How Ancient Apocalyptic Jewish Ascent Esotericism Laid the Foundations of Christianity

Ancient Jewish Merkavah Mysticism sought to ascend into the palaces of the divine realm, bypass fearsome angels of destruction to gain a vision of the very Chariot-Throne of God. By beholding the divine glory (kavod) one could gain magical powers and even be transformed into an eternal Angel. And it was this form of esoteric mysticism that it appears profoundly transformed none-less than St Paul. From his ascent into the Third Heaven to even his 'mission to the gentiles,' historical evidence now strongly indicates that Paul was a secret practitioner of this form of mystical ascent. And, recent studies are now revealing that his very Theology, Christology and Theory of Salvation likely drew upon this ancient esoteric Jewish ascent mysticism.
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Recommended Readings:
Synopse zur Hekhalot-Literatur - Schafer - 978-3161445125
James Davila - Hekhalot Literature in Translation: Major Texts of Merkavah Mysticism - 978-9004252158
James Davila - Descenders to the Chariot: The People Behind the Hekhalot Literature - 978-9004115415
Vita Daphna Arbel - Beholders of Divine Secrets: Mysticism and Myth in the Hekhalot and Merkavah Literature - 978-0791457245
Michael D. Swartz - Scholastic Magic: Ritual and Revelation in Early Jewish Mysticism - 978-0691010984 (Great text mostly dealing with Sar Torah Mysticism)
Tabor - Paul's Ascent to Paradise - 979-8676875725
" - Things Unutterable - 978-0819156440
Morray-Jones - The Jewish Mystical Background of Paul's Apostolate Part 1 & 2
Segal - Two Powers in Heaven - 978-1602585492
" - Paul the Convert - 978-0300052275

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

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[@beepboop204]

😃

[@FrJWF]

Excellent. As and Episcopal priest (and former student of J.Z. Smith), my own studies have led me to a very similar understanding of Paul and his formation over a lifetime (and of my own calling and vocation). I am so thankful for the work you do here! I'm definitely interested in knowing more about Merkavah mysticism.

[@gawayne1374]

I would take that class

[@toddmcdaniels1567]

I would be interested in taking a class on Merkabah Mysticism.

[@Eddie-ls9zw]

Please teach this class Merkava mysticism!! This literature, and ideas of the soul ascent in general, is central to my understanding of much of Gnosticism. Especially Sethian Gnosticism. I write about this stuff for my Gnostic church, the AJC, and present it as central to the context of our ancient texts. Any information I can get on this subject is welcome!

[@hopkinsamye]

"Paul the Emo Apostle" is a very apt description, and one I will never be able to forget. Thank you for your content!

[@joshuavanderplaats]

Dear Dr. Sledge: Excellent. I have spent most of my life in this material. Excellent job here. And you did well centering on the Acts narrative. As a former greek orthodox priest, I can also wish to point out that the mysticism you describe here did find itself in an authentic mystical tradition of hesychasm (a kind of wonderful syncretism between jewish esoteric practices as well as the incubation practices of the greeks. Some day I would love to have tea/coffee with you to discuss these wonderful things, my friend). I appreciate your channel.

[@JimAParks]

I first read about the Jesus Prayer in a Salinger short story, then I read the Way of a Pilgrim. This led me to taking Byzantine and Russian history classes in college in the late-80s. There have been times that I prayed the Jesus Prayer without ceasing, using it mostly as a sort of security blanket - and I’m not really much of a Christian. It helps though. In Way of the Pilgrim, different characters in the narrative pray the Prayer in different ways. From the mystical endeavor involving breathing and heartbeat, to the simple inner repetition of a person going throughout the day with worldly activities. It’s really a fascinating topic for me.

[@Dave-hp4vh]

After years of personal study and buying every book he recommends,, Doctor Sledge is now a major recurring NPC in my current Call of Cthulhu campaign. Epic and iconic.

[@Travis_Trauma]

@@Dave-hp4vh he’s like the guy that Sam and Dean go to in every Supernatural episode to learn about the monster they’re hunting.

[@MysteriousSlip]

@@Travis_Trauma LOL That is a hilariously appropriate description.

[@joshuavanderplaats]

@@JimAParks I smile. Such a profound way. Thank you for sharing.

[@drwardando]

This is amazing. I am a Christian and i am ASTONISHED at how Jewish traditions and Jewish mysticism has been omitted from the understanding of our faith. I do think that William Blake is maybe an exception to the rule. Cheers and thanks!

[@vy7737]

It was not omitted by Orthodox Church. Simular practice you could find among Orthodox monks. Especially about it talks St. Gregory Palmas in his books. Who lived in 14 century. And many before him were talking about mysticism.

[@Thiago_Alves_Souza]

If you mean Protestant faith or the more modern Christian denominations, yes, many books and teachings have been omitted of the faith, but none of it was strange to Christ nor the Early Christian movement. Greek and Roman materialism are to blame here. They simply couldn't comprehend Jewish mysticism and mystic language of parables

[@vy7737]

@Thiago Souza Orthodox Christians are not protestants. It is only the Church that was able to preserve phaith without any change. In the west approach to faith change when Tomas Aquinas wrote his work and inseat following traditional Christian approach to faith, and how we see God. He start to use the Aristotelian approach. In West, his teaching is widely expected both in Catholic and Protestant churches. In East ( Orthodox Church), his teaching was rejected. In Orthodox Church, we have many theologians who very deeply wrote on this topic. Gregory Palmas, who lived in 14 century . Maximus Confesor, who lived in the 7th century. Dionisius Areopagus, who lived in the 1st century. And many others.

[@Thiago_Alves_Souza]

@@vy7737 bruh... everyone and their dog says their faith is the original one. I know protestants aren't orthodox but orthodox fall to many of the same greek and Roman way of thinking. Too much literalism.

