Enoch and the Messiah Son of Man

Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J. -- Catholic University of America "This stout volume contains thirty-four well-written essays on the so-called Parables of Enoch (1 Enoch 37-71). The essays summarize the discussions of the Third Enoch Seminar held at Camaldoli in Italy in the summer of 2005. They show convincingly that the Parables were indeed an integral part of 1 Enoch already in pre-Christian Palestinian Judaism and that the mention of a mysterious figure in them called 'Messiah' and 'Son of Man' forms a critical element in the history of ideas. All who are interested in the history of Second Temple Judaism and in the use of such titles for Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament writings will welcome this important publication." Florentino Garcia Martinez -- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven "Numerous first-rate scholars have intensively focused on one of the most intriguing components of the Ethiopic Book of Enoch, the one not found at Qumran -- the Parables of Enoch. They have looked at the structure of the composition and its social setting and dating, have analyzed its position within the Enoch tradition and within Second Temple literature, particularly the New Testament, and have dwelt at length on the question of the Son of Man. The result is a fascinating book -- not a book for those looking for ready answers, but compelling reading for those interested in the development of religious ideas. A must for everybody trying to understand early Judaism and early Christianity and its complex relationship." Armin Lange -- University of Vienna "Although a significant text, the Parables of Enoch have been somewhat neglected in the recent study of ancient Judaism. Congratulations are due to Boccaccini and his authors for bringing one of the most important texts of late Second Temple Judaism back into the center of scholarly discussion. The articles of this collection provide a welcome survey of the key questions posed by the Parables of Enoch." Lawrence H. Schiffman -- New York University "This volume is a veritable who's who of Enoch research, bringing together the most up-to-date approaches to the Parables of Enoch and the use in them of the important phrase 'son of man.' These studies cover all of the important issues. . . The volume shows how Gabriele Boccaccini's series of Enoch seminars has virtually remade the field of study of this important ancient Jewish work." Jodi Magness -- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill "Together these essays provide a comprehensive overview and in-depth analysis of the Book of Parables in 1 Enoch. Written by the leading specialists in the field, this volume is an invaluable resource for scholars of early Judaism and early Christianity."