The Divine Council Worldview Podcast

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss the "Two Powers in Heaven" controversy that developed among Jewish rabbis in the early centuries after Christ. They begin by explaining how Judaism reacted both in favor of and also against the idea of Yahweh "sharing" his power with another being in the Old Testament. This then turns the conversation, of course, to the person of Jesus and how he was viewed by first century Christians. Was Jesus Christ Yahweh's "second power"? The conversation touches on relevant texts such as Daniel 7 and Exodus 24 before moving into key NT texts and their relationship to contemporary faith and theology. Resources mentioned: Two Powers in Heaven: Early Rabbinic Reports about Christianity and Gnosticism by Alan Segal Boyarin, Daniel, “Two Powers in Heaven; or, The Making of a Heresy,” Pages 331-370 in The Idea of Biblical Interpretation: Essays in Honor of James L. Kugel. Leiden: Brill, 2003 The Glory of the Invisible God: Two Powers in Heaven Traditions and Early Christology (Jewish and Christian Texts) by Andrei Orlov Israel's LORD: YHWH as "Two Powers" in Second Temple Literature by David E. Wilhite, Adam Winn Two Powers in Judaism in Second Temple Texts w/Dr. Michael Heiser

Translator         In this episode, Bryan’s story is one of resilience, faith, and profound healing. He candidly recounts the highs and lows of his life—from the challenges of childhood, through the grip of addiction, to the heartbreaking loss of his son, Wesley. His journey highlights how faith, supported by a loving community, can lead to recovery and transformation. Inspired by Dr. Heiser’s teachings, Bryan advocates for a church that embodies love over condemnation, emphasizing the unshakable truth that the divine image within us is never lost. This episode is an inspiring reminder that no matter your past, there is always a path toward healing and hope when faith and recovery unite.

In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 28 and the story of Jacob's ladder. They understand the staircase to symbolize the access that divine messengers had between heaven and earth, a “divine portal” of sorts, reminiscent of Genesis 11 and the Tower of Babel. Is it possible that certain locations on earth may serve as gateways or portals to the spiritual realm? The biblical significance of such places as Bethel and Jerusalem seem to point in that direction. The episode concludes with the story of Jacob's marriage to Leah and Rachel, highlighting Leah's loyalty to Yahweh and her role in the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Translator           In this episode, Ronn and Mike discuss Genesis 27 and Isaac’s mistaken blessing of Jacob over Esau. They begin by noting the cultural significance of a father blessing a favored son, and discuss possible reasons for Isaac’s decision to bless Esau over Jacob. They then walk through the narrative itself, especially taking note of how Jacob’s decision to say “your elohim” to his father fit the theology of his non-Yahwist brother. It is interesting that the Quran does not record this incident between the brothers at all. The conversation concludes with a discussion on Jacob's journey of faith and his tenuous path to Yahweh worship.