[@vy7737]

@Thiago Souza I think you just confuse Catholic with Orthodox. Just try to read about some of the Theologians that I wrote before. Try to read what they wrote. Orthodox church is way much different than the rest of the churches. To say that there is no Mystysysm in Orthodox Church is the same as to say that Christians do not believe Christ. Just look how Orthodox Church looks like how church services are done. Everything is full with mystysysm.

[@graceperkins5641]

I found your channel a few days ago and have been bingeing it since! This is definitely a video I’ll return to. I grew up a Pentecostal Christian fundamentalist, so everything surrounding Acts and Paul was extremely important. I can’t think of a single sermon I’d listen to that didn’t ever mention him or what he did. Paul being an apocalyptic mystic makes SO much more sense than just all of a sudden Jesus showing himself and he decided to not imprison Christians because of it. I’m no longer Christian, but learning more about religious history and context is always fun and this video was a huge nerd moment for me!

[@JTOG94]

Hey, I was Pentecostal also. Same boat as you. Found this channel from Alex O Connor podcast. This dude is the real deal. Some of this is overwhelming though, I need a video with definition on terms or recommendation of a good intro video to this type of content.

[@transfiguredword7892]

As an avid student of Christian mysticism, this understanding of Paul as a merkavah mystic makes a lot of sense to me. In his own words, “This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor 4:1). So too, Archbishop Alexander Golitzin released a video awhile back that suggested something similar from his research at Oxford and Mt Athos into the Jewish apocalyptic roots of early Christian mysticism. In looking at Jewish apocalyptic literature, Golitzin came to the realization that a mystical (rather than eschatological) view revealed the soul as the chariot-throne of God. Golitzin then pointed to the first homily of Pseudo-Macarius on Ezekiel’s vision of the throne. Here, he too found this same point of continuity, of merkavah mysticism at the roots of the Christian mystical tradition. Paul’s revelation marked a profound shift by locating the Messiah within, and likewise the kingdom of heaven within (2 Cor 13:5). As such, I would argue that Paul’s introduction of a “new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit” thus marked an obvious hermeneutical shift to the mystical (2 Cor 3:6). A shift from peshat to sod, to unveil the heavenly mysteries hidden in parable (Matt 13:10-13, 2 Cor 3:14). So too this marked a curious popularization of what was once held sacred for the elite. Thus “Remove this person from the world, for they are not fit to live.” Yes! Like Prometheus, revelatory fire is being brought down from the heavens, and thus Paul must be punished for sharing the kavod with the common! But Paul as a messenger of spirit seeks to roll the stone of the dead letter away from the tomb, so the Spirit of the Word can be released! Here, as Origen of Alexandria made evident in his Commentary on Matthew, as one ascends that mountain of Tabor, one can experience the Transfiguration of the Word from letter to spirit, and thus from literal to mystical understanding. Though curious to me is where we locate the realms of heaven. Are they outside of us in some otherworldly realm? Or does the mystic journey take us inward? Here, understanding the soul as the chariot throne of God is a profound revelation. Thus through the symbol of the cross, Paul seems to offer an exchange of life (Gal 2:20). A crucifixion to the old self, so that one might experience Resurrection Life as true partakers of the Divine Nature (Col 3:9-12). Salvation is thus rooted not in eschatology, but ultimately in inner spiritual transformation. A revelation that I think Paul was still wrestling to work out within himself, what it truly means to “put on Christ” (Phil 3:7-14, Rom 13:14).

[@michaelwright2986]

When you ask about the location of heaven, I link ascending and descending to outward and inward, and I am reminded of a poem by Fulke Greville (a 16th c. English poet) titled "Down in the depths of my iniquity". The journey is down through a pretty gloomy view of his sinfulness until, at the bottom of the pit, he finds Christ. This has nothing to do with the specific late Second Temple mysticism, but I wonder if there's an ambiguity of direction that is persistent.

[@andrewphoenix3609]

@@michaelwright2986 If we look at yogic practices, you descend into the inner realm, but you ascend through the chakras to awaken Christ consciousness. This I think is where the confusion lies.

[@Intercaust]

Excellent analysis.

[@thomashenry4798]

I love learning about Christian history as a Christian. It is important for us to understand, and accept, our own history. How else can we be better?

[@thomashenry4798]

@@logicsetsyoufree9052 Alas my faith is not up for debate. It is important to me and I will not part with it.

[@thomashenry4798]

@@GizzyDillespee Listening to Esoterica talk about this stuff is very strange. It makes me feel that Christianity is... my own? This is mine, it is for me, it belongs to me, warts and all, to put it lightly. Jewish mysticism versus... Jewish legalism? FIGHT! It makes Christianity feel more my own if that makes sense? I belong to it and it belongs to me. Even though the Bible has been thoroughly politicized for various reasons throughout the centuries. To me, even through all that, God speaks to us through it, even through the fingerprints of man are all over it. Whether its real or stories or whether it came from the Septuagint or not is commentary. If that makes sense? Its important to know and to be aware, but it doesnt change the core. The center. And yes! It is important for us to draw wisdom from many sources, and what better source then your neighbor, theologically speaking? Or perhaps a better analogy is we are all under the same roof, so to speak, even if we have different rooms? Dont make me turn this creation around so help Me Me! You WILL get along!

[@user-ku6ex3ke8p]

Learn mysticism. The New Testament is a story about you, your purpose, and your potential.

[@Jubeininja1221]

@@user-ku6ex3ke8p amen

[@RobDaCajun]

@@GizzyDillespee the best answer I got was watching the Naked Archaeologist on the History Channel back in the day. He, being a Jewish Archaeologist, talking to another Jewish Archaeologist about Jesus. The other archaeologist said “look history is the fiction we accept.” From that I better understood why there is constant revisions by people trying to control the newer generations perception of reality. To find some “truth” or some accuracy of the past. We have to study multiple sources and have discussions with others. That’s why I love this channel and others like this so much. I owe Esoterica and similar channels for doing there research and explaining their findings to us.

