From-The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament
R.H. Charles
Oxford: The Clarendon Press
The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text that is considered as an apocryphal work by the majority of Christians and is not found in the canon of the Old Testament. It is attributed to Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah and is believed to have been written between 300 BC and 100 AD.
The Book of Enoch is a composite work consisting of several distinct sections including the Book of the Watchers, the Similitudes of Enoch, the Astronomical Book, and the Book of Dreams. It provides an account of Enoch's visionary experiences, his ascension to heaven, and his conversations with angels and other celestial beings. The text also contains descriptions of the fallen angels, the history of the world, and the end of the world.
The Book of Enoch was widely used and accepted by various early Christian communities and was even quoted by some New Testament writers, including Jude. However, as the canon of the Old Testament was defined, the Book of Enoch was eventually rejected as authoritative scripture.
Despite its exclusion from the canon, the Book of Enoch has continued to have a significant influence on Jewish and Christian mysticism and has been the subject of much scholarly and popular interest. In recent years, the discovery of several ancient copies of the text, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, has sparked renewed interest in the Book of Enoch and its role in early Judaism and Christianity.
In conclusion, the Book of Enoch is an ancient text that offers a unique perspective on the history of the world, the end of times, and the role of angels and other celestial beings. While it is not considered authoritative scripture by most Christians, it continues to be a source of inspiration and study for many people.