Genesis 6 is one of the Bible's most mysterious passages. Who were the "sons of God"? Who were the Nephilim? Why does the biblical text assume its readers already understand the story?In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Mark Chavalas—Ancient Near Eastern historian, archaeologist, and co-host of The Buried Bible Podcast to explore the Mesopotamian background that may illuminate Genesis 6. Together we discuss Berossus, the Apkallu (Seven Sages), 1 Enoch, the Watchers, Jude, 2 Peter, and how these ancient traditions may help us better understand one of Scripture's most debated passages.Rather than sensational speculation, this interview examines the historical and literary evidence, showing how the biblical authors communicated within the shared cultural world of the ancient Near East while presenting a distinctly biblical theology.**In this interview, we discuss:**1:06 Introduction1:54 Genesis 6 and the Problem of the Sons of God3:27 Augustine and the Shift Away from the Supernatural View6:02 Berossus and the Babylonian Account of the Pre-Flood Sages9:55 1 Enoch, the Watchers, and the Nephilim Tradition13:08 The Mesopotamian Apkallu Connection15:40 Anne Kilmer's Proposal: Apkallu and Genesis 618:57 Who Were the Apkallu?21:38 The Seven Sages Before and After the Flood24:46 Shared Ancient Context vs. Borrowing Myths27:59 Why "Myth" Doesn't Mean "False"35:04 The Apkallu, the Abyss, and Jude & 2 Peter38:41 Cuneiform, Ancient Languages, and Why the Evidence Matters45:12 Watchers, Daniel, and Ongoing Scholarly Humility47:36 Returning to Genesis 6: The Ancient Supernatural Worldview53:25 Living with Unanswered Questions55:19 Where to Begin Studying Genesis 657:11 The Buried Bible Podcast and Further Resources58:40 Closing Thoughts**Recommended Resources**• Dr. Michael Heiser — *Reversing Hermon* (Dr. Chavalas' recommended starting point)• Dr. Michael Heiser — https://nakedbiblepodcast.com/ • Dr. Mark Chavalas — https://www.youtube.com/@UCvlSazBr6-ME5x2KsbsnPlQ **Learn more from Dr. Mark Chavalas**Buried Bible Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@UCvlSazBr6-ME5x2KsbsnPlQ **Water Into Wine**Website:https://alecdunlop.comIf this conversation helped you better understand Scripture in its original historical context, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who enjoys digging deeper into the Bible.#Genesis6 #Nephilim #SonsofGod #Watchers #AncientNearEast #Mesopotamia #BibleStudy #BiblicalStudies #MichaelHeiser #MarkChavalas #Apkallu #Enoch #OldTestament #WaterIntoWine

Dr. John L. Ronning joins Water into Wine for a conversation on the Jewish Targums and their importance for understanding John’s Gospel. We discuss what the Targums are, how they functioned in synagogue life, and why Ronning believes they provide the strongest background for John’s presentation of Jesus as the Logos, the Word. Along the way, we explore Memra, Shekinah, divine descent language, Sinai, covenant, and why John’s Gospel presents Jesus as active before the incarnation and deeply bound up with the identity of the God of Israel.Find Dr. Ronning’s book here:https://www.amazon.com/Jewish-Targums-Johns-Logos-Theology/dp/0801047595Find Dr. Ronning’s papers here:https://faiththeological.academia.edu/JohnRonningIf this conversation was helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in John’s Gospel, the Jewish background of the New Testament, and the identity of Jesus.

In this episode of Water into Wine, I’m joined by Ryan Lambert of Bridge Builders Forum to discuss Paul, Jewish-Christian relations, and the major shifts in Pauline scholarship over the past several decades.We talk about the traditional reading of Paul, the New Perspective on Paul, Paul within Judaism, Paul’s identity as a Pharisee, and why both Jews and Christians have so often misunderstood Paul. Ryan also explains why he believes Paul’s mission was tied to the prophetic hope of the nations turning to worship the God of Israel, and why recovering Paul in his Jewish context can help build a better understanding between Jews and Christians today. LinksBridge Builders Forum: https://www.bridgebuildersforum.comThe Weird Apostle: https://ryanlambertforum.com/books