The Ascension Motif of 2 Corinthians 12 in Jewish, Christian and Gnostic Texts

The heavenly ascent motif is common in religious documents of late antiquity. A preoccupation with the similarities between these accounts leads some to overlook the equally important differences. Care should be taken, however, to distinguish between mystical esotericism and extraordinary religious encounter. Earlier Jewish traditions provide the proper context for understanding Paul's visions and revelations; certain Gnostic texts evidence yet another distinct stage of development in the ascension motif But thematic parallels do not warrant the assumption that various religious traditions are basically identical in origins. And parallels should not lead to indiscriminate grouping of essentially unrelated texts.