Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World - Episode 319: The Book of Jubilees

Introduction

Host: Dom Bettinelli
Guest: Jimmy Akin
Topic: The Book of Jubilees, a mysterious ancient text considered scripture by some but not included in the Bible.

Purpose: Explore books considered scripture by some but not included in the Bible.
Relevance: Provides insight into ancient beliefs and interpretations.
Content: Rewritten version of Genesis and parts of Exodus.
Chronology: Introduces a specific chronological scheme using jubilees (49-year periods).

Second Temple Era: Period from the return from Babylonian exile (~586 BC) to the destruction of the Second Temple (AD 70).
Date of Writing: Around 150 BC, postdating Judah Maccabee.
Other Names: Book of the Division of Times, Little Genesis.

Jewish Sect: Likely associated with the Essenes (authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls), considered scripture by some early Christian groups, including the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
Authorship: Anonymous, possibly a literate Jewish priest from the tribe of Levi.

Chronological Scheme: Uses the concept of jubilees (49-year periods) to date events from creation to the Exodus.
Creation and Angels: Describes creation, including the creation of various classes of angels (e.g., angels of the presence, angels of sanctification).
Adam and Eve: Details their time in the Garden of Eden and their roles.
Talking Animals: Pre-Fall, all animals could speak.
Demons' Origin: Demons are spirits of the Giants (offspring of the Watchers and human women).
Flood Narrative: Similar to Genesis but adds details about the Watchers and the Giants.
Sabbath Observance: Highlighted as important, with angels of the presence and sanctification observing it.
Rewritten Bible: Takes existing text (Genesis, Exodus) and revises it with new material and interpretations.
Canaan's Usurpation: Story of Canaan taking land meant for Shem’s descendants.

Not Canonical: Not considered divinely inspired by most Christian traditions, including Catholics and Protestants.
Historical Insight: Provides context for understanding Jewish beliefs and practices in the Second Temple period.
Influence on New Testament: Possible influence on concepts like the role of angels in delivering the law (mentioned by Paul and in Hebrews).
Comparison with Other Texts: Helps in understanding different interpretations and traditions regarding biblical events.

Book's Value: Valuable for historical and theological study, not for doctrine.
Angels and Laws: Highlights the role of angels in biblical law and narrative, influencing early Christian thought without being directly quoted.
Moral and Theological Themes: Addresses issues of sin, judgment, and redemption through Jewish historical lenses.
Narrative Style: Combines historical retelling with theological commentary, providing a unique perspective on familiar biblical stories.

Further Study: Encouraged for those interested in ancient Jewish texts and their influence on early Christianity.
Next Episode: Discussion on Whitley Strieber's experiences with apparent alien abductions.

Books and Resources: James VanderKam's translation, James Charlesworth's Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, and more.