The Myth of Rebellious Angels

The mythical story of fallen angels preserved in 1 Enoch and related literature was influential during the Second Temple period. This myth, initially attested in the Enochic Book of Watchers and picked up in further parts of 1 Enoch, was received in writings composed in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek, and had a profound impact on streams of religious thought in the western and oriental world, as well as in Africa. This volume collects studies by Loren T. Stuckenbruck that explore aspects of this influence in some of the literature and demonstrate how it was reused and adapted to address new cultural and religious contexts ( Book of Giants, Book of Jubilees, Dead Sea Scrolls, Book of Tobit, Book of Daniel, Genesis Apocryphon, Philo). In addition, apart from whether influence of the fallen angels' tradition can be established, Stuckenbruck analyses the degree to which it offers a theological framework through which to reconsider theological approaches to several New Testament texts (Synoptic Gospels, Gospel of John, Acts, Pauline texts, and the Book of Revelation). Themes covered in the essays include demonology, prominent evil figures, giants, exorcism, petitionary prayer, the birth and activity of Jesus, the holy Spirit, conversion of Gentiles, »apocalyptic« and the understanding of time, and theological anthropology.Origins of Evil in Jewish Apocalyptic Tradition: The Interpretation of Genesis 6:1-4 in the Second and Third Centuries B.C.E. - Giant Mythology and Demonology: From the Ancient Near East to the Dead Sea Scrolls - The Lamech Narrative in the Genesis Apocryphon (1QapGen) and 1 Enoch 106-107: A Tradition-Historical Study of Two Ancient Accounts about Noah's Birth - Demonic Beings and the Dead Sea Scrolls - Early Enochic and Daniel Traditions in the Dead Sea Scrolls - The Book of Tobit and the Problem of »Magic« - To What Extent Did Philo's Treatment of Enoch and the Giants Presuppose Knowledge of Enochic and Other Sources Preserved in the Dead Sea Scrolls? - Conflicting Stories: The Spirit Origin of Jesus' Birth - The Human Being and Demonic Invasion: Therapeutic Models in Ancient Christian and Jewish Texts - The Need for Protection from the Evil One and John's Gospel - The »Cleansing« of the Gentiles: Background for the Rationale behind the Apostles' Decree - Posturing »Apocalyptic« in Pauline Theology: How Much Contrast with Jewish Tradition? - Why Should Women Cover Their Heads Because of the Angels? (1 Corinthians 11:10) - The Apocalypse of John, 1 Enoch, and the Question of Influence