Topical Bible: Vision of Paul of Paradise

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The Vision of Paul, also known as the Apocalypse of Paul, is an apocryphal text that describes the apostle Paul's journey to the afterlife, specifically to Paradise and the third heaven. While not included in the canonical Bible, this text has been influential in Christian thought and literature, offering a vivid portrayal of the heavenly realms and the fate of souls after death.

Biblical Context

The canonical reference to Paul's experience of Paradise is found in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, where Paul writes, "I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, but God knows—was caught up to Paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell."

This passage is often interpreted as Paul's own mystical experience, where he was granted a vision of the heavenly realms. The Vision of Paul expands upon this brief biblical account, providing a detailed narrative of what Paul purportedly saw and heard during his journey.

Content of the Vision

The Vision of Paul describes a journey through the heavens, where Paul is guided by an angel. He witnesses the rewards of the righteous and the punishments of the wicked, offering a moral and eschatological teaching consistent with early Christian beliefs about the afterlife. The text emphasizes the justice of God and the importance of living a righteous life in accordance with Christian teachings.

In Paradise, Paul sees the beauty and glory of the heavenly realm, where the righteous dwell in peace and joy. The vision serves to encourage believers by providing a glimpse of the eternal rewards awaiting those who remain faithful to God.

Theological Significance

The Vision of Paul reflects early Christian eschatology and the belief in a literal heaven and hell. It underscores the importance of moral living and the hope of eternal life with God. The text also highlights the transformative power of divine revelation, as Paul's experience serves to strengthen his faith and mission.

While not part of the biblical canon, the Vision of Paul has been influential in shaping Christian views of the afterlife. It complements the biblical narrative by providing a more detailed account of the heavenly realms, resonating with the themes of divine justice and mercy found throughout Scripture.

Historical Influence

The Vision of Paul has been referenced by various Church Fathers and has influenced Christian art, literature, and theology. Its vivid imagery and moral teachings have inspired believers to contemplate the realities of heaven and hell, encouraging a life of faith and obedience to God's commandments.

Though apocryphal, the Vision of Paul remains a significant text in the history of Christian thought, offering insights into early Christian beliefs about the afterlife and the nature of divine revelation.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Corinthians 12:1-4
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Paul, when in Rapture, Saw the Essence of God?
... the imaginary vision." Now Paul is stated (2:Cor.12:2, 4) to have seen certain pictures
in his rapture, for instance of the "third heaven" and of "paradise." ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether paul when in rapture.htm

The vision of Paul.
... Here Begins the Vision of Saint Paul the Apostle ... in the body or out of the body I
know not, God knoweth; how that he was snatched up into Paradise and heard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the vision of paul/the vision of paul.htm

Paul's Desire to Depart
... they are, far from the reach of mortal, vision. ... But last of all, Paul's grand reason
for desiring to ... the redeemed, like the hallelujahs of paradise, does this ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/pauls desire to depart.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... But a far higher vision than this earthly paradise was in store for Saul as he
approached the city. ... That Paul saw a vision, he says himself, but he meant, of ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 31 the conversion of.htm

The Life of Paulus the First Hermit.
... His curiosity profited nothing: the darkness hindered vision. ... seen Elias, I have
seen John in the desert, and I have really seen Paul in Paradise." He then ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of paulus the.htm

Divine Calls.
... said to him, he adds what comes to the same thing, "Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I
was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision." Such is ... Paul in paradise. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ii divine calls.htm

Paul at Philippi
... us not be impatient for swift results which are the fool's paradise, and which ... Dear
brethren, the vision of the man of Macedonia which drew Paul across the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul at philippi.htm

The Apocalypse of the Holy Mother of God Concerning the ...
... Then the Lord of all things said: Hearken, all ye sinners and righteous men: I made
paradise and made man after my image: but he ... Vision of Paul, 31. ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of the virgin/the apocalypse of the holy.htm

Introductory Note to Chapter iii. By the Editor
... An instance of such a vision is mentioned by St. Paul: I know a man in Christ above
fourteen years ago ... knoweth): that he was caught up into paradise, and heard ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/introductory note to chapter iii.htm

Revelation of Paul.
... heaven, and was caught up into paradise, and heard ... Paul the apostle, in the government
of Theodosius the ... having persisted even to a third vision, the nobleman ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/revelation of paul/revelation of paul.htm