Apocrypha
Apocalypse of Sedrach
Apocalyptic Vision
1 chapter · read and listen
Reading note
An apocryphal or pseudepigraphal text — outside the canon of the Western churches, yet widely circulated among ancient Jews and Christians. Published here from a public-domain translation, edited for continuous reading.
Chapters
Dossier
A man argues with God about the creation of humankind and the weight of sin — and refuses to give up his soul until he wins a concession about repentance.
Where this text comes from
Greek, of uncertain date, with proposals between the 2nd and 10th centuries AD. It appears to be a reworking of the Apocalypse of Ezra, and the name Sedrach may be a corruption of Esdras.
Why it is not in the Bible
Outside every canon.
What you will find
- The sermon on love that opens the text is entirely unlike the rest and may be an independent piece.
- The closing negotiation reduces the required period of repentance, insistence after insistence.
- It is the shortest text here to tackle divine justice head-on.
Frequently asked questions
- Who was Sedrach?
- Not a biblical figure. The name is probably a corruption of Esdras, from the text on which this apocalypse is based.