How Ancient Apocalyptic Jewish Ascent Esotericism Laid the Foundations of Christianity

Comments · 1.7K

• TH

  @TheEsotericaChannel · 3 years ago · pinned

  Consider Supporting Esoterica!<br>Patreon - <a href="https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel">https://www.patreon.com/esotericachannel</a><br>Paypal Donation - <a href="https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel">https://www.paypal.me/esotericachannel</a><br>Merch - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoydhtfFSk1fZXNRnkGnneQ/store</a>

  126

• TR

  @tracimcmurray5244 · 1 year ago

  I am 52 years old. In my 20&apos;s I escaped the religious cult into which I was born. Prior to leaving, though, I had a period in my life where I really, sincerely, earnestly tried to adopt the teachings of my preacher, read the scripture (KJV Bible here in Texas, of course), understand, immerse myself in the doctrine and try to be pleasing to God. During that time (in my late teens/early 20&apos;s), I had a dream where I was in the church building and an image of a man appeared and I was completely overwhelmed with all of my feelings at once. All I could do (in this dream) was point at the man and repeat &quot;Paul. Paul. Paul.&quot; Oddly enough, the image was entirely red. Imagine my surprise, tonight, in 2025, when you show an early image of Paul and it&apos;s all red! I&apos;m totally willing to admit perhaps my subconscious saw this image at some point and my dream pulled it up. But in fairness, this would have been in the late 80&apos;s/early 90&apos;s, so I&apos;m not sure where I would have seen this image prior to easy access of the internet. Either way, I thought it was coincidence enough to share and hope anyone reading this gets a smirk out of it too. I seriously had chill-bumps when I saw that image of Paul, tho and the whole dream came back to mind. I bid you peace.

  259

• HO

  @hopkinsamye · 3 years ago

  &quot;Paul the Emo Apostle&quot; is a very apt description, and one I will never be able to forget. <br>Thank you for your content!

  460

• JO

  @joshuavanderplaats · 3 years ago

  Dear Dr. Sledge: &nbsp;Excellent. &nbsp;I have spent most of my life in this material. &nbsp;Excellent job here. &nbsp;And you did well centering on the Acts narrative. &nbsp;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. &nbsp;Some day I would love to have tea/coffee with you to discuss these wonderful things, my friend). &nbsp;I appreciate your channel.

  1.4K

• TR

  @transfiguredword · 3 years ago

  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. &nbsp; <br> <br>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. &nbsp; <br> <br>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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC6xCyFJ1Ro&amp;t=194">3:14</a>). &nbsp; <br> <br>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! &nbsp;Like Prometheus, revelatory fire is being brought down from the heavens, and thus Paul must be punished for sharing the kavod with the common! <br> <br>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. &nbsp; <br> <br>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? &nbsp;Here, understanding the soul as the chariot throne of God is a profound revelation. &nbsp; <br> <br>Thus through the symbol of the cross, Paul seems to offer an exchange of life (Gal <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC6xCyFJ1Ro&amp;t=140">2:20</a>). 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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cC6xCyFJ1Ro&amp;t=794">13:14</a>).

  190

• CA

  @Candlejack-q4y · 3 years ago

  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?

  438

• KN

  @Knowthyself333 · 2 years ago

  I’m definitely interested in merkavah mysticism.

  57

• MO

  @MoonberryJam93 · 3 years ago

  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.<br><br>As for the full course in Merkava, I would absolutely be down for that.

  366

• PA

  @paulbains986 · 2 years ago

  I would certainly be interested in an episode on Merkavah mysticism

  34

• IN

  @invisiblegorilla8631 · 3 years ago

  &quot;Paul the Emo Apostle&quot;. Going to have start using that!!

  40

• IV

  @Iverson404 · 2 years ago

  You&apos;re absolutely bonkers for making these videos free. I can&apos;t imagine the hours of research it must take to make these. That being said, we appreciate you

  375

• LO

  @loreleihewitt8677 · 2 years ago

  I would love to take a class in Merkavah mysticism!

  13