Jesus in the Book of Enoch and the Bible: A Comparison

The figure of Jesus Christ is central to Christianity, and his teachings and actions continue to inspire and guide millions of people worldwide.

The Bible is the primary source of information about Jesus Christ in Christianity, but there are also other ancient texts that mention him, such as the Book of Enoch. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between the portrayal of Jesus in these two texts, and what they tell us about his identity and mission.

The Book of Enoch is an ancient Jewish text that was written between the 3rd century BC and the 1st century AD. It was not included in the Bible but was highly regarded by early Christians and Jews. The book describes the adventures of Enoch, a prophet who is taken up to heaven and shown many divine secrets. In one of the visions, Enoch sees the Son of Man, a divine figure who is closely associated with God’s judgment and the coming of the Messianic age.

In the Book of Enoch, the Son of Man is described as a glorious and powerful being who will come in the clouds and be worshipped by all peoples. He is identified as the Chosen One, the Elect One, the Righteous One, and the Anointed One. These titles are also used in the Bible to refer to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament.

For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ is called the Son of Man several times, and he refers to himself as such when predicting his return in glory. In Matthew 24:30, he says: “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” This is a clear echo of the description of the Son of Man in the Book of Enoch.

Moreover, Jesus is also called the Chosen One, the Elect One, and the Righteous One in the New Testament. In Luke 9:35, at the Transfiguration, a voice from heaven declares: “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” In Acts 3:14, Peter refers to Jesus as the Holy and Righteous One. 1 Peter 2:4, Jesus is called the Living Stone, rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him. All these titles emphasize Jesus’ unique and divine status, and his role as the Savior and Judge of humanity.

However, there are also some differences between the portrayal of Jesus in the Book of Enoch and the Bible. One of the most notable is the absence of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the Book of Enoch. While the Son of Man is depicted as a triumphant and glorious figure, there is no mention of his suffering and death on the cross, which is central to the Christian understanding of salvation.

Furthermore, the Book of Enoch presents a more cosmic and apocalyptic view of Jesus’ mission than the Bible. The Son of Man is seen as the executor of God’s judgment and the destroyer of evil powers, rather than as a personal Savior who offers forgiveness and redemption to individuals. While the Bible emphasizes the love and mercy of God in sending Jesus to save sinners, the Book of Enoch stresses his wrath and justice in punishing the wicked.

In summary, both the Book of Enoch and the Bible present Jesus Christ as a divine figure with a unique and crucial role in the salvation of humanity. The Book of Enoch portrays the Son of Man as an exalted and righteous figure associated with the Messianic age and judgment, while the New Testament emphasizes Jesus’ unique and divine status as the Savior and Judge of humanity.

While there are differences between the two sources, such as the absence of the crucifixion and resurrection in the Book of Enoch and the more cosmic and apocalyptic focus of Jesus’ mission, both texts affirm the central importance of Jesus in Christian faith.

As Christians, we can appreciate the richness and diversity of our spiritual heritage, and seek to deepen our understanding of Jesus through studying various sources and traditions. However, ultimately our faith in Jesus is not based on any particular text or doctrine, but on a personal relationship with him. As Jesus himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Therefore, let us continue to seek and follow Jesus with our whole hearts, recognizing his infinite love and grace, and his power to transform our lives and the world around us. May our faith in Jesus inspire us to love and serve others, to seek justice and mercy, and to live in the hope of the coming Messianic age, when Jesus will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Amen.