I just finished Dr Heisers book Reversing Hermon about this subject - would love to hear more of your thoughts on this- namely the influence 1 Enoch / Second Temple literature had on apostles and perhaps even on Jesus ministry
Hi Rachel, I haven't read the book, so can't comment on it. I think there is a good case that 1 Enoch 1-39 had some influence, certainly on Jude, and in the Qumran scrolls, but I can't quatify it. In relation to Jesus, it's hard to confirm or deny.
I’m getting ready to teach Hebrews in Sunday school, so this is interesting given how Hebrews starts by emphasizing how much greater Jesus is than the angels…
Thanks Dr. Bird I’m glad wrote on this because there is a lot talk these days on the internet of this subject. I’m not that familiar with the other interpretations and extra biblical canon writings that give reference to the watchers. Also Dr Heiser was a pretty credible scholar in this stuff. I haven’t read him either yet but would like to read his The Unseen Realm book. What caution to give on trying to learn more about the other writings etc?
There is always the danger of saying that X and Y are the same, whether that is comparing second temple accounts of angels with Jesus or views of angels in the OT with angels in ancient near eastern literature. Comparsions must be careful rather than nakedly equated.
An alternative interpretation of the Nephilim: S. Joshua Swamidass in his The Geneological Adam and Eve attempts to reconcile Genesis with modern evolutionary theories, and connects the Nephilim to those humans who lived outside the garden.
I just finished Dr Heisers book Reversing Hermon about this subject - would love to hear more of your thoughts on this- namely the influence 1 Enoch / Second Temple literature had on apostles and perhaps even on Jesus ministry
Hi Rachel, I haven't read the book, so can't comment on it. I think there is a good case that 1 Enoch 1-39 had some influence, certainly on Jude, and in the Qumran scrolls, but I can't quatify it. In relation to Jesus, it's hard to confirm or deny.
I’m getting ready to teach Hebrews in Sunday school, so this is interesting given how Hebrews starts by emphasizing how much greater Jesus is than the angels…
Yes, people wonder if Hebrews if having a polite jab at people who are worshipping angels.
Thanks Dr. Bird I’m glad wrote on this because there is a lot talk these days on the internet of this subject. I’m not that familiar with the other interpretations and extra biblical canon writings that give reference to the watchers. Also Dr Heiser was a pretty credible scholar in this stuff. I haven’t read him either yet but would like to read his The Unseen Realm book. What caution to give on trying to learn more about the other writings etc?
There is always the danger of saying that X and Y are the same, whether that is comparing second temple accounts of angels with Jesus or views of angels in the OT with angels in ancient near eastern literature. Comparsions must be careful rather than nakedly equated.
An alternative interpretation of the Nephilim: S. Joshua Swamidass in his The Geneological Adam and Eve attempts to reconcile Genesis with modern evolutionary theories, and connects the Nephilim to those humans who lived outside the garden.