2 Baruch 15

Related ancient text — scholarly reference

Extra-canonical text — not LDS scripture and not in the KJV Apocrypha. Provided as scholarly reference for parallel literature of the Second Temple period and the early Christian era. Read with discernment; the Apostle Jude quotes 1 Enoch and Paul knew this material, but inclusion here is for study, not doctrine.

1And the Lord answered and said unto me: 'Thou art rightly astonied regarding the departure of man, but thou hast not judged well regarding the evils which befall those who sin.

2And as regards what thou hast said, that the righteous are carried off and the impious are prospered,

3And as regards what thou hast said 'Man knows not Thy judgement'--

4On this account hear, and I will speak to thee, and hearken, and I will cause thee to hear My words.

5Man would not rightly have understood My judgement, if he had not accepted the law, and if his fear had not been rooted in understanding.

6But now, because he transgressed though he knew, yea, on account of this also, he shall be tormented because he knew.

7And as regards what thou didst say touching the righteous, that on account of them has this world come, nay more, even that which is to come is on their account.

8For this world is to them a trouble and a weariness with much labour; and that accordingly which is to come, a crown with great glory.'

Public-domain text (R.H. Charles 1913 and equivalents). These works are not canonical, but several were widely read in antiquity and one (1 Enoch) is quoted by name in Jude 1:14–15. Useful for understanding the doctrinal landscape from which the apostles and earliest saints taught.