[@michaelkelly1267]

Always interested to hear more about Merkavah. I'd been looking forward to hearing more about Paul's mysticism since you've previously mentioned it. I like that it gives a plausible explanation for Paul's otherwise quite odd life story.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Yep, to me this theory connects the most dots with the simplest theory.

[@dylanmclaren9630]

I've held this view ever since learning about Merkabah last semester. Of course the guy who has a revelation and becomes a deeply devout proponent of the movement associated with it was a mystic! Excited to actually watch the video.

[@sleric3]

I wonder whether Moses had the same experience when he said he spoke to God.

[@lionblood1268]

There are many techniques that can lead to what is known as an out of body experience (astral projection ). Thousands of plants that can aid to it. The lucid dream world made up of your expectations whether good or bad.

[@AlgoFodder]

@@TheEsotericaChannel Absolutely a landmark video! Gotta wonder how long you've been sitting on this bombshell :) Fantastic!

[@ruimoreira29]

I am not religious, but instead interested in the origins of christianity and judaism. Love your sense of humour and your references to metal ! Your content is amazing, well done !

[@BojoPigeon]

Amazing video. This is the kind of stuff I watch this this channel for. From your previous videos on Merkhavah and Third Enoch it was clear that there was an intersection between early Merkhavah and early Christianity, with hints that it might be more than just some brief contact, so this is that follow-up I was waiting for. And the connection between the 3rd Heaven vision in Corinthians with the temple vision Acts feels like the big punch line of this episode. This certainly goes a long way to explain Paul's "I know a guy" approach and talk of not wanting to boast, beyond mere modesty. It feels crazy that having been a Christian for many decades it's only in the last couple years that I've even heard of this stuff. And by all means, more Merkhavah information would be welcome.

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

It's one of those things that has been obvious to me for years and when I mention people look at me like a crazy person. I really do think this is a watershed theory in the history of NT and early Christianity.

[@BojoPigeon]

@@TheEsotericaChannel It seems Paul's attempt to downplay this aspect of his life story have been largely successful for quite a while.

[@TheWendybird123]

Those who are afraid to go deep within themselves to learn who they truly are - including many Church leaders in antiquity and even today, and many religious leaders of other faiths - will try to suppress mysticism and call it heresy or dangerous, of Satan and that it can lead one astray from given dogma (which could be wrong!). Self-discovery is empowering, and those who become "high priests" or "angels" and know their true identity beyond the physical are threats - they can't be easily controlled, and they teach others the secrets of the Kingdom, which is "within you." Everything that has been hidden shall be revealed, is being revealed. Peace.

[@EduNauta95]

I know so many devout catholics whose mind would utterly explode if they watched this, this video will age through the decades like fine wine

[@alsolark3029]

Why would it make their heads explode?

[@EduNauta95]

@@alsolark3029 Most of them have no idea about jewish spirituality, and even early christianity. They tend to have a naive relationship to the truth of the 'revelation' of the christian message, treating it as something divinely inspired that just happened with no prior cultural influences.

[@alsolark3029]

@@EduNauta95 Ok thanks. I thought I missed something or wasn’t as devout as I thought. I love to learn about Jewish experiences.

[@insekta1701]

My Catholic fiancé sent this video to me, very excitedly. He’s an extremely studied man, and reminds me to listen Rabbi Sledge to learn about the topics he discusses. I’m not very read on such subjects, and I’ve never heard this idea before, myself. I like to listen to what to many I know sounds like ‘overly verbose gobbledegook’, and I’m not surprised that there is evidence that Christianity’s transformation isn’t the way I’ve been taught that it came about, and I’m ok with new information, as a filthy Prot. 😂😂

[@blancafhg]

​@@EduNauta95 Divine revelation is divinely inspired and inspiration happened throughout history. That's something catholics just know. Specially devout ones. Nice try for a strawman, though.

[@Idalb0e]

I wish so badly that modern Christians could embrace mysticism. I feel like if more people would just open themselves up to more expansive philosophy, they would be so much happier and kinder. As for the full course in Merkava, I would absolutely be down for that.

[@brightbite]

I do. And I have been receiving ecstatic experiences my whole life. I have also been ex-communicated by a churchianity church, when I was just a young teen. Go figure.

[@treytrev]

It’s really unfortunate that modern Christians have lost their mystical traditions. Many Catholics don’t practice contemplative prayer (see St. Teresa of Avila & St. John of the cross). We have also lost our tradition of deification or theosis.

[@NeanderdeOliveira]

I think that even if a church were to recognize and teach the mystical the congregation would immediately rebrand it to formalism. The mystical *requires* inward reflection and understanding. It requires a change of heart, and admission that one needs to change. That’s too heavy for most. And unconsciously the generations formalize the teachings which engage the heart into mere husks and hollow show.

[@user-ku6ex3ke8p]

That would put alot of people out of business.

[@Sage.Craft.]

@@user-ku6ex3ke8p there goes the dynamite!

[@slmason7]

Yes please teach an entire class on Merkavah mysticism! Your videos and informative and insightful and your gentle humor makes them ever so watchable. The idea that the apostle Paul was Merkavah practitioner feels like finding a missing puzzle piece. A class on Merkavah would be a wonderful way to make this subject more accessible. I want to know more!

[@johnbooth1110]

kundalini, or the holy spirit. the energy with in you is the force to attain the mer ka ba . you may have to find your twin flame to have such a expierence, Paul had a young roman girl at his side,

[@Justinmartyr1494]

You have no idea the impact this episode has had on me for some reason since I was a kid I always speculated that Paul’s experience in the third heaven and his experience with Jesus were one in the same. It’s also interesting how the mystics that descended to the throne room had physical after effects one dying and one going mad. In my mind it makes sense that Paul was blind for a couple days after his vision!

[@blancafhg]

Mexican Traditional Catholic here. Dr. Sledge, I love your channel but rarely comment. I must say you totally killed it with this video. You correctly expresed what traditional christianity is all about. That's what becoming sons of God in the image of the Son of God is all about: deification, theosis. May Christ bless you and Our Lady, the Mother of the Lord protect you always. PS. Loved your video on maya mysticism too!!

[@treytrev]

It’s unfortunate that many Catholics don’t know or have lost the mystical traditions. We have well known Saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the cross, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Isaac the Syrian, Meister Eckhart etc…who have all experienced earthly union with God. It seems that Protestantism has crept in to the Church and treats anything mystical as “New Age” or Satanic.

[@blancafhg]

​@@treytrev That somehow protestantism has crept into the Church is something we hear a lot from the pulpit at the SSPX chapel. Catholic devotional practices are deeply rooted in the mystical: image and relic veneration, Eucharistic adoration... c'mon, we even sing the Sanctus (The Kedushah) before the Roman Canon of the Mass begins, that's kinda what glorified angelic beings have the duty to do right.

[@mdlahey3874]

That is the most riveting of all of the Esoterica videos that I have seen, and I've seen nearly all of them. Congratulations to Dr. Sledge for presenting this critically important material so that it is accessible to non-professionals, or at least to this non-professional. 🙇🏻‍♂️

[@lorddoof3370]

Being an Eastern Orthodox Christian, Christianity's roots being in Jewish Esotericism is not necessarily surprising to me. However, it is nonetheless extremely interesting. I'd love to hear more about this topic !

[@rn9940]

Where do you see roots in Jewish esotericism? Paul got his experiences directly from God. He was never part of a jewish esoteric sect!

[@AnUnhappyBusiness]

The loss of mysticism in Western Christianity is strange, especially considering Luther and certain Puritans’ adherence to these practices in their own lives.

[@rn9940]

@@AnUnhappyBusiness "these practices" - you mean prolongued prayer, meditation on God or on scriptures?

[@blancafhg]

​@@rn9940 Of course Paul was a member of a jewish initiatic sect, even he was an Apostle of such cult. May I introduce you to it, her name is Holy Mother The Church.

[@edible0pig]

@@rn9940 Until the church spread beyond Jerusalem and was firmly established among the gentiles, christianity was literally a small jewish sect...

[@davesfriendhal]

Doctor Justin, this may be your most engaging video yet, for the way you pivot and grapple with these texts and traditions, realting them and increasing our understandings of both at the same time. Thank you for your work.

[@DefaultUser61]

This episode was an absolute banger! Over 2 years I’ve been watching this channel has laid the groundwork for this episode. Absolutely knocked it out of the park.

[@pungentzeus]

This is unbelievably fascinating. Been following you for 6 months now and watch most of your videos. This one is my favorite so far! Thank you so much Esoterica!!

[@T_Crusader]

As a Christian, this provided a TON of content for my research. Another amazing video.

[@abyssimus]

You might want to look into Michael Heiser, if you haven't already.

[@T_Crusader]

@@abyssimus Thanks for the suggestion, ill check it out

[@joachim847]

You also might like Fr. Stephen de Young and Margaret Barker.

[@ElizabethRussell144]

Yes, I second recommending Margaret Barker.

[@Yakzur]

I will happily pay money to take a class from you on mysticism of any type! This sort of thing is incredibly interesting and I would LOVE to know more!

[@TesoroSoundStudio]

Absolutely amazing, your best episode yet! Thank you for your in-depth research on this topic, and I will be looking forward to future episodes about Paul's mysticism. We are truly fortunate to have your years of education and research shedding light on the early roots of Christianity. Here's to the day you reach (and surpass) one million subscribers!

[@BethHopkins5448]

I am just about to start my third viewing of this video. I am stunned and excited to see things that were taught to me as, “well, we will never understand what Paul was saying” to “this FITS!” Traditional Christian theology has left me feeling bored until I found your channel. I am asking questions again and looking for answers. I would not even raise myself to your level of understanding to attend a class, but I would love it if you did have one. I definitely hope you will give us more on this topic.

[@blancafhg]

Funny enough, what Dr. Sledge presents in this video is totally in line with traditional christian doctrine: that Christ is the Kavod of God in His Temple and that we, by the way of Faith through the Sacraments become, by grace, united to that Kavod and transformed into saints (holy ones!), members of his Body. That's basically Paul 101.

[@singerblinger2008]

itching ears maybe?

[@josephdeisrael]

0:00 Intro the Mystical experience 01:04 Summary of Paul's mysticism & possible source 03:02 Esoterica channel intro 0:4:22 Background of Corinth and Paul 05:54 Paul's background & Esotericism of 2 Cor 12.1-12 10:15 Dr. Sledge Commentary on Passage 11:47 Questioning Historical Jewish Context 14:10 Merkabah and Hechalot (Palaces) Mystecism 15:54 Narrative & Phenomena 17:17 Mishna's Warnings 19:18 Explanation of Mishna's Warnings 20:52 Glory (Kabod) 21:32 Tosefta: 4 men and Pardes (Garden) 23:47 Ascent to Divine Throne 25:24 Ascent Narratives 27:17 Palaces Literature & Paul 30:43 Democratization of Esotericism? 31:53 Dangers of Ascent 32:45 Messengers of HaSatan 33:51 Signs, Wonders, Mighty Works 35:51 Transformation and Glory 38:00 Paul's: When, Why, & to Whom? 41:04 Paul recounting his new faith (Acts 22) as a result of a mystical experience 43:23 Paul's vision may be connected to the 2 Corinthians vision 43:35 "...not fit to live." (Acts 22:22) & Mishna 45:52 Paul's mystical vision & Authority to Apostleship 46:24 Paul's Jewish Ascent mysticism may have lead to: Gentile mission, theology, understanding of Messiah, and understanding of redemption. 47:24 Paul's mystecism downplayed in scholarship, Pauline mysticism changed world 48:45 Scholarship and Literature on Topic of Merkabah

[@edwardvgarrick8748]

Thank you friend. God bless and Christ be with you

[@richardbillingsley9553]

I'm stunned by this episode. I knew these stories, I knew about Merkavah mysticism, I knew Paul was a mystic and so on. I have come close to tying it all together - but I didn't. Until now. Thank you for this revelation. What do you think about Merkavah mysticism on the development of Gnosticism? I know Greek philosophy made a major contribution perhaps as a lens for explaining the Merkavah experience which led to Gnosticism. And a big YES Please to a class on mysticism.

[@JorMBrei92]

I just discovered your channel today, but I would absolutely take a class on Merkavah mysticism!

[@kylealanhobbs]

I love how you are able to relay this information in a scholarly way that is accessible, and still maintains the spiritual essence of the texts you are discussing! Thank you!

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

Speaks more to their genius and to my teaching skills, though

[@edwinbloemendaal1519]

Having had some mystical experiences myself, it was obvious to me that there were mystical bits at the root of Christianity, which were totally not understood by most of the transcribers and translators. I have read/ listened to a lot of stuff on the Gnostic sects going on around that time, but your exposition on a Pauline connection to Merkabah mysticism makes a lot more sense as the primary source. I have enjoyed your channel for years now and, yeah, this is your best yet. Rock on! (I would make a donation but retired/ just living on Social Security now. I hope my good will does you some good!)

[@milecurcic4475]

A lot of the scripture is esoteric and mystical at its core/its true hidden meanings, and It’s meant not to be understood by most. As Christ himself says in Mark 4 and other places: 11He replied, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to those on the outside everything is expressed in parables, so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven

[@jo69ma]

Yes , continue with your entire class about Jewish mysticism.

[@MaxwellKozen]

Speaking as a Christian, this is SO interesting. Absolutely phenomenal content.

[@Knowthyself333]

I’m definitely interested in merkavah mysticism.

[@jbaquinones]

Here my vote for the class on Merkabah mysticism❤❤❤. 🙏 awesome episode Dr Sledge. Thank you.

[@helios7170]

This might be your most insightful and profound episode to date. Love your work

[@mysteriousdeath14400]

THIS. This is at the core of why I'm HERE. The root of my Christian faith has always felt to me to be somewhere in the Jewish mystic traditions, buried behind centuries of fear and hate and confusion and more. Thank you for digging into this!

[@KatiTheButcher]

Im sure you have by now but check into the gnostic gospels. There are so many lies spread throughout the Holy book! One of the most important lessons I've learned is discernment.

[@invisiblegorilla8631]

"Paul the Emo Apostle". Going to have start using that!!

[@maddie8994]

Another brilliant episode, Dr Sledge. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and analyses!

[@georgepercival5529]

Thank you for your generosity, knowledge and relatability. You make it so digestible and nourishing. I for one would love to see a course on Merkavah Mysyicism.

[@DarkFire515]

Completely fascinating lecture as always, thanks for taking the time to research & record this.

[@jameswhittaker8004]

Man! I love your work. I feel so honored that you share your knowledge with us all. No one shares so much so well. Thank-you.

[@anon3336]

Absolutely brilliant episode! Definitely want to hear more about Merkavah mysticism.

[@alainaaugust1932]

Thank you, Dr. Sledge. This is a fantastic addition to my study of mysticism.

[@theeccentrictripper3863]

Wonderful video, the good doctor spoils us as always. That class sounds fantastic and I'd love diving deep into such a strange world, assuming it doesn't cost us a Brill publication

[@robertharley1272]

Just wanted to thank you for having the free public access here! Really important in this day and age to have access to information like this

[@tacitusvoltaire6570]

this is a much more polished effort than any other podcast i’ve seen - good writing!

[@brader31992]

Justin, this is a fantastic video. I’ve watched so many over your time making content, but this one right here is essential. Please teach a class on this and I would be so stoked to take it.

[@noahhall6322]

A class on Merkabah mysticism sounds very interesting! What would you recommend to have read beforehand for such a course?

[@TheEsotericaChannel]

I'll be adding some reading lists

[@brieclayton9528]

@@TheEsotericaChannel When and where can we join the class?

[@billyh4655]

I’ve been digging through your channel for months know as I work on pretty convoluted wizard shenanigans (trying to make my own magical circle) and it always blows my mind how accessible your content is without having ANY of the pseudo mystical stagecraft present in other ppls content. If esoterica has a million fans I’m one. If esoterica has 1 fan I’m that fan. If there are 0 esoterica fans it’s bc I’m DEAD.

[@kirbytaylor8629]

Great video as always! I would be super down for a class on merkavah. I truly appreciate all the work you do in creating these videos. They've greatly deepened my understanding of the vastly complex and dense world of Abrahamic religious history.

[@eddiereedbigband1]

This is one of your finest lectures, congratulations. What I find so refreshing is the cavalier yet erudite content of your dissertations. My mother was raised in a convent. I was taught to pray before I was pottie trained. Thus I have enjoyed a personal and nearly constant inner dialogue with my spiritual father dating from my first memories. The mystical experiences described by the prophets and apostles fascinated me as a child. I recall now how ardently I prayed for a mystical experience, and becoming skeptical when I wasn't taken up to view Heaven and Hell from a chariot of fire. I found Paul's revelations especially suspicious. Happily as I matured I began to witness to the miraculous in every day life. Again, my compliments and thanks. Your lectures are not only profoundly informative but great fun as well. CHEERS !

[@fallentoad]

I would love for you to do a class on Merkabah mysticism.

[@josephnardone1250]

Thanks again for another informative and educational video. As a person raised in the RC church, you gave me a much clearer understanding and insight to Paul and my religion.

