Paul was accused of not having a revelation from God but he explained that he had a true vision of Jesus that transformed his life. he described being taken up to the third heaven. The different uses of the word ‘heaven’ is explained. Different understandings of what Paul meant when he spoke of his ‘thorn in the flesh’ are given.

Paul teaches that Christians have an intimate relationship with Christ which he compares to engagement and marriage made possible by the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Christian. He strongly opposed those who taught that people could earn their salvation by adhering to rules. He outlined his sufferings for the gospel and their benefit.