Scholars agree that 2 Esdras is actually a compilation of three separate works, none of which have anything to do with the time of Ezra. The prophet, Ezra, is a visionary in these writings. In the first section, chapters 1-2, Ezra basically affirms the rejection of the Jews in favor of the Christian Church.
The Apocalypse of Peter – What is it? The Apocalypse of Peter (also known as the Revelation of Peter) is a writing alleged as authored by the apostle Peter that was written in the second century. It exists in three Greek manuscripts (two are incomplete) and in one Ethiopian manuscript, which differs greatly from the Greek text.
2 Esdras 3-14 (4 Esdras) is an apocalyptic work written by Jews around 100 CE. This section is comprised of three separate dialogues (3:1-5:20; 5:21-6:34; 6:35-9:25). Ezra, as a scribe, raises various theological questions that are answered by the angel Uriel.
However, in the fifth-century a church historian named Sozomen wrote that to his knowledge the Apocalypse of Peter was still read each year in some churches in Palestine on Good Friday.
Needless to say, much of the book is modeled after Daniel, another Jewish apocalyptic book set in the time of Nebuchadnezzar but written in the second century BCE. 2 Esdras 15-16 (6 Esdras) is comprised of oracles anticipating the demise of God's enemies while offering encouragement to those who are being persecuted.
2 Esdras 1-2 (5 Esdras) portends to be Ezra's prophecy about the rejection of Israel. There is a lot of prophetic language, obviously meant to give the book authenticity. According to this book, Ezra was the messenger for God's prophecies. The book is historically set in the time of the Persians, back in the fifth century BCE.
By Mary Jane Chaignot. Scholars agree that 2 Esdras is actually a compilation of three separate works, none of which have anything to do with the time of Ezra. The prophet, Ezra, is a visionary in these writings. In the first section, chapters 1-2, Ezra basically affirms the rejection of the Jews in favor of the Christian Church.
In the first section, chapters 1-2 , Ezra basically affirms the rejection of the Jews in favor of the Christian Church. It is believed that Christians wrote these chapters themselves, probably around the middle of the second century CE. The second section is the longest and is comprised of chapters 3-14.
This leads Ezra to question the origin of sin and its control in humans' lives. Since people can't resist sinning, he questions God's justice. In a manner similar to his encounter with Job, God does not respond to Ezra directly but offers a different solution – the ushering in of the new age.
The main portion of it is a response to the hardships facing Judaism shortly after the destruction of the temple.
It is again set in the time of Ezra, who is called to prophesy for God. The prophecy is that the nations will be punished for persecuting God's "elect.". The main issue seems to be that the persecuting nations (Rome) have forced people to eat food sacrificed to idols.
The Apocalypse of Peter (also known as the Revelation of Peter) is a writing alleged as authored by the apostle Peter that was written in the second century. It exists in three Greek manuscripts (two are incomplete) and in one Ethiopian manuscript, which differs greatly from the Greek text.
In the Ethiopian version, Jesus expands His response to the question of the disciples in Matthew 24 regarding the signs of the end of the age. Jesus is also said to have given an extended commentary following the parable of the fig tree. One selection reads:
Clearly, the Apocalypse of Peter focused on the judgment to come and being prepared for Christ's coming! While many notable features are found in this writing , the Apocalypse of Peter was not authored by the apostle Peter nor is it part of the biblical canon.
However, in the fifth-century a church historian named Sozomen wrote that to his knowledge the Apocalypse of Peter was still read each year ...