
EPISODE 4
In Genesis 6 we read the controversial passage regarding the “sons of God” and their relationship with the “daughters of men.” Sound hermeneutical principles indicate these “sons of God” are fallen angels, leading to the creation of the Nephilim, a hybrid race of giants known for their strength and wickedness. Pastor Allen critiques alternative interpretations proposed since the third century A.D. that downplay the supernatural aspects, asserting that the traditional view aligns more closely with ancient beliefs.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What are the implications of interpreting the ‘sons of God’ as angels as opposed to the descendants of Seth, according to Pastor’s explanation? (Pastor discusses the historical interpretation of the phrase ‘sons of God’ in Genesis 6, explaining how it was traditionally understood to refer to angels until a different theory was proposed by Julius Africanus in the third century A.D.)
2. Why do you think the concept of the Nephilim and their origins as described in Genesis 6 is so controversial and often debated? (Pastor notes that the passage about the Nephilim is considered one of the most interesting and controversial in the Bible, and talks about how interpretations can vary significantly.)
3. What does the passage in Genesis 6:3 mean when it says, ‘my spirit shall not strive with man forever’? How does that relate to God’s judgment? (Pastor explains that God was giving people a time limit of 120 years to repent and that this verse indicates a limit to God’s patience with humanity before judgment.)
4. Pastor mentions that stories about the Nephilim were passed down through generations and became legends. Why do you think stories like these last through time? (He discusses how the stories of the Nephilim survived the flood through Noah’s family and have common roots in various cultures’ mythologies.)
5. What parallels can you identify between the stories of the Nephilim and myths from other cultures that involve gods interacting with humans? (Pastor highlights how many cultures have myths involving gods having children with human women, tying these stories back to the account in Genesis.)
FILL IN THE BLANK QUESTIONS
1. The phrase “sons of God” in Genesis 6 is interpreted to refer to
2. The alternative theory proposed by Julius Africanus suggested that the “sons of God” were the descendants of
3. The word “giants” in Genesis 6:4 is translated from the Hebrew word
4. According to the sermon, the Nephilim were the offspring of fallen angels and
5. The clause “and also afterward” in Genesis 6:4 should be placed at the
SCRIPTURES IN THIS EPISODE
Genesis 6:1-4, 7 | Numbers 13:33