![]() Second – a little bit of a reminder about the Corinthians. What we might call a “mountain top” experience or a mystical experience. We might easily get lost in the language, but the point is that this vision was a profound spiritual experience in which Paul meets God. The imagery of being “caught up” indicates that this experience was initiated by God, Paul being swept up in this moment. It speaks of an intimate and close encounter with God. This vision then depicts Paul being caught up in the presence of God. One of the most common was the view of a three-layered heaven, with the third level representing the highest, the very throne room of God. One of these speculations is about layers or levels of heaven. In ancient Jewish literature there is lots of speculation about heaven. What is this story about and why does Paul tell his story like this?įirst of all, you may be wondering about the “third heaven” thing. Paul chooses to tell this story in the third person as if it is about someone else. Biblical scholars are convinced of this, the majority of historical interpretation of this passage has been convinced of this. The man Paul is talking about is himself. This man that Paul talks about isn’t a local he met at the pub or his neighbour or someone he knew who told tall tales about their spiritual adventures. This man has a vision in which he is caught up in what Paul calls “the third heaven” and “paradise.” He tells the story of a man who had an extraordinary spiritual experience. He doesn’t really want to stoop by engaging in a game of chest thumping and showing off, but he indulges in just enough to make his point known. Though there is nothing to be gained by it.” Here we see how Paul understands these boasting games. The opening line of chapter 12 reads “I must go on boasting. Paul did this because his opponents in Corinth have questioned his leadership and have been boasting about their own achievements. He made a point of talking a big game, highlighting all his qualifications and the struggles he had been through for the sake of sharing the message of Jesus. Last week we explored chapter 11 in which Paul took some time to play the foolish game of the Corinthians and indulge in a little boasting. So, let’s open up our Bibles as we continue exploring 2 Corinthians together… ![]() ![]() For Paul though, the bringing down to earth isn’t fatal, it is in fact, essential for his flourishing and his growth as a follower of Jesus and as a leader of the church. He speaks of great spiritual heights and then being brought down to earth with somewhat of a thud. In 2 Corinthians today we see Paul reflect on this theme of over-reaching. This story has been told by countless generations. Instead of Icarus’ wings being a vehicle to rescue him they become his demise. It paints a picture of over-reaching, of taking things one step too far. This myth has become famous for its telling of human pride and foolishness. Why couldn’t you listen? Why did you have to fly so close to the sun?’ He watched the body break on the waves and knew that his son’s bones would be smashed to pieces and the life gone from him. He knew that from such a height the sea would be like a bed of granite. Daedalus looked down in impotent despair. Perhaps if he narrowed his shoulders he might be able to plunge below the surface and come up safe. The air, now cold and hard, banged against him. The feathers were falling like snow about him and he started to plummet. ![]() The wax was melting! He rolled over to point his head down and dive down as far from the sun as possible, but it was too late. He cried out in alarm as feathers began to fall from his wings. “Up and up (Icarus) flew…he was so high now he could hardly see the ships below, so high that…so high that it was hot. ![]() Stephen Fry retells the story in his recent book on Greek Myths and he recounts what happens next: As the craftsman who made the wings, he is concerned that water will affect the wings and the hot sun might melt the wax. Daedalus warns Icarus not to go too high or too low. They majestically soar above the world into freedom. One day Daedalus plans their escape by crafting some wings out of feathers and wax and together the Father and Son take their flight out of captivity. The tale of Icarus is a Greek myth about a master craftsman called Daedalus who finds himself along with his son Icarus imprisoned in a tower at the King’s order. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |