How Ancient Apocalyptic Jewish Ascent Esotericism Laid the Foundations of Christianity 

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

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.

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

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!

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?

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.

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!

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).

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 !

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.

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!!

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

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.

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 !

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!

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!

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.

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

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!!

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.

You're absolutely bonkers for making these videos free. I can't imagine the hours of research it must take to make these. That being said, we appreciate you

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. 🙇🏻‍♂️

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

Perhaps the finest example of how superb scholarship leads to the knowledge of the truth

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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

Yes , continue with your entire class about Jewish mysticism.

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

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

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

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

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!

Who would have thought that a scholar of the Occult would give some of the best biblical exegesis in years?

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

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

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 !

I’m definitely interested in merkavah mysticism.

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

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!

Powerful thanks for sharing and please make the class available!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Too important not to give a second listen. So here I be!🙂

I would love to take a class in Merkavah mysticism!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is really amazing FREE content Dr Sledge! Much of what you get into here I already knew after many years of searching for my own knowledge, but the relevance of Paul escaped me. I certainly like your take on Mystic vs Apocalyptic Prophet. There's so much of biblical literature that needs unpacking, and I would include the Qur'an here as well. Thankfully we have a lot of research going into sacred Abrahamic texts right now, however it's still apparent to me that "the fate of the books depends on the intelligence of the readers". The encounter with Angels is also very well covered in Sufism even though that literature is sparse (especially in translation). I wonder if there will ultimately be a connection made to earlier Jewish texts during the Islamic period.

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!

Bravo 👏.👏👏 Thoroughly enjoyed this video; not just the content, but your presentation, delivery and emotional involvement in these ideas, was fantastic. Excellent job, professor Sledge 👏. Peace 🙏

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

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

SUPERB introduction! What a treat this channel is

I have just found your channel thank you, I feel it is destined to be my favourite.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

I would definitely be interested in a class of merkavah, keep up the good work! always love your insight

Love the video. I honestly wish a lot of the audio of these were offered as podcasts, since then I could listen to the longer ones while I'm driving, and I wouldn't have to deal with the Algorithm

Top shelf content about some of the Top shelf liturgies known/not so known by mankind. Delivered up intelligently and bias free. For the people to consume, digest, and discuss. If you don't know already..... You are a good man. Thank you for all your effort. It has enriched my life on many levels. And BTW the shirts at your store are sic af. I want'em all, but settled on the CNU 🤟🤟🤟....lol ***Ladies & Gentleman be an Intellectual Bad Ass and go buy one of his shirts*****

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.

Love your channel and would also love a class! ❤ Thanks again for all of your work and research!

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

I’d very much like to attend that class.

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

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

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!

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.

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

Oh how I wish I could like this more than one time. Fantastic video, thank you so much for the work that you do. And yes, I would be SO interested in taking that class if you gave it.

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

Incredibly cool and interesting video! Would love a course on Merkavah, especially the interrelation with other mystical practices in the greco-egyptian milieu :)

I am merely a beginner on these topics, having mostly learned from your videos, which I discovered less than a year ago. However, even in this short time, what I learned about Merkavah mysticism has been fascinated, with concept that feels familiar, yet their approach being extremely different from what it is today. I would love to have a full course on this subject!

Excellent presentation Dr Sledge. This theory makes.more sense than anything else i've heard. Keep up the good work!

I've been noodling around in this territory for years. Your explanation makes the best sense of it that I have ever heard.

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

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.

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