2 Esdras Summary: The book of 2 Edras starts with Ezra receiving a prophetic call from God. He explains that God is upset with Israel because as time goes on, they keep on sinning. He continues and says that they are going to be driven out of their land and that there will be a people coming from the East (1:38). His prophecy ends with God saying that he will judge Israel and protect the church that is to come. Then there is a cut and we jump into Ezra’s discussions with the angel Uriel, and he his three visions. Ezra talks about two main things, the first being his struggle with sin and how God is disappointed with Israel. The next big topic is Ezra’s visions about things to come and the end times. Ezra struggles to grasp God’s decisions and actions and Uriel makes it clear that man cannot comprehend God’s actions. The last two chapters of the book talk about God’s judgment on people and cities that oppose him, such as Babylon. From here, the writer encourages believers to stay strong for there is much persecution to come. Date and Evaluation: Many scholars believe that 2 Esdras wasn’t written by Ezra or during the time he was alive, but rather the book was written by Christians in the first and second century A.D. After reading through this book I understand that the author has many questions about why things are what they are. We read over and over again that “Ezra” is disturbed by questions about God’s chosen people and sin. More than this, I see that Ezra really respects God and wants to follow Him in every way possible. His desire to understand God’s will shows the reader that he loves God, and wants to protect God’s people. Overall, I see that this book is trying to answer questions that any Jew/Christian would have about God’s actions and why things are the way they are.
Ecclesiasticus
Summary: This book is really interesting because it is a combination of a psalm and a proverb, like wisdom poetry. The author starts off by talking about wisdom and how wisdom only stems from God. He goes further to say that a wise person has certain traits, such as following the commandments, holding their tongue, and doing right in the eyes of others. He then goes on to say that we must fear God, for he tests us and wants us to prove our reliance on him. From here the author talks about honoring your mother and father and taking care of them when they get older. Chapter 3 ends with talking about humility and how prideful people are dead in their selfishness. Chapter 4 talks about taking care of the poor and treating them correctly, and then continues to talk about wisdom. The author finally ends by talking about standing firm in God and not getting side tracked by the world. Date and Evaluation: the book Ecclesiasticus, also known as the wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach, is said to have been written by a Jewish man named Jesus ben Sirach, or son of Sirach. Furthermore, most scholars agree that the book was written in the early second century BC. After reading the first five chapters of this book I see that the author had a clear view of how a follower of God should live. His writings give the reader advice as to how they’re to live their lives and then backs it up with clear reasons as to why they should do that. The author probably loved his life because he makes it very clear that those who love God should rest assure that He loves them back. I have the feeling that the author is very familiar with Solomon’s writings and has gained much of his wisdom from them. Overall, the writer loves God, follows him closely, and the reason he is writing this work is to encourage the reader to do the same.
Tobit
Summary: The book of Tobit starts by telling the reader of a man named Tobit that followed the Lord very closely in all his ways. Tobit was moved to Nineveh and when he came upon dead people, he would do what was right in the sight of the Lord and bury them. Soon the king heard what Tobit was doing and tried to kill him. He later went again to bury a dead person, and afterward fell asleep under 3 sparrows whose droppings caused him to go blind. The story then jumps to girl named Sarah who has be pledged to be married 7 times, and every time her husband is killed on their wedding day. We go back to Tobit who sends his son, Tobias, to get money from his cousin in Media. On his way he meets a guy that he wanted to team up with and it turned out to be an angel. On the way to media a fish almost bites Tobias’ foot off but the angel tells Tobias to kill it and keep its body parts for later. When they reach Media, Tobias finds Sarah to marry and on their wedding night burns the fish’s heart and liver and it sent the demon bothering Sarah away. After this Tobias returned home and healed his father’s blindness with the fish eyes. The book ends with Tobit’s prayer of thanksgiving. Date and Evaluation: The book was probably written in the 2nd century and does not have any known author. Along with that many people believe that the book is fiction and not an account of actual events. The first thing that I see from the author of Tobit is a strong belief that God works actively in the lives of men. We see this by the process of Tobit getting blind and how his son gets money, finds a wife, and cures Tobit after a series of events. Being that this book is said to have been fiction, I can see that the author might not have the best understanding of reality. It is a great narrative about the work of God in our lives, but useless unless it actually happened. Overall, it is difficult to talk about the author with the lack of information we have about him and his story, but we can tell form the story that they love God and wanted to see and tell people about the amazing things God is able to do.
1 Maccabees Summary: The book of 1 Maccabees starts by telling of Alexander the Great and how he conquered the whole world and then died, leaving no heir. After his deaths it became a time of many evils. We read that Antiochus rose up and went to take over Jerusalem. He killed many Jews and made Hellenism the main religion. He outlawed Judaism and killed anyone who did not become Greek. We then hear of a man named Mattathias who revolted, killed the king’s officer and fled to the hills with many followers. Mattahias then gave one last decree to his sons to uphold the law, and he appointed Judas Maccabeus to be their leader. Judas was seen as a great leader and did much to punish the Greeks and Hellenists. We then read about Judas defeating Lysias and rededicating the temple. To sum things up, Antiochus died, and Judas started attacking even more. He attacked the citadel, he put a high priest in charge, defeated Nicanor, and made a treaty with the Romans. Then Demetrius sent Bacchides and Alcimus to destroy the people oh Judas. It took 22,000 Syrians to defeat 800 of Judas’ men and Judas died. Date and Evaluation: The book was written in the early part of the first century. The author of 1 Maccabees is not known but we do know that the author was a devoted Jew and most likely participated in some of the events in the book. The author is difficult to understand because he is writing discourse, which is straight forward information of historical events that occurred. I think knowing that the author was a devoted Jew shows us that he sees God as having his hand with the Maccabeans. The author writes from the view that even though many will come and try to stand against God, he is sure to guard and protect his beloved people. The entire book really serves as an historical account of how God’s chosen people were almost erased from the known world. The reader is lead to be amazed by God and trust him even when things seem impossible.
Susanna
Summary: The book Susanna is written about an extremely beautiful woman named Susanna. She followed the Jewish law very closely, because this is how she was raised. She was married to a rich man named Joakim and daily would walk in his garden. Joakim had two elders that would visit him every day, and unknown to Joakim, they both lusted after Susanna and wanted to lay with her. One day upon visiting Joakim, they told each other they were going home and both looped back to see Susanna in the garden. They realized that they both had the same intention and teamed up. Seeing that she was bathing alone, they tried to seduce her and she refused. They then took Susanna to court and falsely testified against her, saying that she was being intimate with a young man. Being that they were elders, people believed them and she was sentenced to die. Daniel was taking her to be killed when it was revealed to him that she was innocent. He then had the men tried separately so they couldn’t tell the same story. The book ended with Susanna being set free and the elders being killed for lying. Date and Evaluation: The Catholic Church typically includes the book of Susanna in Daniel as Daniel 13. Being that it is included in Daniel, most would agree that it was written by an anonymous author around 180 B.C. After reading Susanna I see that the author had a strong viewpoint of God brining about justice on people who sin. We see this through the story of the two elders and their lustful desire to lay with Susanna. We also see that the author believes in service to God because we read that Susanna was faithful in following the law. Overall we see that the author believes that if we follow God’s law and stay strong when things go bad, he will provide justice where it’s needed.
Prayer of Manasseh Summary: This book starts out with general praise to God. We see a list of general attributes of God and description of what he has done. To list a few, he says that God’s splendor can’t be seen, he is greatly good, and he is the God of righteous. He then goes on to confess his sin to God. He explains that the sins of men in the past, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob do not compare to his sins. He talks about sinning repeatedly and how he deserves full punishment. The short prayer ends with the author knowing that God will forgive him. His final words are that he will praise God forever, because He deserves the Glory. Date and Evaluation: The Prayer of Manasseh is said to be written by the King of Manasseh during his imprisonment under Assyria. Most believe that it was actually written by someone in the first or second century under the name of King Manasseh. After reading over his prayer, I see that the author, Manasseh or not, had a great respect for God and understanding that God does not tolerate sin. We see his humility by the way the prayer is written. It starts with general praise for God, then goes on to confess his sin, and finally ends with praising God for forgiving him. Overall, the author is strongly devoted to God and wants to get rid of all past sins, fully committing to pursuing God.
