The question is, "what was Paul doing 14 to 15 years before he wrote his 2nd letter to the Corinthians?" The nearest I can tell is that Paul and Barnabas were in Antioch, or it was when Barnabas went to Tarsus to bring Paul to Antioch.
2 Corinthians 12:2-7 was written in 56-57 AD
[SUP]2 [/SUP]I knew a man in Christ above (more than) 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.
[SUP]3 [/SUP]And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth,
[SUP]4 [/SUP]How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
In verse 5 Paul defines a stark difference between himself, and who he will give glory to. He knew a man 14 to 15 years previously that he will give glory to, but not himself.
Translated from the Aramaic English New Testament
2. I knew a man in Mashiyach fourteen years ago - but whether in a body, or whether out of a body, I don't know; Elohim knows - who was caught up to the third (region) of heaven.
The "third heaven" is a reference to the future judgment hall of the "Ancient of Days" as mentioned in Daniel 7.
3. And I knew this man; but whether in a body, or out of a body, I don't know; (only) Elohim knows;
4. And he was caught up to Paradise and heard ineffable Words, which is not permitted a man to utter.
One may ask themselves, if this was Paul that was privy to these things that were spoken to him, why would God have wanted him to hear words that he couldn't use for his appointed ministry? If anybody knows, and can give logical reason, I would appreciate it. I ask for reason that is understandable.
5. Of him I will glory; but of myself I will not boast, except in my sickness.
6. Yet if I were inclined to boast, I should not be without reason; for I declare truth. But I hold back, or else anyone should think of me beyond what he sees in me and hears from me.
7. And, that I might not be uplifted by the excellence of revelation, there was given also to me a thorn in my flesh, the Messenger of Satan, to attack me that I might not be uplifted.
Paul's explanations to the Corinthians about what happened would have been sometime between the years of 41-43 AD. (Acts l5-l7)
The book of 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] Corinthians is a Pauline Epistle (letter from Paul). The Apostle Paul wrote it about 56 A.D.
Paul received his revelation while either at Tarsus, or at Antioch well after his conversion. He had been ministering the "mystery" of the kingdom for 6 years previous this event told to the Corinthians.
If it was Paul who was caught up into the third heaven and heard "unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter," then this event doesn't apply to the "mystery" of what was revealed to Paul minister.
Ephesians 3:2-9
[SUP]2 [/SUP]If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
[SUP]3 [/SUP]How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[SUP]5 [/SUP]Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[SUP]6 [/SUP]That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[SUP]7 [/SUP]Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[SUP]8 [/SUP]Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[SUP]9 [/SUP]And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: