The Apocalypse of Baruch refers to two different Jewish writings that were written under Baruch’s name. Baruch was the friend and secretary of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:4–8). His name was later attached to several ancient writings composed long after his death. These include both apocryphal and pseudepigraphal works (ancient texts written under someone else’s name).
The Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch (2 Baruch)
The first book, called the Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch or 2 Baruch, has 87 chapters. It was first written in Hebrew, then translated into Greek and Syriac. Only a few lines of the Hebrew version remain, which are quoted in Jewish rabbinic writings. The Syriac manuscript, from the sixth or seventh century AD, is the only complete text. Evidence suggests that more than one author worked on it. This book is based on the book of 2 Esdras in the Apocrypha. Many phrases in it are similar to New Testament writings, which suggests the author wrote it in the late first or early second century AD.
The book has seven main sections, written in both prose and poetry. It talks about the Messiah and his future kingdom, Israel's past troubles, and the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The text is not consistent in addressing questions of theology like sin and suffering, free will, how many people the Messiah will save, and the resurrection of righteous people.
Some parts of the book are hopeful about Israel’s future, while others are deeply sad. It sees the world as full of evil but promises that God will bring a new and spiritual world. One passage says, “Whatever is now is nothing, but that which shall be is very great. For everything that is corruptible shall pass away, and everything that dies shall depart and all the present time, which is defiled with evils.” This means that all evil will end and a new age will come.
The mix of hope and sorrow may reflect how Jewish people’s experiences changed during the first and second centuries AD. These centuries were a time of loss, rebuilding, and expectation. The tension between optimism and despair might also show that more than one person wrote parts of the book.
The message of hope is for those who follow the law of Moses: “For the righteous justly hope for the end, and without fear depart from this habitation, because they have with Thee a store of works preserved in treasuries.”
The book's final section is called "the letter Baruch, son of Neriah, sent to the nine and a half tribes." It claims he sent it by tying it to an eagle's neck. This probably means the book was sent to Jews living outside Palestine (the Diaspora).
The Greek Apocalypse of Baruch (3 Baruch)
The second document, known as the Greek Apocalypse of Baruch or 3 Baruch, has 17 chapters. It survives in Greek, Ethiopic, Armenian, and Slavonic versions. The first printed edition appeared in Venice in 1609 and again in 1868. The early Christian scholar Origen mentioned its existence long before.
Like 2 Baruch, this apocalypse appears to have brought together different writings from the second century AD. It is a Christian document meant to warn Jews who have not converted and to encourage Christians to be patient with them.