[@angelorosini4326]

Powerful thanks for sharing and please make the class available!

[@chrisradzion2148]

Bravo, Dr Sledge! This may be my favorite Esoterica video yet. I have always found the Merkavah and Hekhalot mysticism more interesting and fascinating than the later mysticism of the Kabbalah. These experiences, at least the few I’ve heard or read in English, seem incredibly intense and full of mystery. Some of it also just amazingly entertaining literature; I would love for someone to make a film of the story of the Four who Entered the Pardes, perhaps containing other elements of other accounts from those who made the assent/ descent. As someone who was raised Catholic, it is amazing to see the Apostle Paul in this light; I think the idea of him being a mystic tracks well with both the Biblical descriptions of him, as well as the mystical literature from the centuries surrounding his lifetime. One of the things I believe Christianity has lost, particularly in its Western, American form, is the mystical experience that was perhaps at its very foundation, profound experiences and practices that have always been either downplayed, shunned, or labeled heresy by so many denominations. That this mystical experience may be one that truly changed the course of Christianity, and thereby changed world history is also stunning, and speaks to the power of the esoteric practices and literature of Merkavah and Hekhalot.

[@randomguy2100]

This was one of the most exciting episodes yet. I’m so down for a Merkaba class.

[@365Asher]

Great episode & made all the better by your energy which is palpable, thank you.

[@ktkatte6791]

This was beautiful, and I'd line right up for that class. Thank you again, Dr. Sledge

[@MysteriousSlip]

This vid is top rate, like all of them! I'd also recommend "Religion of the Apostles" by Fr. Stephen DeYoung. He mentions Merkabah and Paul in the first chapter and says that it likely informed the practice of Hesychasm. He also discusses Enochian literature and its relationship to Christianity. As an Orthodox priest he is able to show how it all fits seamlessly into the Christian understanding.

[@dylanwhite4134]

Just added it to my list. Thanks!

[@eljefeamericano4308]

Sounds excellent! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@drooskie9525]

I got the book months ago and read it, I really can't recommend it enough. Growing up Protestant, it opened my eyes and explained so much.

[@VincentTamer]

Thanks!

[@thegothicmystic]

This was absolutely perfect. I have been saying that all Abrahamic religions (and possibly more) were all started with mystical experiences, but leaders of the church and it's typical believers always deny it due to ignorance and blindness. Thank you for this, I've followed you and have been a Patron for sometime, I really appreciate your work.

[@sp5072]

If by leaders of the Church you mean modern Christian evangelicals then absolutely correct

[@thegothicmystic]

@@sp5072 yes, exactly

[@annwood6812]

Can't wait to listen to this again when I'm not distracted by cooking dinner. This requires some real consideration---I've always thought there was so much I could learn growing up Christian, if only I could understand Judaism in its context. Not for conversion's sake but to understand the confusing era Christianity arose from. It is not nearly as simple as I was taught. Good stuff, as usual. I love it all. ETA: second time around---outstanding!----Joseph Smith referred to the destroying angels who protected the highest kingdom of God---you needed special passwords and hand signals....and yes, he had been studying kabbala with a mentor. Yes, it was a rip off, but then again, most things are remixes.

[@JoshuaCraigStrain]

DUUUUDE !! Love your videos ! Thank you for all the great information and teaching . Thanks for keeping it fun and interesting as well - very entertaining !

[@KristinVedaSiv]

You are such an engaging teacher. This material is so fascinating and enlightening really. Thank you so much.

[@happyboygogo]

I would absolutely love a class on Merkavah! Honestly, if you did a fourteen episode series like you did with the Kabbalah I'd binge it in a weekend

[@jdmeyer05]

Dr. Slege, First and foremost thank you for always providing such a great online educational experience. I have been a fan since your early episode of "The five misconceptions about alchemy". I just wanted to take this time to support any effort concerning Merkavah. More material would be great on this topic especially as it pertains to the time period in which Paul may have been influenced by it. Thank you so much for you consistent delivery of estoeric and complex religious/mystical material. Sincerely, This youtuber

[@Devotionalpoet]

Such an interesting topic! Can’t wait to listen! 🙌

[@Lionofjudah333]

Great post. This should be taught in church ⛪ and school

[@sean6387]

What a pivotal moment in world history, deftly explained as always. Many thanks Dr. Sledge for being so entertaining and informative.

[@robinrobinson6714]

This is a GREAT video! Thank you Dr. Sledge! Bless you! I’d love to see such a course! I’d definitely take it!!😊❤️🙏👍

[@QUIRK1019]

SUPERB introduction! What a treat this channel is

[@loreleihewitt8677]

I would love to take a class in Merkavah mysticism!

[@hechticgaming7193]

Thanks for this video so much. I as a Sethian Gnostic have always blamed Saul of Tarsis to be the reason that Christianity drove the mystics out of their body, but this makes me highly reconsider this. I really appreciate you channel so much

[@darthbanana7]

reminds me of the hit song by the acdc band

[@Tara-kt5ll]

Love learning from you! Yes, definitely interested in Merkabah Mysticism.

[@cristoferurlaub7499]

This video was incredible. I had to watch it twice and Im still taking it in. Gonna give some things some thought and probably watch it again. Absolutely fascinating. Thank you so much.

[@themakuachronicles]

Super fascinating thank you for this awesome work! And beautifully written in narration! ❤

[@spammyv]

Thank you for a brilliant episode! Even with a minister as a parent, so little of what is taught ever attempts to truly place Jesus and early Christianity in its historical context.

[@Enki35Productions]

Very good! The analytics is worthy of recognition. Thank you.

[@Mikeofmanyhats]

So interested in a class on merkavah mysticism! Another fantastic analysis Dr Sledge! Thanks!

[@crancourt1789]

Another class about mysticism from my favorite sassy scholar? I'm in!

