Gilbert House Fellowship: "The Four Archangels"

Podcast: Gilbert House Fellowship
Hosts: Derek and Sharon Gilbert
Date: December 21, 2025
Main Theme:
An in-depth verse-by-verse study and lively discussion of 1 Enoch (chapters 40-41), focusing particularly on the Four Archangels. The Gilberts blend biblical scholarship, Second Temple Jewish context, and supernatural worldview—peppered with humor, encouragement, and personal updates.

Episode Overview

Derek and Sharon Gilbert conclude their 2025 studies with a reading from 1 Enoch, examining the identities, roles, and spiritual warfare implications of the Four Archangels. They dig into translation differences, discuss Second Temple worldview, and address questions from listeners, tying in practical theology and contemporary relevance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Context (00:13–07:00)

• The Gilberts greet listeners, acknowledge the winter solstice and the cultural significance of the season, reviewing pagan traditions around the solstice.
• Derek debunks the myth that Christmas is a pagan holiday derived from Saturnalia, explaining the historical reasoning behind December 25th.
  • Quote (Derek, 06:12):
    "Christmas does not fall on or even near the winter solstice... [It] really is just that simple."

2. Updates & Community Life (07:00–12:30)

• Sharon shares personal updates, including the joy and sadness of their dogs, Grace and Glory, finding a new home.
• The hosts express appreciation for their online fellowship and community prayer support.

3. Introduction to 1 Enoch and Textual Background (12:31–15:35)

• Derek provides background on the Book of 1 Enoch:
  • Multiple English translations exist; main versions referenced are Jay Winter, R.H. Charles, Richard Laurence, and Hermenea by Nickelsburg & VanderKam.
  • The "Book of Parables" (Enoch chapters 37–71) is the focus, written around the time of Jesus and John the Baptist.

4. The Four Archangels in Enoch – Close Reading (15:36–25:38)

• The Gilberts start in 1 Enoch 40 (traditional numbering).
• Enoch witnesses "four figures" (interpreted as the four archangels) before the throne of God.
• Breakdown of Each Archangel’s Role:
  • Michael: Merciful and long-suffering.
  • Raphael: In charge of every sickness and wound ("healer of God").
  • Gabriel: Oversees all powers ("principalities and powers" of Ephesians 6).
  • Phanuel (Fanuel/Penuel): In charge of repentance unto hope for the righteous.
• Quote (Sharon, 18:31):
  "We call... some call them guardian angels... petitioning and praying for us."
• Discussion of "Satans" as multiple adversaries (not just a single being), noting that Second Temple literature and the Greek text reflect 'the Satan' sometimes as a title, not always a proper name.
  • Quote (Derek, 20:07):
    "In the Greek... it is not a proper name. Even when Jesus is saying 'Satan,' He's actually saying 'the Satan.'"

5. Interpreting 'Satans' and Angelic Roles (23:28–25:38)

• Exploration of prosecutorial angels (adversaries/accusers) and intercessory angels.
• Discussion of the Job narrative, comparing it to the Enochic understanding.

6. The Weighing of Actions and Spiritual Justice (27:28–30:55)

• Sharon reads about "the actions of men are weighed in the balance," discussing similarity and distinction between biblical and pagan ideas of judgment.
• Clarification that Christian soteriology is not works-based, but works are still judged for reward (bema seat of Christ).

7. Cosmology: Weather, Stars, and Angelic Order (35:14–52:41)

• The Gilberts explore Enoch’s descriptions of the weather, stars, and heavenly bodies—tying to ancient beliefs about deities controlling rain, storms, etc.
  • Sharon gives examples from mythology (Egyptian, Canaanite), popular culture (Dracula, Godzilla), and prophecy (Revelation).
  • Brief tangent: Godzilla as symbolic Titan referencing biblical giants, with film analysis connecting mythic and biblical imagery.
• Discussion of the sun and moon’s gender assignments in ancient mythologies and their depiction in Enoch.
• The "oaths" that keep sun, moon, and stars in their courses—contrasted with rebellious "stars" (angels) who left their prescribed roles.

8. Wisdom as a Figure and Gendered Language in Scripture (53:44–56:50)

• Derek and Sharon comment on the personification of Wisdom in Enoch and Proverbs, correcting misreadings that make the Holy Spirit feminine; the feminine aspect is a function of Hebrew grammar.

9. Listener Question Segment (65:06–77:58)

The Gilberts answer several listener-submitted questions:

• On health and Lyme disease: Derek's autoimmune health challenges and diagnostic process; Lyme tests were negative.
• On Armored Sheep merchandise: How to find and order listener-requested apparel.
• On comets and prophecy: Clarifies Tom Horn’s Wormwood Prophecy as separate from comet 3i ATLAS.
• On similarities between Mormonism and Islam: Both began with a singular revelatory figure being visited by an angel and introducing teachings outside prior scripture; biblical Christianity is rooted in multiple witnesses and archaeological confirmation.

10. Contemporary Relevance and Encouragement (79:08–End)

• Call for listeners to connect in community, especially at holiday times.
• Sharon and Derek promote upcoming events and books, including an upcoming virtual conference on "The Great UFO Deception."
• Prayer and encouragement to keep running the race, especially as challenging years approach.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Angelic Intercession (Sharon, 18:31):
  "Some call them guardian angels... petitioning and praying for us."
• On 'Satan' as a title (Derek, 20:07):
  "In the Greek... it is not a proper name. Even when Jesus is saying 'Satan,' He's actually saying 'the Satan.'"
• On Cosmic Order (Sharon, 45:47):
  "Those stars that did not come out at their appointed times... representing the Titans."
• On Christmas origins (Derek, 06:12):
  "Christmas does not fall on or even near the winter solstice... really, it’s just that simple."
• On community (Sharon, 79:08):
  "We are called to minister to one another. If you are not alone, go online and see if any of the family in the app are alone and... minister to one another."
• On ancient wisdom and myth (Sharon, 49:46):
  "Pre-flood in Sumer... the moon was male and the sun was also male... later, the moon became female and the sun remained male."

Important Timestamps

• 00:13 – Episode opening, holiday/solstice intro
• 07:00 – Personal and ministry updates, dogs, community life
• 12:31 – Introduction to 1 Enoch & translation notes
• 15:36 – Start of Enoch 40: vision of the Four Archangels
• 17:33 – Roles of each archangel detailed
• 18:39 – Discussion of 'the Satans' (multiple adversaries)
• 23:28 – Angelic advocacy vs. accusation; judicial themes
• 27:28 – Weighing of deeds, judgment, Great White Throne
• 35:14 – Enoch’s meteorology, cosmology, and myth commentary
• 45:47 – Astronomical order, fallen stars, connections to prophecy
• 53:44 – Wisdom personified, feminine language in the Bible
• 65:06 – Listener Question Segment: health, prophecy, doctrine
• 79:08 – Encouragement for community & closing prayer

Tone and Style

Conversational, enthusiastic, and deeply rooted in scriptural authority with frequent lighthearted exchanges and personal warmth. The Gilberts maintain theological depth, clarity, and practical application, while regularly referencing both ancient sources and modern cultural phenomena.

In Summary

This episode provides a thorough and accessible unpacking of the Four Archangels within Enochic literature, their roles in spiritual warfare, and how these ancient texts interface with both biblical doctrine and contemporary Christian living. Peppered with listener questions and wide-ranging cultural references, Derek and Sharon encourage listeners to discern the times, celebrate Christian hope, and stay connected in fellowship.