1 ·OF THIS EXl'ERIENCE. 1. To encourage the apostle in his many labours and sufferings. Christ took his disciples up into the mountain and was trans- figured before them; then he brought them down into the world of men to toil and to endure, 2. To quicken his faith in the wnseen. Great natures doing great works have often great trials of faith. A big devil always comes against a big Christian. 3. To speed him onward to the· final rest qf God's peopl,e. He was a much-loved child; the Father·showed him special favour. 4. That others to whom the experience should be recowhl!!d might participate in the benefit. The experience was for us as well as for the at>Ostle. ·From wi its special features are largely hidden ; but it is revealed to us, and this knowledge may well encourage us in the earthly service, quicken our faith, and hasten our footsteps towards 'the glories beyond the veil. A general _lesson may be learnt from the event that those who have special trials and sorrows experience also special comforts and helps.-H. Ver. 7.:.._The thorn in the flesh. I. WHAT WAS IT? 1. In itself. '!'here have been almost infinite conjectures. As to· the figure: some prefer a " goad for the flesh," a sharpened stake; others, a: rankling thorn; others, a stake ·on which offenders were impal.ed or the cross to which they wi:re fastened. As to the reality: evil suggestions ; fiery aarts of Satan; some prominent adversary; some painful bodily affection, weak eyesight, defective speech, carnal cravings; whilst a bold imaginationist has had the temerity to suggest a termagant wife! Pos~ibly the precise nature of the affliction is concealed that no one may say, "Ah, that is not my trouble.'' It was very grievous to the apostle whatever its precise nature. 2. As Satan was concerned in it. Paul recognized Satan's hand (see Job ii. 7; Luke xiii.16). It was used of Satan to annoy, pain, depress, and harass Paul, and with the };ope that it would hinder his great work. Satanic malice rejoiced in the anticipation tha.t it might prove the last straw upon the camel's back. Paul interfered much with the devil's kingdom; it is no wonder that the devil s9ught to interfere with him. Satan can afford to leave some people alone; but if we faithfully attack his kingdom and his rule we may expect reprisals. Yet Satan is but a t'ool after all, and constantly overreaches himself. One has well said, " The devil drives but a poor t111,de by the persecution of the saints-he tears the r,est, but.  304 THE SECOND ErISTLE 'l'O 'l'HE CORINTHIANS. [on. xu. 1-21,.