August 26, 2024
The Spoken Word

Should the Book of Jubilees Be Included in the Bible?

Hello, dear friends. In today’s spiritual exploration, we delve into a topic that’s often been a subject of curiosity and debate among scholars and believers alike: Should the Book of Jubilees be included in the Bible? This question is not just about a single book; it touches the heart of our understanding of Scripture, the nature of divine inspiration, and the history of our faith.

Understanding the Book of Jubilees

The Book of Jubilees, often referred to as the “Lesser Genesis,” is an ancient Jewish religious text. It’s a historical narrative that attempts to recount events from creation to Moses. It divides history into periods of ‘jubilees’ (50 year cycles) and is known for its additional details to the familiar stories in Genesis and part of Exodus.

The Nature of the Biblical Canon

The Bible, as we know it, is a collection of books that Christians believe are divinely inspired. This collection, or canon, has been discerned and debated over centuries. The Protestant Bible contains 66 books, while the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles include a few more. The formation of this canon was not a random process but was guided by principles of apostolic origin, widespread acceptance, doctrinal consistency, and inspiration by the Holy Spirit.

Why Isn’t the Book of Jubilees in the Canon?

Historical and Authorial Context. The Book of Jubilees was likely written in the 2nd century BC. It’s considered a pseudepigraphal text, meaning it’s attributed to a biblical figure (in this case, Moses) but was actually written much later by an unknown author.
Theological Alignment. While the Book of Jubilees delves into details about Jewish laws and festivals, it presents a perspective that’s not always in harmony with the rest of the Scripture. The book also emphasizes a form of angelology and calendar systems that differ from canonical books.
Reception by the Early Church. The early church fathers, who played a significant role in shaping the biblical canon, did not universally accept Jubilees as Scripture. This lack of consistent recognition among early Christian communities contributed to its exclusion.
Jewish Tradition. Similarly, in Jewish tradition, Jubilees was not included in the Tanakh (the Old Testament). This exclusion by the Jewish community is significant, considering that the Old Testament forms a part of their sacred texts.

Canonical Integrity: Emphasizing Revelation 22:18–19

We remember the admonition in Revelation 22:18–19 about not adding to or taking away from the words of the prophecy of this book. While this initially applies to Revelation, it has broader implications for the integrity of the biblical canon. It underscores the sanctity and completeness of the Scripture as we have it today.

18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. Revelation 22:18-19 (NIV)

The Role of Jubilees in Historical and Theological Context

The Book of Jubilees offers valuable insights into Second Temple Judaism and its understanding of history, law, and cosmology. As a historical document, it is a rich source of information about Jewish thought and practice during a pivotal period in religious history.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Canon, Understanding the Excluded

In conclusion, the exclusion of the Book of Jubilees from the Bible was not a decision made lightly. It was the outcome of a complex process involving discernment, doctrinal considerations, and historical context. While Jubilees provides an interesting and valuable perspective on Jewish religious thought, its exclusion from the canon is in line with the principles that guided the formation of our Scriptures.

As believers, our focus should be on the divinely inspired books of the Bible, which guide our faith and practice. Let’s continue to explore, learn, and grow in our understanding of God’s Word, appreciating the depth and breadth of the canon we have been given.

Thank you for joining in this exploration of a thought-provoking aspect of our biblical heritage. May it deepen your appreciation for the sacred Scriptures and the divine wisdom they contain.

God bless you all.

In His Service,

Guardians of Biblical Truth

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