Many people have asked about the Cepher Chanoch (the Book of Enoch) – is it credible? Should it be read? Take a look at the opinions of some of the early leaders in the faith:
The Epistle of Barnabas, young Origen, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian all considered 1 Enoch to be Scripture. Tertullian wrote in Concerning The Genuineness Of The Prophecy Of Enoch”; I am aware that the Scripture of Enoch [Chanoch], which has assigned this order (of action) to angels, is not received by some, because it is not admitted into the Jewish canon either…But since Enoch in the same Scripture has preached likewise concerning the Lord [MASHIACH], nothing at all must be rejected by us which pertains to us; and we read that 'every Scripture suitable for edification is divinely inspired.'…To these considerations is added the fact that Enoch possesses a testimony in the Apostle Jude." [Tertullian, On the Apparel of Women, in The Ante-Nicene Fathers: Fathers of the Third Century: Tertullian, Part Fourth; Minucius Felix; Commodian; Origen, Parts First and Second, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, trans. S. Thelwall, vol. 4 (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 15.
The Cepher Chanoch (Book of Enoch) is referenced in what is called the New Testament [Brit Chadashah] at least 40 times. Several of these are even direct quotations, though not directly attributed to Chanoch. In the Cepher Yahudah [Jude] 14-15, is a direct quotation, attributed specifically to Enoch himself. Many concepts of Chanoch are found in the New Testament, such as the springs of living waters, Yahuchanon [John] 4:13-14 / Chanoch 49:1; the new heaven and new earth, Chizayon [Revelation] 21:1 / Chanoch 92:16-17; and several of the Beatitudes. Mattithyahu [Matthew] 5, Luqas [Luke] 6 / Chanoch 5:7, 95:8.
Further, there are substantial Messianic prophecies set out in Chanoch:
Chanoch (Enoch) 39:5-6
At that time my eyes beheld the dwelling of the elect, of truth, belief, and righteousness. 6 Countless shall be the number of the holy and the elect, in the presence of ELOHIYM forever and ever.
Chanoch (Enoch) 40:3-7
Then I heard the voices of those upon the four sides magnifying YAHUAH of glory. 4 The first voice blessed YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH forever and ever. 5 The second voice I heard blessing the Elect One, and the elect who suffer on account of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH. 6 The third voice I heard petitioning and praying for those who dwell upon earth and supplicate the name of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH. 7 The fourth voice I heard expelling the impious angels and prohibiting them from entering into the presence of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH, to accuse the inhabitants of the earth.
Chanoch (Enoch) 45:3-4
In that day shall the Elect One sit upon a throne of glory; and shall choose their conditions and countless habitations, while their ruachoth within them shall be strengthened, when they behold my Elect One, for those who have fled for protection to my holy and glorious name. 4 In that day I will cause my Elect One to dwell in the midst of them; will change heaven; will bless it and illuminate it forever.
Chanoch (Enoch) 49:1-4
WISDOM is poured forth like water, and glory fails not be-fore him forever and ever; for potent is he in all the secrets of righteousness. 2 But iniquity passes away like a shadow and possesses not a fixed station: for the Elect One stands before YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH; and his glory is forever and ever; and his power from generation to generation. 3 With him dwells the RUACH DA’ATH V’CHOKMAH, [Spirit of knowledge and wisdom] the RUACH HA’TORAH [Spirit of Instruction] and GEVURAH, [Spirit of Power] and the ruach of those who sleep in righteousness; he shall judge secret things. 4 Nor shall any be able to utter a single word before him; for the Elect One is in the presence of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH, according to his own pleasure.
Chanoch (Enoch) 51:1-3
IN those days shall the earth deliver up from her womb, and She’ol deliver up from hers, that which it has received; and destruction shall restore that which it owes. 2 He shall select the righteous and holy from among them; for the day of their yeshu`ah [salvation] has approached. 3 And in those days shall the Elect One sit upon his throne, while every secret of intellectual wisdom shall proceed from his mouth, for YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH has gifted and glorified him.
Chanoch (Enoch) 55:5
O you kings, O you mighty, who inhabit the world you shall behold my Elect One, sitting upon the throne of my glory. And he shall judge Aza’zel, all his associates, and all his hosts, in the name of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH.
Chanoch (Enoch) 61:8-12
Then they received the commandment, all in the heavens above; to whom a combined power, voice, and splendour, like fire, were given. 9 And first, with voice, they blessed him, they exalted him, they glorified him with wisdom, and ascribed to him wisdom with the word, and with the breath of life. 10 Then YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH seated upon the throne of his glory the Elect One; 11 Who shall judge all the works of the holy, in heaven above, and in a balance shall he weigh their actions. And when he shall lift up his countenance to judge their secret ways in the word of the name of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH, and their progress in the path of the righteous judgment of EL ELYON; 12 They shall all speak with united voice; and bless, glorify, exalt, and praise, in the name of YAHUAH TSEVA’OTH.
Chanoch (Enoch) 62:1
THUS, YAHUAH commanded the kings, the princes, the exalted, and those who dwell on earth, saying: Open your eyes, and lift up your horns, if you are capable of comprehending the Elect One.
Also see 46:1-3; 48:2; 62:9-10; 63:15, 69:38-41; 70:1; 71:17; 48:11; and 52:4.
For further reading...
What is Canonization?
Canonicity: The Septuagint – Part 1
Canonicity: The Ethiopic Bible – Part 2
Canonicity: The Synod of Jamnia – Part 3
Canonicity: The Council of Nicea – Part 4
Canonicity: The Council of Laodicea – Part 5
Qs and As on the Cepher Chanoch (Book of Enoch)
The Cepher of Chanoch (Book of Enoch) - its structure
Cepher Chanoch: On the veracity of the Book of Enoch
Cepher Chanoch: Understanding the Book of Enoch