PARADISE (Gr. “Paradeisos” – Strong’s #3857 = an Oriental word for park, Eden, place of happiness). The repentant thief on the cross was with Christ in PARADISE on the day of their crucifixion. (Luke 23:43). This was in the comfort side of Hades (aka Abraham’s Bosom), which was the place of the righteous dead. Forty days later, Christ took PARADISE up with Him at His ascension to the third heaven, where the captives waited until His second coming Parousia in AD 66. (Eph. 4:8-9). Apostle Paul said in c. AD 57 that he was previously caught up to the third heaven into PARADISE and heard inexpressible words. (2 Cor. 12:2-4).
It is possible that PARADISE was also moved from the third heaven to be part of the New Jerusalem, or is a reference to the city itself. This would have occurred at the Parousia in AD 66-70. John wrote in the Revelation that Christ said: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the PARADISE of God.” (Rev. 2:7).
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[For a more in-depth study see eschatology “Study Series 3 What Happened in the Garden”]