“The Unseen Realm” Part 2 – New Testament

In this episode, Ryan and Brian continue their discussion of Michael Heiser’s The Unseen Realm, shifting focus from the Old Testament to the New Testament. They explore Heiser’s “Deuteronomy 32 worldview,” which emphasizes spiritual beings, the Divine Council, and Jesus’ mission to reclaim authority over the nations. The hosts dive into key New Testament passages, connecting them to Heiser’s thesis about spiritual warfare, the role of demons, and the significance of Jesus’ actions in the Gospels.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Divine Council and Deuteronomy 32 Worldview

• Recap of Heiser’s concept of the Divine Council: spiritual beings in God’s presence, referenced in Psalms and Deuteronomy, who witness and participate in God’s dominion.
• Heiser’s “Deuteronomy 32 worldview” ties to Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) and the Table of Nations in Genesis 10, where 70 nations are assigned to spiritual beings, while Israel remains under Yahweh’s direct authority.
• Discussion of how this worldview shapes the understanding of spiritual dynamics in both Testaments.

Jesus and the Twelve Disciples

• The hosts explore the symbolic significance of Jesus choosing 12 disciples, representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Mark 6:7-13).
• Jesus sends the 12 out with authority over impure spirits, a mission tied to preaching repentance and healing.
• Casting out demons is noted as unique to Jesus’ ministry, absent in early Judaism and the Old Testament, suggesting a spiritual confrontation stirred by the announcement of God’s kingdom.

The Sending of the 70 (or 72)

• In Luke 10:1, Jesus sends out 70 (or 72, depending on the manuscript) disciples, which Heiser connects to the 70 nations in Genesis 10.
• This act symbolizes Jesus’ authority over all nations, not just Israel, as a spiritual offensive against the powers assigned to those nations.
• The disciples return, reporting that “even the demons submit to your name” (Luke 10:17), prompting Jesus’ declaration: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:18).
• Jesus emphasizes rejoicing in salvation (“your names are written in heaven”) over power over spirits.

Hades and Spiritual Warfare

• Discussion of Hades as both the underworld and a Greek god, referenced in Revelation 6:8 (the pale horse and rider named Death, followed by Hades).
• Connection to Matthew 16:13-20, where Jesus, at Caesarea Philippi (near Mount Bashan, a place of pagan worship), declares, “On this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
• Heiser interprets this as an offensive move: the church will break down the defensive “gates” of false gods, not merely resist them.
• The Transfiguration (Matthew 17) is also linked to this location, reinforcing Jesus’ authority over spiritual realms.

Paul’s Perspective on Spiritual Realities

• In 1 Corinthians 2:6-10, Paul speaks of “the rulers of this age” who did not understand God’s mystery, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion. Heiser suggests these rulers are spiritual beings, not just human authorities, defeated through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• Ephesians 6:10-12 (the armor of God) emphasizes the battle against “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms,” aligning with Heiser’s view of ongoing spiritual warfare.
• 1 Corinthians 10:18-21 connects idol worship to “demons” (Greek: daimonion), which could also mean “gods” in the Septuagint (Deuteronomy 32:17). Paul warns against participating in sacrifices to these entities.

1 Peter and the Imprisoned Spirits

• 1 Peter 3:18-22 discusses Jesus’ proclamation to “imprisoned spirits” after his resurrection, which Heiser ties to Genesis 6 and the Book of Enoch (fallen spiritual beings and the Nephilim).
• This proclamation signifies Jesus’ victory over these rebellious spirits, with his exaltation placing all “angels, authorities, and powers” in submission to him.
• Baptism is framed as spiritual warfare, a pledge of allegiance to Jesus’ side against evil forces.

1. Cultural Context and Modern Misunderstandings

• The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the first-century worldview, where idols and gods were part of daily life (e.g., statues in Corinth and Ephesus).
• Modern readers often misinterpret terms like “demon” due to Hollywood or later cultural influences (e.g., Dante’s Inferno).
• Heiser’s work encourages readers to rethink familiar passages through the lens of the original audience’s spiritual worldview.

Key Takeaways:

• Heiser’s The Unseen Realm provides explanatory power for New Testament passages by connecting them to Old Testament concepts like the Divine Council and the 70 nations.
• Jesus’ actions (choosing the 12, sending the 70, confronting Hades) are seen as a spiritual offensive to reclaim authority from rebellious spiritual beings.
• Paul and Peter’s writings reflect a worldview where spiritual forces, not just human ones, are at play, with Jesus’ death and resurrection as the decisive victory.
• The book challenges modern readers to reexamine scripture with the cultural and spiritual context of the biblical authors.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser
• Paul and the Resurrection of Israel by Jason Staples (potential future guest)
• The Bible Bistro website: thebiblebistro.com for book recommendations and ways to support the podcast.