Texts in Conversation
Ephesians uses apocalyptic language similar to 1 Enoch 82, describing the love of Christ that surpasses understanding similarly to how Enoch describes the wisdom that surpasses understanding.
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1 Enoch 82:2
Pseudepigrapha
1 And now, my son Methuselah, I am recounting and writing down all these things for you, and I have revealed everything to you, and given you books about all these: so keep, my son Methuselah, the books from your father’s hand, and make sure that you pass them on to future generations. 2 I have given you and your children Wisdom, so that you and they can pass it on to their children through the generations, this Wisdom that surpasses their understanding. 3 And those who comprehend it will not rest, but will listen attentively to learn this Wisdom, and it will please them more than the finest food.
Ephesians 3:19
New Testament
17 that Christ will dwell in your hearts through faith, so that, because you have been rooted and grounded in love, 18 you will be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and thus to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you will be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think, 21 to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
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Notes and References
"... The final line of verse 2 indicates that Enoch’s wisdom is divine wisdom, for it exceeds the human capacity to understand it. A similar notion appears in Isaiah 55:8–9, of God’s design to forgive Israel. Related language occurs in Philippians 4:7 and Ephesians 3:19 with reference to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding and the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge ..."
Nickelsburg, George W. E.
A Commentary on the Book of 1 Enoch Chapters 1-36, 81-108
(p. 343) Fortress Press, 2001
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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