The Glory of the Invisible God: Two Powers in Heaven Traditions and Early Christology

by Andrei A. Orlov, James H. Charlesworth (Editor)

Andrei Orlov examines early Christological developments in the light of rabbinic references to the "two powers" in heaven, tracing the impact of this concept through both canonical and non-canonical material.

Orlov begins by looking at imagery of the "two powers" in early Jewish literature, in particular the book of Daniel, and in pseudepigraphical writings. He then traces the concept through rabbinic literature and applies this directly to understanding of Christological debates. Orlov finally carries out a close examination of the "two powers" traditions in Christian literature, in particular accounts of the Transfiguration and the Baptism of Jesus. Including a comprehensive bibliography listing texts and translations, and secondary literature, this volume is a key resource in researching the development of Christology.

Genres: Religion

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 26, 2019

Reviews

[Andrew Dass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this text alongside Alan Segal’s “Two Powers in Heaven” thinking that it would buttress my understanding of it, but I was pleasantly surprised that Andrei Orlov took an aspect of the “two powers” concept, viz. the invisible and visible manifestation of Deity, and interpreted Jesus’ transfiguration and baptism within that focused lens.

Orlov begins his study looking into early Jewish accounts from extra-biblical sources that convey the development of the first power (God) stepping aside or moving in the background for the exaltation of the second power (a divinised human or principal angel). Before Christianity, then, there was already a concept of a second power that possessed divine qualities and was venerated by the first power in Jewish mysticism.

From there, Orlov analyses Christ’s transfiguration and baptism from this framework, and these sections were quite insightful, and to me, original. I’ve gained a new understanding of the Jewish, mystical underpinnings behind Christ’s transfiguration and baptism, so whenever I read these passages moving forward, I’ll be reminded of this work.

Although the subject matter is quite niche, his exposition and insights into the transfiguration and baptism were worth the read, and so if the title captured your attention, I would recommend a read-through!

[Charles Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orlov picks up Alan Segal's work on the "two powers in heaven" and runs with it into early Christianity. He surveys Daniel 7 and numerous other Jewish texts where there is a second divine figure (like the Son on Man in Dn 7) or a "principal angel", looking at common themes. In many cases a seer views the principal angel figure, who is described in terms like those from Ezekiel 1, with features of God's glory - and then God Himself appears only as a voice speaking. He spends the second half the book applying this model to Jesus's baptism and transfiguration where Jesus is glorified, followed by a voice from the heavens. Of note, he spends a good bit of time in old Slavonic sources like 2 Enoch, and the Apocalypse of Abraham. He engages often with Richard Bauckham, Carey Newman, Jarl Fossum, and Daniel Boyarin - but not with others such as Brittany Wilson, Esther Hamori, or Dan McClellan. Highly recommended!

[JonM · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally well-researched and methodically arranged book. It’s a very good resource for research on the topic. However, the specific content is not why I rated it with only three stars. I gave it three stars because it didn’t contribute anything new to my understanding of the (now uncontroversial) topic, and it didn’t challenge or stretch me in any way. It was rather boring and generically decisive; its appeal is likely for a niche interest among nerdy doctoral students who need an extra book to cite authoritatively for their doctoral research project. It was also a surprisingly thin book (less than 200 pages)! At least it was not forgettable.

Again, it’s content is absolutely excellent for those who are new to the topic. It was just uneventful for me.

I am familiar with Andrei and his works, because I live a couple miles away from the university where he teaches, and I have spoken with him in person a bunch of times; so I can honestly say, don’t let my review prevent you from studying the subject or this book. I really enjoy his other books much better though, especially Dark Mirrors, so consider me surprised by disappointment.