R. H. Charles (1855–1931)

Discovering that "The Book of Enoch" was at one time considered part of the original manuscript for the Bible peaked my curiosity. Could that be true? What was in it? Why was it eliminated? Who eliminated it? How significant are the contents to the rest of the Bible story?

"The Book of Enoch" is classified as Apocalyptic Literature. It was written sometime between 200 BC and 200 AD. Although neither the Old Testament nor the New Testament include The Books of Enoch - Book 1 is included in the show more Ethiopic Canon of the Coptic Church. Enoch was the Great-Great Grandfather of Noah, and his lineage can be traced back to Adam’s son Seth.

It seems the Bible “authorities” who removed the Book of Enoch from the original Old Testament were powerful during the era of the Roman Empire - part of the Pope’s Council. It has been documented that Augustine (Aurelius) rejected the text even though admitting there was some truth to it’s content.

Much of the content was about God’s “Watchers” - the “Fallen Angels” whom were on earth under God’s direction to watch over the progress of human development. They disobeyed God’s instructions and had sex with humans and reproduced beings that were one-half spiritual angel/devil and one-half human. They produced sub-human Giants of great strength. Called Nephilm, they knew many of God’s secrets about the universe. They corrupted the human race.

This is why God created the floods with the intention of wiping out the Nephilim and saving the pure lineage of Noah.

I am about as far from being a Bible Scholar as anyone can get. So reading this book from cover to cover was a real challenge, but rewarding. After reading "The Book of Enoch" a lot of the passages in the Bible that seemed vague and obscure suddenly have more clarity. The Giants are mentioned numerous times in the Bible - as are the Fallen Angels and the Watchers. One familiar example: Goliath was a Giant!

It is well documented that some of the New Testament writers used "The Book of Enoch" as source material. Many examples are cited of almost exact wording used by Enoch.

R. H. Charles was a well known respected theologian, Biblical scholar, Professor, and translator. Aside from translating the book he also provides commentary and explanations.

"The Book of Enoch" was both informative and enlightening, although now I am only one tiny meager step closer to satisfying my thirst for Biblical knowledge. Any suggestions for additional reading would be greatly appreciated.

Rated 5 Stars - June 2025 show less

An apocryphal book of the Old Testament. This work is apocalyptic and poetic, though lacking the sublimity of the poetry of some of the other biblical works, such as Revelation. There are traces in here of Revelation, though this work is much earlier, and as I said, somewhat less over the top and less poetic. Still, it's an interesting look at the history of religion, and in this work, it's easy to see the pagan origins of the later monotheistic religions. The references to the chariot in show more which the sun drives across the sky is reminiscent of the Greeks. An interesting read, but tedious at times. show less

This Logos Bible Software edition contains the text of R.H. Charles' notes and commentary on the Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament. The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament, edited by R.H. Charles (1913 edition), is a collection of Jewish religious writings, mainly from the centuries leading up to the New Testament events. They are arguably the most important non-biblical documents for the historical and cultural background studies of popular religion in New Testament times. show more Charles' work was originally published in two print volumes. One print volume contains the text, commentary, and critical notes for the Apocrypha. The other print volume contains the text, commentary, and critical notes Pseudepigrapha. The Logos Bible Software edition of Charles' work has been split into seven volumes: • The Apocrypha of the Old Testament • Commentary on the Apocrypha of the Old Testament • Apocrypha of the Old Testament (Apparatuses) • The Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament • Commentary on the Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament • Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament (Apparatuses) • Index to the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament show less

This Logos Bible Software edition contains the text of R.H. Charles' notes and commentary on the Apocrypha. The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament, edited by R.H. Charles (1913 edition), is a collection of Jewish religious writings, mainly from the centuries leading up to the New Testament events. They are arguably the most important non-biblical documents for the historical and cultural background studies of popular religion in New Testament times. Charles' work was show more originally published in two print volumes. One print volume contains the text, commentary, and critical notes for the Apocrypha. The other print volume contains the text, commentary, and critical notes Pseudepigrapha. The Logos Bible Software edition of Charles' work has been split into seven volumes: • The Apocrypha of the Old Testament • Commentary on the Apocrypha of the Old Testament • Apocrypha of the Old Testament (Apparatuses) • The Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament • Commentary on the Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament • Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament (Apparatuses) • Index to the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament show less