Ancient Jewish writings from roughly 300 BC to 200 AD. These texts were widely read in the world Jesus and the apostles inhabited, and some are directly referenced or alluded to in Scripture.
c. 300–100 BC
One of the most discussed non-canonical texts. Quoted in Jude 14–15. Covers fallen angels (the Watchers), heavenly visions, the Son of Man, and the final judgment. Considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
c. 1st century AD
Also called "The Book of the Secrets of Enoch." Describes Enoch's journey through ten heavens, creation accounts, and moral teachings. Preserved in Old Slavonic manuscripts.
c. 5th–6th century AD
A later Jewish mystical text where Rabbi Ishmael ascends to heaven and encounters Metatron (identified as the transformed Enoch). Part of the Merkabah (chariot mysticism) tradition.
c. 160–150 BC
Retells Genesis and Exodus with additional detail, organizing history into "jubilee" periods of 49 years. Emphasizes the solar calendar and strict observance of the Law.
Uncertain (referenced text is lost)
Mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18 as a source, but the original is lost. The version circulated today is a much later medieval composition, not the biblical source.
c. 2nd century BC (with later additions)
Twelve farewell speeches, one attributed to each son of Jacob. Contains moral instruction, prophecy, and visions. May have been edited by early Christians.
c. 1st century BC
Eighteen psalms reflecting Jewish response to Roman conquest. Contains messianic hope and themes of divine justice.
c. 1st century AD
A farewell speech of Moses to Joshua, containing prophecy about Israel's future. Referenced in Jude 9 regarding Michael's dispute over Moses' body.
c. 1st century AD
Also known as the "Apocalypse of Moses." Expands the Genesis story with Adam and Eve's repentance, Satan's fall narrative, and Eve's account of the temptation.
c. 2nd century BC – 4th century AD (composite)
A composite text combining a Jewish account of Isaiah's martyrdom (sawn in two — referenced in Hebrews 11:37) with a Christian vision of Isaiah's heavenly ascent.
c. 3rd–2nd century BC
Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Fragments describing the Nephilim (giants born from fallen angels in Genesis 6). Part of the broader Enochic literature.
c. late 1st century AD
An apocalyptic text where Ezra wrestles with God over the problem of evil and Israel's suffering after the Temple's destruction. Contains powerful dialogues and visions.
c. early 2nd century AD
Written after the fall of Jerusalem. Baruch (Jeremiah's scribe) receives visions about the future, resurrection, and the coming messianic age.
c. 1st–3rd century AD
A heavenly tour text where Baruch is shown five heavens, including insights about angels, the sun, and divine justice.
c. 2nd–1st century BC
A beautiful penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh of Judah (referenced in 2 Chronicles 33:12–13). Expresses deep repentance.
c. 2nd century BC
An alternate account of Judah's history, paralleling 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Includes the famous "Three Guardsmen" debate about what is strongest.
c. 1st–5th century AD
An account of Solomon building the Temple using the power to command demons. Each demon reveals its name, function, and the angel that can thwart it. A unique blend of Jewish wisdom and early demonology.