Overview:
In this episode of Ryan and Brian's Bible Bistro, the hosts dive into the intriguing world of First Enoch, a pseudepigraphical text that has captured the curiosity of many within and beyond Christian circles. Ryan and Brian discuss its origins, content, and significance while addressing common questions about its relationship to the biblical canon and its historical context. This episode offers a fresh perspective, including Brian’s first-time reading impressions, and aims to clarify what First Enoch is—and what it isn’t.
- What is First Enoch?
- Defined as a pseudepigraphical book, meaning it’s falsely attributed to Enoch, a descendant of Adam and father of Methuselah, who didn’t actually write it.
- Likely composed between the 3rd century BC and post-New Testament times, with parts dated to the intertestamental period.
- Fits the genre of apocalyptic literature, characterized by divine guides and supernatural narratives (e.g., similar to Revelation and Daniel).
- Genesis 5:24 highlights Enoch’s unique story: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away,” sparking fascination as one of two Old Testament figures (alongside Elijah) not said to have died.
Structure of First Enoch
- Comprises 108 chapters divided into five sections:
- Book of Watchers (Ch. 1-36): Focuses on fallen angels (sons of God) intermarrying with human women, producing the Nephilim (giants), and introducing evil via figures like Azazel.
- Similitudes of Enoch (Ch. 37-71): Explores angelology, the “Son of Man,” and divine judgment, with debated dating relative to the New Testament.
- Astronomical Book (Ch. 72-82): Details a solar calendar (364 days), contrasting with the Jewish lunar calendar, found in the Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Book of Dream Visions (Ch. 83-90): Recasts Israel’s history through animal allegory (e.g., sheep as the righteous, boars as adversaries), ending with the Maccabean period.
- Epistle of Enoch (Ch. 91-108): Offers exhortations, an “Apocalypse of Weeks,” and additional Noah-related content.
Why the Interest in First Enoch?
- Answers curious questions left open by canonical Scripture, such as the identity of the Nephilim (Genesis 6) and the origins of evil.
- Referenced in Jude 14-15 (quoting 1 Enoch 1:9), and possibly alluded to in 1 Peter 3:19-20 and 2 Peter 2:4-5, raising questions about its early Christian reception.
- Included in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s canon (81 books total), with the only complete manuscript preserved in an Ethiopian language.
- Parallels in other texts like the Book of Jubilees and the Mormon Book of Moses fuel further intrigue.
First Impressions and Observations
- Brian shares his initial reaction: First Enoch feels “wild” and disjointed compared to Scripture, lacking the Bible’s narrative continuity and spiritual coherence.
- Ryan notes its appeal lies in sensationalism (e.g., YouTube videos about hidden knowledge), but it lacks the authoritative character of canonical texts.
Key Passages Explored
- 1 Enoch 20: Lists seven archangels (Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Sariel, Gabriel, Remiel), expanding biblical angelology beyond Michael and Gabriel.
- 1 Enoch 13:1-2: Enoch condemns Azazel for teaching humanity unrighteousness, casting him as a source of evil.
- 1 Enoch 89:72+: Animal allegory depicts the rebuilding of Zerubbabel’s temple, critiquing its inadequacy.
- 1 Enoch 40: Four archangels praise God, reminiscent of Revelation’s four living creatures, suggesting possible New Testament influence.
- 1 Enoch 62:5-7: Mentions the “Son of Man” on a throne, echoing Daniel 7:13, but argues it’s a later development, not a source for Jesus’ title.
Theological and Historical Insights
- First Enoch reflects intertestamental Jewish thought (e.g., Qumran community) but isn’t inspired Scripture.
- Parts like the Similitudes may postdate the New Testament (e.g., AD 160+), influenced by Christian ideas rather than shaping them.
- Sin’s origin, per Scripture, is tied to Adam and Eve’s rebellion (Genesis 3), not fallen angels as First Enoch suggests.
Takeaways: What First Enoch Is and Isn’t
- Isn’t: Inspired Scripture, written by Enoch, or a key to unlock hidden biblical truths (e.g., Nephilim identity).
- Is: A window into Second Temple Jewish worldview, useful for historical context, but not authoritative for faith or doctrine.