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.
I’ve had many conversations over the years about this person Paul knew over fourteen years ago. Nowhere in scripture was this account given. Or was it? Paul was stoned to death in Acts 14:19 and rose up in Acts 14:20. Is it possible Paul was talking about himself? He started off this chapter with a desire not to boast.
I’ve always suspected that Paul knew and saw things which he could not share. It feels like Paul is trying to relate the hope of glory unseen, but in a way that does not undermine his credability. Paul’s witness is his first responsibility. It is one of those things, that when we get caught up in moment we should not forget how we sound to unbelievers.
I believe that God will receive His own. I also believe that if I allow my witness to be placed in doubt, then someone might suffer for a number of years before coming to the Lord. That would be on me. That I would not want.
What I know is not nearly as important as who I know. My responsibility is not to show my knowledge, it is to show Christ. A credible witness keeps that in mind.
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Your closing verse reminds me of one of my favorite passages in scripture—Luke 4. The Lord Jesus reading from Isaiah 61 closed the book after the words “to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” leaving off the words “and the day of judgment of our God.” This caused the audience to “marvel at the gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth.” He came to save, not to judge–that will be a later date. Your post today (4/24) made me go back to this–grace and graciousness–how precious. Thank you, and thank you Lord for Your Grace!!! It was “greater than all my sin.”