[@keithaguirre4927]

would love Merkabah mysticism class

[@donaldmcdonald3434]

Thanks to your channel and my autism I feel like I figured a lot of your recent videos out on my own. Thank you for everything.

[@johncollins211]

I was filling out job applications but Justin has dropped a video. I consider this divine intervention thank you God I seriously hate job questionares.

[@nathanb.t.q.1200]

😂

[@dkbradley43]

Wow, this is an extraordinary episode in your long series. Having a lifelong interest in the mystical experience, I did not know about this experience of Paul. Tying it to the Merkava tradition is an important achievement on your part. I would definitely sign up for a class in this subject at a reasonable subscription fee. Great work!

[@groundedinfirstprinciples383]

I love that you posted the 978s in the description. Gratitude.

[@TheIceGryphon]

Thank you for sharing your studies/knowledge in these great videos.

[@DL-bs5xv]

Hi Justin, I would definitely like to take classes on Merkabah Mysticism, if you offered them. I took a class on it with the professor/writer Zvi Ish Shalom, in his 'Kabbalah and Consciousness' class at Naropa University a few years back. Also, you were able to change my mind about Paul! Learning this important bit about him really changes my whole view about him! Thank you again for all your work! -Daniel L.

[@MichaelYoder1961]

Always await your videos, Justin. You have a great sense of humour and present complicated info in an accessible way. (although I don't read Hebrew, but you explain it well). And you're a good story teller. Cheers from Canada

[@ralphtegtmeier4374]

Truly heavy, mindblowing, critical stuff. Once again, you’ve outdone yourself - so thanks so much for that!

[@earthjustice01]

Wonderful presentation. I really enjoyed listening to this. I can feel the speaker's excitement!

[@Ckerr415]

Great video, as always, just chiming in to say I would love to take a class on this.

[@michaeljayEFT]

Dr. Sledge, I'd enroll in the course.

[@Vignanello555]

Dr. Sledge --- One of your best yet, after 3 years of incredible knowledge and wisdom transmission. As usual, thanks for the reading list, which will suffice until you launch Merkabah/Hekhalot class! I'll be there. Meanwhile, Shomer Shabbat!

[@shanachelich2782]

Wow, this video is absolutely fascinating! Thank you for everything you do.

[@modaud358]

