This episode invites David Burnett back to the podcast for a discussion of his research on 1 Cor 15:35-50. In an earlier episode on this chapter, we talked about the meaning of Paul’s phrase “the spiritual body.” This time around, David draws our attention to the listing of “bodies” (celestial vs. earthly) in vv. 35-41 and asks: (1) what part of the OT is Paul drawing on for this list and (2) why would Paul bother to bring up this list in a discussion of the resurrection. The answers will blow your mind, as the listing derives from, and connects into, a number of well-known divine council passages. Once you hear David's explanation of the most important text on the resurrection in the entire New Testament, 1 Corinthians 15, you will never read it the same way again. If you’ve ever wondered how the divine council worldview relates to New Testament theology, this is an episode for you.
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Transcript 95 David Burnett Death of the Gods
In this fascinating theological deep dive, Dr. Michael Heiser welcomes David Burnett to discuss his groundbreaking dissertation on the death of the gods in the thought of Paul the Apostle. Burnett’s thesis asserts that Paul’s theology—particularly in 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 5–8—is deeply rooted in the Divine Council worldview and the Second Temple Jewish apocalyptic tradition.
Drawing from Psalm 82 and Deuteronomy 32, Burnett shows how Paul saw Christ’s resurrection, enthronement, and return not merely as soteriological events, but as part of the cosmic judgment and destruction of rebellious divine beings. In other words, Paul’s gospel includes the overthrow of the Watchers and other corrupt spiritual powers—a direct reversal of the rebellion of Genesis 6.
The discussion covers:
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The Watcher tradition as backdrop to Paul’s understanding of transgression
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How 1 Enoch and other Jewish texts shaped Paul’s cosmic outlook
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The significance of resurrection as cosmic renewal
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The idea of theosis and believers' participation in divine rule
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The reclaiming of the nations through the defeat of their corrupt heavenly rulers
Heiser and Burnett also explore the materiality of resurrection and how spiritual powers are dethroned through the enthronement of Christ. This is not abstract theology—it’s a cosmic battle narrative, with the gospel as the story of the death of the gods and the emergence of a new divine family.
If you’ve ever wondered how Paul’s letters, Psalm 82, and the unseen realm connect, this episode offers a stunning vision of the Bible’s spiritual warfare in its highest theological form.
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