Exploring Second Temple Literature and Its Influence on the New Testament

This chapter emphasizes the significance of reading non-canonical texts from the Second Temple period to gain insights into how faithful Jews interpreted the Old Testament during the time between the Testaments. It discusses how these texts shaped the theology of the period and influenced the concepts present in the New Testament, particularly in relation to themes like the Divine Council and apocalyptic visions. The conversation stresses the importance of understanding the cultural and linguistic context of Second Temple literature to accurately grasp its nuances and references, enhancing one's interpretation of scripture.