Gilbert House Fellowship #499: 1 Enoch 70–71

The Book of 1 Enoch is not in the Bible, and for good reason. This week, we encounter two possible reasons why.

In chapter 71, Enoch declares that he saw “the sons of the holy angels.” However, it’s not translated that way in every version available to us. The older translations, like the R. H. Charles rendering, translates that phrase, “the holy sons of God.”

Obviously, angels cannot procreate, as Jesus said (Matt. 22:30), so if the more modern translation accurately represents the original text, this contradicts scripture and thus excludes 1 Enoch from the Bible.

We run into the same problem a few verses later, where Enoch is either shown the Son of Man or declared to be the Son of Man. The oldest translation, by Richard Laurence in 1821, opted for the latter reading. If this is correct, that would obviously contradict Jesus’ application of the title to himself. It’s for reasons like this, and others we’ve pointed out over the months that we’ve studied 1 Enoch, that we do not believe it should be in the Bible.

However, the fact that there are New Testament doctrines that first appear 1 Enoch makes it worth your while to read and study it.

We’re asking for your help to Build Bunker Better! We’ve decided to remain in our home, but we need certain upgrades to make it safe for Derek given his mobility limitations compounded by COPD. Find out more at Gilberthouse.org/donate.

Sharon’s niece, Sarah Sachleben, has been battling stage 4 bowel cancer and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah.

Derek’s new book War of the Watchers Book One: From Baal to Balfour is now available at Amazon in paperback (https://www.amazon.com/War-Watchers-Book-Baal-Balfour/dp/1948014998?&linkCode=ll2&tag=peeringintoda-20&linkId=a330264a003c55880365ee0b24b7e14c&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) and as a Kindle e-book! (https://www.amazon.com/War-Watchers-Book-Baal-Balfour-ebook/dp/B0HBN3VG71?&linkCode=ll2&tag=peeringintoda-20&linkId=e105942b522e45b8ac3082da9d99efdd&language=en_US&gaOptInStatus=true&ref_=as_li_ss_tl) It’s also a part of a special offer at the SkyWatchTV store: Get War of the Watchers, Derek’s previous book The Second Coming of Saturn, and a 13-part teaching DVD based on The Second Coming of Saturn for your donation of just $45! (https://www.skywatchtvstore.com/products/derek-gilbert-war-of-the-watchers-special-offer?variant=43251471122545)

Here’s the link to the trailer for the book: