New Testament Relevence of 2 Baruch
It has long been observed that there are very many parallels between 2 Baruch and the New Testament. Helyer lists in adjacent columns three full pages of parallels between the New Testament and 2 Baruch. Below is a sampling of one common theme that runs throughout his list.
A glance at the chart reveals very quickly that there is a correspondence of ideas reflected in both pieces of literature. This chart traces only one theme. There are many others, as Helyer's list recognizes.
Since 2 Baruch employs dominantly the messianic motif as well as highly symbolic imagery that is characteristic of apocalyptic, this work is worthy of comparison with the book of Revelation. An investigation into the use of symbols in this book could potentially provide insight into the use of symbolism in ancient literature, including the book of Revelation. Another point of relevance with the New Testament is the idea of inherited sin. Apparently, Judaism of the Second Temple period embraced the doctrine of inherited sin. Compare the following passage with Paul's well-known text of Romans 5:12ff.
2 Baruch 48:43 O Adam, what did you do to all who were born after you? And what will be said of the first Eve who obeyed the serpent, so that this whole multitude is going to corruption? And countless are those whom the fire devours.
Romans 5:12, 18 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned ...Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation.
Undoubtedly, Paul understood the thinking of the Second Temple Jew, for he was educated under that rabbinical system. His argument, especially in the book of Romans, on inherited sin and the personal guilt of the individual would have struck a note of accord with the Jews of his day. Where he differed, however, was his understanding of the nature and purpose of the Law. Thus, the idea of inherited sin, the Law, and how Paul correlates the Law to the age of grace would be another avenue of interest for the New Testament student.
Perhaps another matter of comparison between 2 Baruch and the New Testament is its circulatory design. Apparently this book was designed to be read and then circulated among the various Jewish assemblies. The closing salutation (86:1) indicates this when it says, "When you, therefore, receive the letter, read it carefully in your assemblies. And think about it, in particular, however, on the days of your fasts." Were any other apocalyptic works designed to be circulatory? What can be learned from other literature of the same period regarding this method of disseminating information in the days when reproduction of literature was expensive and cumbersome. Perhaps a study of this nature can shed light on how various New Testament letters were circulated.
The book of 2 Baruch is an eloquent piece of literature. Helyer has captured it well by noting the concluding words of the work as indicative of the literary skill of the author.1
85:10 For the youth of this world has passed away, and the power of creation is already exhausted, and the coming of the times is very near and has passed by. And the pitcher is near the well, and the ship to the harbor, and the journey to the city, and life to its end. Further, prepare yourselves so that, when you sail and ascend from the ship, you may rest and not be condemned when you have gone away. For behold, the Most High will cause all these things to come.
Good literature is worth reading and 2 Baruch qualifies for such a classification. In addition to being good literature, it shares relevance with the New Testament and, therefore, should be the attraction of the serious student of biblical literature.
Notes
1Larry R. Helyer, Exploring Jewish Literature of the Second Temple Period (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002): 426. Helyer notes only verse 10, but verse 11 is actually more picturesque and more indicative of the quality of the writing.
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This page is provided by Roger DePriest, M.A., Ph.D. student, as part of the "Apocalyptic and the New Testament" site project.