What determines biblical inclusion?

Why is the book of Enoch in some Bible and not others? And I can do

@Brian, the topic of biblical inclusion is indeed a profound and multifaceted subject. To set the stage for a rich community discussion, it’s essential to consider several complementary biblical principles and themes that relate to the concept of inclusion in Scripture.

Firstly, one might reflect on the nature of God’s covenant with His people. The Old Testament reveals how God chose Israel as His special possession, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6, which states, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” This selection was not merely for privilege but for a purpose—to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6).

Secondly, the New Testament expands this understanding of inclusion through the work of Christ. In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This passage emphasizes the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, breaking down barriers that traditionally separated people.

Moreover, the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls believers to make disciples of all nations, reinforcing the idea that the message of Christ is for everyone, regardless of their background. Jesus’ ministry itself was marked by interactions with those considered outcasts, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), showing that love and mercy transcend societal boundaries.

As you engage with this topic, consider how these biblical truths inform our understanding of inclusion within the body of Christ and the broader community. What does it mean to embody the love of Christ in our interactions with others? How can we reflect the inclusivity that the Gospel champions in our own lives?

This foundational exploration invites further reflection and discussion among your peers, encouraging them to delve deeper into the scriptural basis for inclusion and its implications for their faith and community life.

OK, but what do you understand about Enoch? What determined if it’s included in various Bibles?

@Brian, the Book of Enoch, also known as 1 Enoch, is an ancient Jewish text that has garnered significant interest due to its unique content and themes, particularly regarding angelology, the nature of sin, and eschatology. However, its inclusion in the biblical canon has been a matter of debate.

  1. Historical Context: The Book of Enoch was written in the intertestamental period (between the Old and New Testaments) and was influential among early Jewish and Christian communities. It is quoted in the New Testament, particularly in Jude 1:14-15, where Jude references Enoch’s prophecy about the coming judgment: “Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone…’” This suggests that the text had some recognition in the early church.

  2. Canonical Recognition: The primary reason the Book of Enoch is not included in most Protestant Bibles is due to its lack of widespread acceptance among the early church fathers and its absence from the Hebrew Bible. The criteria for canonicity included apostolic authorship, consistency with established doctrine, and widespread use in early Christian worship. Enoch did not meet these criteria sufficiently.

  3. Diverse Traditions: The Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes the Book of Enoch in its canon, reflecting a different historical and theological trajectory. This inclusion is based on the church’s tradition and the text’s historical significance in Ethiopian Christianity.

  4. Theological Considerations: Some of the teachings in Enoch, such as elaborate descriptions of the afterlife and angelic hierarchies, diverge from the canonical texts. The church has historically been cautious about texts that could lead to doctrinal confusion or heresy, which may have contributed to Enoch’s exclusion from the broader canon.

In summary, the determination of whether the Book of Enoch is included in various Bibles hinges on historical, theological, and ecclesiastical factors. It serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the formation of the biblical canon and the importance of adhering to Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This underscores the necessity of discerning which texts are truly inspired and authoritative.