Bel and the Dragon Summary: The book stats out with the reader hearing about the king of Persia and the prophet Daniel who is under him. There is a god named Bel that the Babylonians worshiped and every day brought a lot of food too. The King would worship Bel and when he did, Daniel chose to worshipe his own God. The king asked Daniel why he didn’t worship Bel and Daniel explained that it was simply a statue. The king was upset and set up a test to seal off the doors and prove that Bel was real and ate all the food. After the test Daniel showed that king that he set up ash to make sure no humans came in and the king saw that the 70 priests and their families came to eat the food. The king was outraged and killed them all. After this the king asked Daniel if the dragon was a God and Daniel said no. Daniel then said he could kill the dragon without a sword. So Daniel made cakes and the dragon exploded, after this the people got mad and threw Daniel in the lion’s den. After seven days the king went to mourn Daniel’s death but he was still alive. Date and Evaluation: It is hard to find any concrete information of the author of Bel and the Dragon but many people agree that it was written in the second century B.C. After reading the book I see that the author has a strong belief that God is the one and only God. We see this by Daniel destroying two fake gods. Furthermore, I have to think that the author has a lost view on reality based on the fact that he said that gentiles worshiped a dragon. I don’t know if this means a different type of animal, but in any sense it seems out of place. The author uses Daniel’s lake of punishment in the lion’s pit to show that we need to trust fully in God. Overall, the author wants Jews to trust completely in God but has a skewed reality.
Book of Jubilees Summary: The book opens with a familiar account of Moses receiving the law form God. From there we read about God’s fate for Israel and then Moses says that he will write an account of the future history of the world. Then we read about God creating the world in a different light then in Genesis. We then read about Adam naming all the animals and a more detailed account of their time in the Garden of Eden; including how they arrived there. The book continues with a detailed account of births up to Noah. We then read of angels of God coming down to earth to mate with woman and this brings about the flood. The next few chapters go into detail about the lives, separation, and story of Noah’s sons. This is very interesting because the book goes into great details about what they did and what happened on Jubilees. It’s as if someone took Genesis and added a lot to it. The last few chapters leading up to chapter 13 talk about Abram and a man named Terah and their battle for dominance. Abram then burns Terah’s idols and Terah and his family flee. This section ends with Lot and how he separated and became captive. Date and Evaluation: The book of Jubilees is said to have been written by Mosses or someone who knows what was revealed to Mosses on Mt. Sinai. The date written is probably around 100BC at the latest because it doesn’t mention events in 1 Maccabees, and 200BC at the earliest. This book makes it difficult to nail down the author’s perspective of life because what they write about is very different from Genesis, which Christians consider the basic history of the world. I would say that the author is very curious of what happened in the early times and see’s God as very active in the lives of humans. We read about many more spiritual situations in Jubilees than in Genesis and that leads me to believe that the author thinks a lot about the spiritual realm and feels that their service to God is to let others know about it. Overall, the author shows that they focus on the spiritual world and want others to see that much more happened in the early times then Genesis shows.
The book of Enoch Summary: The book of Enoch starts with a prophecy about the end times and how God will come and judge the world with 10,000 of his holy men. It then continues on by talking about how God set up seasons and how leaves fall in winter and we find shade in summer. In chapter five it goes into detail about what will happen to sinners on earth and after they die; along with the elect. From here we read a repeat of what was told in the book of Jubilees, that is angels coming down and reproducing with humans. This brought on giant people, along with fighting and corralling. Then angels see what has happened from heaven and ask God to put an end to it. So God sends down his angels to call Noah and warn him of the flood to come. God also sent other angels to tie up the angel that started the rebellion. The book ends with God stating that He is in control and has all authority on heaven and earth Date and Evaluation: The book of Enoch is said to have been written by Enoch, who is Noah’s great grandfather. It is said to have been written over a span dating from 300BC to 100BC. The first eleven chapters are seen to have been written in about 300 BC. This really plays a big part in the author’s perspective of life if he was in fact Noah’s great grandpa because he was there when the world turned against God. From what I have read, I see that the author has a good grasp of reality and sees how terrible it is for men who rebel against God. I see the author writing about the elect in chapter five as though he is one. He is happy and secure in his knowing that he is protected, and also knowing that sinners are making terrible decisions in their sinning. I believe that this author finds a duty to God in recording what happened before the time of Noah and what big events lead up to the flood. Overall, the author is a close follower of God and is ashamed of what people have done against God.
