Testament and Canon in the Letter of Second Baruch (2 Baruch 78-87

Abstract

The Letter of Second Baruch (2 Baruch 78-87 [here called Ep2B]) defined the apocalyptic views and religious teachings of its author and later was received into the canon of the Syriac Bible. This article shows that Ep2B is an example of a Second Temple period testament, showing aspects of early and late testament forms. Like other testaments of the period, the letter gave expression to the beliefs and boundaries of religious groups and even acquired 'inspired' status.