Was Paul taken to Heaven by the Holy Spirit as referenced in 2 Corinthians 12:1–6?
Let’s take a close look at the text in question:
“It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.” 2 Corinthians 12:1–6
First, we must clarify that this passage never reveals who was taken to the “third heaven.” Paul simply says, “I know a man… such a one was caught up to the third heaven.” We must also understand the nature in which he was taken there. Paul questions “whether in the body or out of the body,” because he is uncertain of his own consciousness, but verse 1 clearly sets up the idea that he is referring to this experience (and many others) as “visions.” This “third heaven” experience in which God revealed things to him was a vision.
This person was not physically transported to Heaven, nor did he have some out-of-body experience. In fact, most Bibles entitle this passage as, “The Vision of Paradise” (NKJV). So we can conclude that Paul was able to receive heavenly revelations, and those revelations were shown to him in visions.