Martyrdom of Isaiah Summary: This book starts out with the familiar story of Hezekiah and his son Manasseh. Isaiah came to Hezekiah and prophesied that that Manasseh was going to kill him. This made Hezekiah mad and he wanted to kill his son, but Isaiah made it clear that the Lord has told him and will bring this about. Hezekiah died and Manasseh rose up and worshiped false gods. This lead Isaiah and other prophets to go live in the desert. Some of Manasseh’s men came across Isaiah and falsely prophesied against him to the kings. This resulted in Isaiah being captured. At this time, the angel Gabriel came to Isaiah and prophesied that a time was coming when the lord would come to earth and save men, this being the Messiah. All of chapter four is Isaiah being captured and telling what is to come and how the Lord will reign in the world. This ends when the king Belier was trying to get Isaiah to admit he was a false prophet, along with that, he wanted Isaiah to praise their gods. Isaiah clearly tells them that they are in trouble for their beliefs and for that, Belier saws Isaiah in half. Date and Evaluation: The story of the Martyrdom of Isaiah is a part of the book the Ascension of Isaiah and is said to be written during the first century A.D. This is different than chapter 6-11 which were probably written earlier. This whole book is said to have been written by an unknown Christian scribe. The author’s perception of life is interesting in the fact that they are trying to pass this book off as an earlier writing. Their desire is to have another account of prophecy for the coming of the Messiah. The author most likely wants new converts into Christianity to feel even more confident that Jesus is the messiah. I can’t say if this is the author’s service to God, or if he simply didn’t grasp that the bible already points to Jesus. Overall, the author is a devote follower of God and believes that salvation can come only from the messiah as explained in his book.
Tractate Aboth Summary: This book starts out as a story line of how the Law was passed down. It started with Moses and then was passed through many men until it reached Rabban Simeon. From here, the men who had the Law began to talk about it and say what truths and strengths can be found in it. Overall, they state that following the law honors a man and leads him in the right direction. After this, the book begins to talk about how God views those that follow the law. The writer makes it clear that God loves those who use the Law in all aspects, including praying and meditating on it before meals. He points that if men are together in the Law, there the Lord will be also. From here, the book goes into detailed lists of things that strengthen wise men and weaken foolish men. The book ends by encouraging people to go and live their lives out through the law. Overall, the book focuses on the Law and makes it clear that those who are in the law are in God. Date and evaluation: This small section is part of the bigger book called the Mishnah. This section is one of many oral stories and laws that were circulated in the early fifth to first century B.C. and just known among communities. This book and the section were probably written down in the first to third century A.D. After reading this book, the main thing that pops out to me is that this author has a deep love and compassion for the Law. This whole book is written so that he can express to everyone that they must follow God’s law in order to be one with him. His perception of life can be summed up by saying that those who follow the law are pure and in God, while those who live away from the law are not a part of Christ. Overall, this book shows how much the author cares about the Law and how above all else we must live according to its teachings.
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas Summary: This book opens with Jesus, being 5 years old, making twelve sparrows out of clay on the Sabbath. The Jews were mad at him for doing this on a sacred day so Jesus commanded the sparrows to leave and they went. After this, a boy brushed against Jesus’ shoulder and Jesus spoke and the boy died. The boy’s parents were upset and told Joseph that his family couldn’t live in the village anymore. Joseph went to talk to Jesus and a teacher overheard their conversation. At this, Jesus explained that he was at his father Joseph’s birth and would one day take on the cross. The people who heard Jesus’ words were amazed and knew that he was above Pharisees and any teacher on the earth. Then the teacher took him and taught him the alphabet. Jesus didn’t say a word and the teacher smacked him. At this Jesus explained that he knew more than the teacher and proved it. After this event, Jesus was playing and a boy by him died. The parents thought Jesus did it, but Jesus raised him from the dead and asked him, proving that it wasn’t Jesus who killed him. We then hear two stories about Jesus getting water for his mother and sowing seed for this dad. The book continues by telling of how Jesus was smarter than the teachers of the time. It ends with the familiar story of Jesus and his parents going to the temple and his parents forgetting him there. When they finally found him, Jesus explained that his parents should have known that he would be at his father’s house. Date and evaluation: The Infancy Gospel of Thomas was most likely written around the 2nd or 3rd century A.D. Many people think that the book was written by the biblical Thomas but it was actually written by a Thomas that was probably a gentile. The reason it was written by a gentile is that their only knowledge of Jewish customs comes from their reading of Luke. This is a really cool book because it writes about stories of Jesus as a child, which the early church was begging to hear about. The author undoubtedly believes that Jesus is the Messiah and wants to spread the word of how he was set apart as a child. His perception of life probably included a deep desire to know more about Jesus. If Jesus really is God, then why wouldn’t you want to know everything you can about him? Overall this author believed that Jesus is the only way to salvation and wants to show Jesus as God even through His childhood.
