The Jewish Apocalyptic Heritage in Early Christianity, Volume 4

by James C. VanderKam (Editor), William Adler (Editor)

The question of apocalyptic influence on Jesus and early Christianity is again strongly contested. The issues connected with this question include terminology, genre, historical reconstruction, sectarian self-definition, and many others. This book provides a fresh assessment of the nature and significance of early Christian appropriation of Jewish apocalyptic material.

Genres: Religion

300 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

VanderKam provides a litany of sources for examining how the early church engage with Jewish apocalyptic literature. The structure of the work makes it a valuable resource for those looking for specific works and their influence and use in Christianity.

[Alan Fuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

People who are interested in apocalytism in Christianity will find this book very informative.

The Enochian literature was widely read in the second temple period and often referred to by Christians in the second and third century. The Jews rejected it by the late first century and it lost favor with most Christians within a few hundred years. It lasted the longest in Egypt where gnosticism and mysticism retained its popularity for five or six hundred years longer.

There is a chapter about the influence and transmission of 4, 5 and 6 Ezra. It seemed a bit tedious to me because I'm not so interested in the source of documents.

The most interesting part of the book for me was chapter 5, which is about the interpretation of Daniel 9 in the early church. It was worth the price of the book.