Chapter 4, “Apocalypse Then” – Hill discusses the histories and various backgrounds of understanding apocalyptic literature.  He doesn’t yet go into the issues found in Daniel and Revelation, but rather talks about the writings that influenced those books, and thoughts that existed well before Christianity, centuries before Christ. 

One book that Hill talked about that struck me as interesting was 1 Enoch.  It’s evident upon reading 1 Enoch, that many New Testament writers have been influenced by the writings found in it.  But it’s not only 1 Enoch, but other ancient Jewish writings, like 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch, Apocalypse of Abraham, 3 Baruch, 2 Enoch, the Dead Sea Scrolls (from Qumran), Testament of Levi 2-5, Sibylline Oracles, Jubilees, and the Testament of Abraham.  I realize that these, and other ancient texts, are not “canonized”…meaning have not been made a part of the “Bible” that we read today.  But I also think the importance of studying these texts may have been under-rated all these years.  I realize that the study and understanding of the Gospel, and the Bible would be of greatest importance in regards to all this literature.  But if New Testament authors were so heavily influenced by a lot of these other ancient texts, perhaps we should be involved more actively in thinking/studying/and at least reading them.

I can’t remember the last time (if ever) I heard a sermon preached that included some information about or from one of these “unbiblical” ancient texts.  I’m not saying I’m gonna go buy copies of them all, and make sermons out of what they hold, but it is a great reminder of the literary influence some of these writings had on those who wrote the Bible.  And if I’m to be seeking to understand the apocalyptic literature of the Bible, it would only make sense to read the books that influenced them.

The next chapter is the one where Hill discusses specifically the writings of Daniel and Revelation.  This would make a great text book, but also remains a great book for personal reflection and study of “end times” thought.  I’m glad I picked it up, and look forward to his thoughts on the biblical apocalyptic literature.