The Naked Bible Podcast

There are over a dozen references in the Old and New Testaments to “books” in heaven. The idea of such books extends back to Sumer and Mesopotamian (“tablets of destinies”). In this episode, we trace the lineage of the idea through ancient Near Eastern examples, the Old Testament, 2nd temple Jewish texts, and the New Testament. Are these records “real time” record keeping? Proof of predestination?

This episode focuses on Paul’s language, in 1 Cor 15 and elsewhere, about the “spiritual body” of the resurrected Jesus—a body that believers will also share.  In Paul’s day, Gentiles (Greco-Roman culture) and Jews (OT) both believed that gods had bodies — not made of flesh and blood, but of something that was superior to flesh and blood. In other words, gods weren’t simply formless, substance-less “energy” or spirit. Paul taught that Christians would one day share Christ’s body—that they would have the same sort of body.

There is no direct talk in the Old Testament about the messiah, the son of David, would cast out demons. Yet that title (“son of David”) is found only in the synoptic gospels in association with Jesus’ healing and demonic exorcisms. While healing is a clear part of the messianic profile in the Old Testament, exorcising demons is not. What predisposed first century Jews to the idea that the Davidic messiah would cast out demons? How was that part of the messianic profile?

This episode begins a series of topical episodes following the end of our series on Leviticus. The topic for this episode is the controversial head covering reference in 1 Cor. 11:13-15. The discussion summarizes the material discussed in a scholarly journal article published in 2004 by Dr. Troy Martin entitled, “Paul’s Argument from Nature for the Veil in 1 Cor. 11:13-15: A Testicle instead of a Head Covering” (Journal of Biblical Literature 123:1 [2004]: 75-84). Martin summarizes his approach as follows: “This article interprets Paul’s argument from nature in 1 Cor. 11:13-15 against the background of ancient physiology. The Greek and Roman medical texts provide useful information for interpreting not only Paul’s letters but also other NT texts.” The article (and the author’s subsequent responses to criticism, also published in academic literature) presents a compelling case and is, to Dr. Heiser’s knowledge, the only approach that provides a coherent explanation as to why the head covering warnings are important, in the words of Paul “because of the angels” (1 Cor. 11:10). This warning ultimately takes readers back to the incident with the Watchers (sons of God) in Gen. 6:1-4. One of Martin’s concluding application thoughts is also important: “Since the physiological conceptions of the body have changed, however, no physiological reason remains for continuing the practice of covering women’s heads in public worship, and many Christian communities reasonably abandon this practice.” In other words, Paul’s rationale for what he says here is no longer coherent today — but his teaching points are (modesty, sexual fidelity). As such, wearing veils (in church or elsewhere) is a conscience issue, not a point of doctrine. The nature of this material is overtly sexual, so this episode is for adult listeners. Papers referenced: Paul’s argument from nature for the veil in 1 Corinthians 11.13-15: A Testicle instead of a Head Covering Why Should Women Cover their Heads bc of the Angels

Our 9th Question and Answer episode! Also find out what topics are next for the podcast. to support our show go to: our Support page Harvey book on term Jew: Graham Harvey, The True Israel: Uses of the Names Jew, Hebrew, and Israel in Ancient Jewish and Early Christian Literature (Brill, 2001)

The episode delves into the promises of blessings and curses based on obedience, exploring eschatology and restoration in relation to Israel and Gentiles embracing the Messiah. The significance of temples and believers embodying God is discussed, alongside special vows and punishment in Leviticus. The misconception of Jewish suffering in WWII due to rejecting Jesus as Messiah is addressed, along with discussions on upcoming events, prophecy uncertainties, and website overhaul.

Delving into Leviticus 23-25, the podcast discusses Sabbath concepts, feasts and festivals, the 'shewbread,' lex talionis, and the jubilee principle. Explore ancient Hebrew laws on compensation over mutilation and the theological significance of the Year of Jubilee in Leviticus. The hosts also analyze Luke's interpretation of Isaiah 61, linking biblical prophecies to Jesus' mission of restoration.

Our 8th Question and Answer episode! to support our show go to: our Support page

Exploring Leviticus 21-22, the podcast delves into rules for priests on uncleanness and tabooed practices like tattooing. It also discusses ancient hair symbolism, marking practices in slavery, and misconceptions on tattooing in religious contexts. The importance of priestly sanctity and the distinction of sacred offerings are highlighted, along with the nuances of slave acquisition and legal obligations in ancient Israelite culture.

Exploring Leviticus chapters 19 and 20, the podcast delves into the supernatural worldview of ancient Israel, focusing on mixtures and sexual prohibitions. The episode discusses the symbolism of forbidden mixtures, such as fabric and animal breeding, reflecting the Old Testament's supernatural worldview. It also explores the severe penalties for violating cultural norms in Leviticus and analyses the application of ancient laws in modern contexts.