David Burnett returns to the podcast to discuss Paul’s defense of his apostleship and his heavenly ascent in 2 Corinthians 11-12. This episode expands upon an earlier episode on Paul’s ascent, specifically linking it to Second Temple Jewish apocalyptic literature (the Ascension of Abraham) and rabbinic material that appears to draw on that earlier material. The link to Abraham in Jewish thought is important, as it informs part of Paul’s comments on being the seed of Abraham.
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In Naked Bible Podcast Episode 164, Dr. Michael Heiser welcomes David Burnett for a profound exploration of one of the most enigmatic passages in Paul’s letters—his ascent to the third heaven and his torment by a “messenger of Satan” in 2 Corinthians 12:1–10.
Burnett presents compelling research that frames Paul’s mystical experience not as a boastful vision of power, but as a rhetorical reversal rooted in deep Jewish apocalyptic traditions—especially those surrounding Abraham’s own heavenly ascent. Drawing from the Apocalypse of Abraham and rabbinic midrash (Genesis Rabbah), Burnett argues that Paul retools these traditional triumphalist narratives to emphasize weakness, suffering, and imitating the Messiah as true apostolic marks.
Rather than claim dominance over cosmic powers (as many Jewish ascent traditions did), Paul claims torment and suffering as proof of his legitimacy—flipping expectations and aligning himself with the suffering Messiah. This inversion echoes Paul’s broader theology of glory-through-weakness, a core principle of the Gospel he defends.
Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of:
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The Abrahamic background to Paul's rhetoric
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How Paul subverts traditional apocalyptic motifs
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The deep interplay between ancient Jewish texts and early Christian theology
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Why Paul’s “thorn” is best understood as a supernatural agent of torment
This episode exemplifies Heiser’s mission: to read Scripture in its original context, uncovering rich theological meaning often obscured by modern assumptions. It’s an essential listen for anyone interested in Paul, Second Temple Judaism, or the supernatural worldview of the New Testament.
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