Superb video, Dr Sledge! Your emphasis on Paul’s mystical experiences - within the context of Jewish Merkabah and Hekhalot mysticism - as “a positively decisive linchpin in this story” (of the foundations of Christianity) is both exciting and refreshing to hear. I feel I must add - similarly, I also “just can't hide my frustration and contempt for that long history of scholars that have attempted to sideline the importance of...” James’ mystical experiences. There is sufficient reason to distrust Saul-Paul’s sincerity, and we need to critically examine what could be a strategic tactic of appropriation in relation to James the Righteous? I want to reiterate here the fact that Paul was in contention with the three recognized and revered “Pillars”, the principal of whom was James the Tsaddiq as Head of the Jerusalem Assembly (the “Bishop of bishops, who rules Jerusalem, the Holy Assembly of the Hebrews and the Assemblies everywhere”) and “Protection of the People”. In addition to your compelling insights here, I would also encourage your viewers to additionally take a look at Dr Samuel Zinner’s work, “The Gospel of Thomas | In the Light of Early Jewish, Christian and Islamic Esoteric Trajectories” (the table of contents give a good indication of what to expect). Regarding Paul's ascent narrative, take note of the following from Zinner’s work: “The [Slavonic] Ladder of Jacob ... exhibits all the characteristics of a purely Jewish-Christian document in which the patriarch Jacob and James (=Jacob) the Just may coincide at an implicit level. The document has certainly undergone various redactions, but it is, we would argue, essentially a primitive Jewish-Christian document. One example of redaction is the transformation of an originally merkabah vision into an apocalyptic vision. The man on top of the Ladder is the divine man, the kabod of Ezekiel 1:26-27, and not a demonic leader of the heavens or the earth, as is incongruently implied by the interpolation. Ultimately the celestial man at the top of the ladder is none other than Jacob (=James). [...] The Jewish-Christian work mentioned by Epiphanius, The Ascents of James, very likely stems from the same circles that may have produced the original layers of the Ladder of Jacob. The Ascents of James has likely been incorporated into the Deutero-Clementine literature. Stories of James’ physical ascent up the Temple stairs could not but have led to speculations about James’ merkabah experiences, and because merkabah mysticism was both Temple-inspired and Temple-centered, it may very well be that the title Ascents of James refers to James’ visionary ascents. It may indeed be that Paul’s reference to ‘a man’ who fourteen years previously had been ‘caught up to the third heaven’ (2 Corinthians 12:2) is not a self-reference, but an allusion to James. Two facts speak in favor of this alternative. First, in verse 5, Paul clearly states: ‘On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast .... ’. Second, the figure of fourteen years curiously coincides with the phrase ‘after fourteen years’ in Galatians 2:1, referring to when Paul went to Jerusalem to meet James. The Jacobean Gnostic traditions may possibly be further reconstructed from the Book of Thomas the Contender, if, as Schenke holds, it was originally written as an epistle from ‘The Contender,’ that is, the patriarch Jacob. But whereas Schenke sees this hypothetical Epistle of Jacob the Contender as a pre-Christian Jewish document, we would suggest that the Jacob in question might be James the Just, for the early Jerusalem church would have viewed James the Just precisely as coinciding with the Biblical patriarch Jacob.” (pp.81-83) Similarly, Margaret Barker in her work “King of the Jews | Temple Theology in John's Gospel ” proposes that the pseudepigraphal Ascension of Isaiah coincides with the Ascents of James: “Outside the New Testament, there is the Ascension of Isaiah, in which ‘Isaiah’ and a group of others who had taken the names of the ancient prophets left Jerusalem and its wicked rulers, and went to live in the desert. This is a thinly veiled account of the early Christian community in Jerusalem. These people were ‘many of the faithful who believed in the ascension into heaven’, and they recorded the ascent of their leader ‘Isaiah’. ‘His eyes were open, but his mouth was silent, and the mind in his body was taken up from him.’ He was taken by an angel on a heavenly journey in which he saw history unfold before him, including the descent of Yahweh the Anointed One to become incarnate as Jesus. ‘Isaiah’ here was probably James, the leader of the Jerusalem church. He had been an ascetic and, apparently, had the status of a high priest, since he entered the holy of holies. He also received visions of the throne, and a book used by the Ebionites was called the Ascents of James, and so presumably he was remembered as a mystic who ascended.” (pp.190-191) Regarding Paul’s “proof of apostolic credibility to the Corinthians”, also take note of the following from Zinner: “The Jacobean Gnostic traditions may possibly be further reconstructed from the Book of Thomas the Contender, if, as Schenke holds, it was originally written as an epistle from "The Contender," that is, the patriarch Jacob. But whereas Schenke sees this hypothetical Epistle of Jacob the Contender as a pre-Christian Jewish document, we would suggest that the Jacob in question might be James the Just, for the early Jerusalem church would have viewed James the Just precisely as coinciding with the Biblical patriarch Jacob. Our suggestion may be supported by the fact that in this Contender document, at least in the form in which it is presently extant, we find several of the esoteric Jewish-Christian Jacobean themes known indirectly from 1 Corinthians, the evidence of which has led scholarship to detect the use in Corinth of an esoteric collection of Jesus’ sayings, which Paul considered to have been misused in an elitist fashion by the Corinthians. We will here delineate some of the parallels between the Contender document and Pauline allusions, especially in the two epistles to the Corinthians. In the opening of the Contender, Jesus in folio 138 stresses to Thomas the need for self-knowledge, and Jesus declares that Thomas knows he is "the Knowledge of Truth" (cf. Hebrews 10:26; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Timothy 3:7). A form of logion 67 of the Thomas gospel is given which ends with the observation that those who know themselves know "the depth of all" (cf. 1 Corinthians 2 :10, "the depths of God"). Folio 138 contains repeated references to children and beginners in contrast to the "perfect," which is reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:6 and 3:1. Folio 138 continues with the statement that when the light comes, the darkness will vanish, and what every person has accomplished will be manifest (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:5). Folio 140 speaks of "teaching for the perfect" (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:6), who are those "perfect in all wisdom " (cf. James 1:4-5), which is coupled with an allusion to Psalms 1:3. Contender folio 140-141 gives a variant of Thomas logion 2. Folio 141 speaks of the passing away of the fleshly vessel and the superiority of the invisible over the visible (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:18, 5:1). Only a short time remains before the visible creation will pass away (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:31). Folio 141 contains the phrase "thinking they are wise" (cf. Romans 1:22). According to folio 142, Jesus' sayings are ludicrous to the world (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:14). Folio 143 refers to those who live in bondage but believe they are free (cf. Galatians 2:4: 4:3, g; 5:1). Based upon a comparison of these Contender passages and their Pauline parallels, it would seem more natural to conclude that the traditions underlying the Contender have exercised an influence on Paul rather than vice versa. This is especially the more natural conclusion because the Contender contains no elements reflective of a Pauline theology, and merely a certain degree of diction is shared between the two. Indeed, one might be tempted to entertain the possibility that the Epistle of the Contender may have been in actuality an epistle of James to the Corinthians, from which they derived many of the ideas referred to by Paul throughout 1 Corinthians. Paul even uses the term "contender" or "athlete": "Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable" (1 Corinthians 9:25); this follows shortly after a possible allusion to the famous vegetarianism of James the Just (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:13). The theological picture that emerges from the Contender epistle is that through self-knowledge one can rule over the lower self and its disordered desires and attain to the state of Malkhut, reigning over the Pleroma, and thus finding rest, or union with the divine.” (pp.83-85)

[@melissamoore521]

I see you, and I hear you!

[@sizzaxe]

Thank you so much for this! Amazing information and I've added those books to my wishlist. And I would love to take a course on Merkavah or Hechalot!

[@ceh5526]

Echoing what has been already said - this was so clear, so engaging and so compelling. I'm going to enjoy a couple more watches, and then get down to reading, thinking and writing. Thank you for your work in making this - your best yet!

[@1sedate1]

It’s a wonderful privilege to hear you tonight. Shehechyanu. Beautiful Doc! Well well done. You’re my ministering angel. Shabbat schlomo. B”H

[@Baddamozie]

Awesome! Just awesome! This is something so mystical, so esoteric, and so real. I had a similar experience as Paul, and I'm loathe to talk about it, even though it has been over four decades now. These experiences are sobering and life-altering. One can't talk about it to just anybody. Only a few people can absorb and digest such heavy doses of the unseen realm. Much love to you for exploring this topic. Peace!

[@Streetlander]

Please elaborate your vision 🙏

[@Baddamozie]

😯 Wow! I just saw this page today, even though I made my comment six months ago. I’m very happy that someone is interested in my experience. Just like the Apostle Paul said in one of his letters, “I knew a man once, whether out of body, i don’t know, but he was carried away into the third heaven and saw things that cannot be described….”, to paraphrase him. I cannot describe my experience in a public forum like this, but it was real, and it was humbling. If I get to know my audience better, then I might feel comfortable sharing it. For now, no. Thank you for inquiring 🤨. Peace ✌️!

[@joshshortt9599]

This channel keeps reminding me how batshit bizarre human beings actually are.

[@WiteDahlia]

This is such a brilliant video. Amazing. I am mind blown. Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@felipesantos2]

Doctor Sledge, thank you very much for this wonderful class (and for all the others too!). Felipe from Brazil.