Traveling by the spirit

Acts 8:39-40

“When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel…”

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

“I know a man in Christ who… was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3 And I know that this man… 4 was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell.”

Revelation 4:1-2

“After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.”

Apparently the Power of God the Holy Spirit sometimes supernaturally transports people for His purposes. Luke describes in the Acts passage something which appears to involve what we would now describe as “tele-transportation” of his entire body.

Paul wasn’t sure whether he was transported, or caught up, to Heaven physically in his body, or just spiritually. John, in Revelation describes what may have only happened in the Spirit. Would recent terms for this include an “out-of-body experience”?

Isn’t it interesting that recent cultic, “new age” beliefs (which I believe are demonic) are only now describing what some Christians experienced 2,000 years ago?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Study today’s passages in context. Ask the Holy Spirit for His insight.

Dive Deeper: Study Ezekiel 3:14; 8:3; 11:24; 2 Corinthians 12:1-6.