EXPLORE IT - Jude Week 2

The 66 books that make up our New and Old Testaments are defined as canonical or the “rule, measure, or standard” we are given to follow.  There is also literature that that was written between 250 B.C. and A.D. 200 claiming to expand upon our canonical material.  This extra-biblical material is called the Pseudepigrapha, meaning “false title.”  This collection of books is written mostly by Jewish authors, but is preserved mainly by Christians.  These materials falsely claim to be written by authors such as Moses, Enoch, Abraham, or some other ancient hero of the faith.  This material is not part of the Jewish or Christian canon.

The book of Jude interestingly quotes two books from the Pseudepigrapha.  Jude 6 refers to an angelic fall, drawing from 1 Enoch 6-12 while Jude 14-15 quotes directly from 1 Enoch 1:9.  Jude seems to regard Enoch’s prophecy as inspired by God, but it is unlikely Jude saw 1 Enoch as canonical Scripture.  Jude also references another book, the Assumption of Moses, by discussing the dispute over the body of Moses between the devil and the archangel Michael (Jude 9).  The actual text of the Assumption of Moses is lost.  We only have secondary sources revealing the content of this book.

While most New Testament authors avoid material from the Pseudepigrapha due to its unreliable content, it is possible that some of its material is genuine.  It is believed that Jude is able to draw out truth in the midst of falsehoods.  We see Paul utilizing a similar technique when quoting pagan poets (Acts 17:28; 1 Cor 15:33; Titus 1:12), drawing out the truth while not supporting the poet themselves.

While God is truth and Scripture is truth, the world shows signs of truth here and there.  We are sometimes able to draw from non-Christian authors and music, using what was meant to harm us for good!

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20a).

Blessings,
Pastor Amy