11 A flaming fire surrounded the walls, and its portals blazed with fire. 12 And I entered into that house, and it was hot as fire and cold as ice: there were no delights of life therein: fear covered me, and trembling got hold upon me. 13 And as I quaked and trembled, I fell upon my face. 14 And I beheld a vision, And lo! there was a second house, greater than the former, and the entire portal stood open before me, and it was built of flames of fire. 15 And in every respect it so excelled in splendour and magnificence and extent that I cannot describe to you its splendour and its extent. 16 And its floor was of fire, and above it were lightnings and the path of the stars, and its ceiling also was flaming fire.

1 It is necessary to go on boasting. Though it is not profitable, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago (whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows) was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know that this man (whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, God knows) 4 was caught up into paradise and heard things too sacred to be put into words, things that a person is not permitted to speak. 5 On behalf of such an individual I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except about my weaknesses.