It happened fourteen years before. Paul was 'caught up' to the 'third heaven', Paradise. He isn't sure whether he was conscious or asleep, whether 'in the body or out of it'.

The New Testament does not tell us much about the afterlife. A veil conceals these magnificent mysteries. The rabbis talked about seven heavens. The Bible describes three: the atmosphere with its clouds; the sun, moon and stars; and finally God's abode. Human language is simply inadequate to describe the glories of God's heaven, but we are learning, I think, that there really isn't such a vast distance between this life and the 'life after life'. None of the six 'resuscitations' in the New Testament tell us anything about what's over there. ('Where were you, Lazarus, those four days? There is no record of reply/ which, telling what it is to die/ had surely added praise to praise!').

Paul can't tell us about these 'unutterable utterances'. It was an experience intended for him alone. He'd experienced both 'visions' - mental pictures with definite shape and form - and 'revelations' - truths understood by special insight. Have you experienced anything like this? OK - but don't boast about it.

What a mystery life, death and the after-life are, Lord. I am in your hands, here or there or anywhere, I am safe. Thank you. Amen.