Acts of Paul and Thecla Summary: This book opens up with Paul going into a city to preach the gospel. He was invited into a man’s home and men around the city came to listen to him. There was a beautiful woman named Thecla who saw these men coming out of the house, being taught, and wanted to learn; so she sat at the window. There was a man that loved her and seeing that she longed for Paul and his teachings, he had Paul thrown in jail. At this Thecla went to visit him and was caught. Then alexander said that she was to be burned and Paul could go free. When they went to burn her, God made it so that rain fell and she wasn’t burned. After this she went again to Paul and asked Alexander to be put against the beasts. At this God protected her the whole time and even baptized her in the water full of seals. After this Thecla went and found Paul again and then proceeded to preach the Gospel of Christ. Date and evaluation: This story was written in the second century AD and the author isn’t known. After reading the book I see that the author’s perspective on life was mainly to trust in God. This shows in his portrayal of Thecla and how even though they try to burn her and have her killed by animals, she never died. The author is trying to show the reader that through the worst of all circumstance, we must trust in God. Another big piece of his perspective is the truth of eternal life. The first person Thecla preached the gospel to asked to live forever and Thecla granted her that through Jesus Christ. This theme pops up many times throughout the book and reminds us that our relationship with Christ is eternal.
Epistle to the Laodiceans Summary: This small letter starts with Paul saying that he is praying for these people to preserver in their knowledge of God. Paul then tells them not to be swayed by others teaching, but to hold true to the gospel. With this in mind Paul encourages them to spread the gospel to everyone they know. The then talks about having everlasting salvation in Christ and the fact that God continues to work in all of us. He ends the letter by encouraging them to hold fast to the truth that they have been taught. Date and evaluation: This letter is said to be a lost letter, written by the Apostle Paul, written sometime in the later first century A.D. This letter goes right along with the rest of Paul’s letter with the idea that his service to God is to spread the gospel to everyone, including gentiles. Paul sees God as a God who cares for his followers and gives them the gift of eternity in heaven. Overall, Paul uses this letter to encourage believers in their belief in the gospel and more than that he tells to continue to spread the good news.
Apocalypse of Peter Summary: This story opens with Peter and the apostles going up on a mountain to pray to God. At this moment two figure appear before them which are shinning very bright like the sun. Peter asks God who they are and God then shows him glimpse of heaven and hell. In heaven, Peter sees people of light who are living in happiness and praising God as one. In hell, Peter sees people being punished according to the sins that they have committed. After this Peter continues to have a conversation with God and asks him questions about when Jesus will come again and Judge. God makes it clear to him that Jesus’ return will not be known. God then uses the analogy of a fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit to symbolize that the people who bear fruit in the earth will be saved, while the people who do not bear fruit will be burned. The rest of the book is God showing Peter the types of things that will happen when he comes, mainly the punishments that will be upon those who do not bear fruit. Date and Evaluation: This book is said to have been written sometime in the second century AD by Peter. This piece of writing shows signs of the influence Hellenism had on people during this time. After reading the book, I see that the author has a true fear of God. He feels called to warn people that a time will come when God will separate those who have chosen to follow him and those who have not. More than just that, we see that this author gains a better understanding of God’s character and why he sets people up in this world. We see this when he asks God why people who don’t follow him should even be allowed to live in the world. In the end, the author wants people to repent of their sin and follow Christ so that they can live in eternity with God. More than that, the author wants people to trust God in the way he has set up creation, and how he will judge all humanity in the last days of the earth.
Gospel of Thomas Summary: The gospel of Thomas is very interesting because it is primarily made up of scattered sayings from Jesus. The whole book felt like Thomas simply wrote down key things to remember that came out of Jesus’ mouth and this is what he was left with. Some things that stood out are in the beginning, for instance when the disciples asked how they should pray, fast, and give. Jesus touches on all of these issues later on in his sayings. Another key part to the gospel of Thomas is when Jesus talks about the master who prepared a feast. He sent his servants to invite the upper class people of the city, but they all said they were busy. From there the master told the servants to invite everyone of a lower standard. Overall, this gospel is little sayings from Jesus that should change and affect the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike. Date and evaluation: The gospel of Thomas is said to have been written sometime between 50 and 100 A.D. The author of this book was a man named Thomas that was a disciple under Mani, not the Apostle Thomas. After reading this book I see the authors perceptive on life having everything to do with the fact that Jesus is undoubtedly the messiah. This is clearly shown in the ways that he carefully documents the teachings of Jesus. More than just believing in who Jesus was, the author has a desire to live according to what Jesus taught. We see this through his listings of dialogues between Jesus and his disciples. Overall, this author sought to properly document Jesus’ teachings and wanted people to live according to them.