Enoch’s First Rapture: Destigmatizing this Weird Doctrine (Enoch 12)

Enoch is one of the most mysterious people in the Bible. He appears in Genesis 5 for about 10 seconds, at which point we’re told that he basically disappeared. He was there one minute, gone the next. Like my wife when the pastor tells us to turn and greet the person next to us. Just “poof,” gone. 

And I’ve spoken about this on the podcast before. Not my wife being an introvert, but about Enoch’s sudden evacuation from this planet. 

Genesis 5:24

Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.

He was not? Right. He was not. He was, and then he wasn’t. Poof. 

I have often called this the first rapture in the Bible. And that word comes with a lot of theological baggage. By even bringing up the idea, I have probably already upset some people today. It bothers some Christians because most associate that word with the concept of the rapture of the church. 

We’ll talk about that today, because what I’d like to do is de-stigmatize this touchy subject. If you don’t like the concept of a rapture of the church, or if you reject something that’s often called the pre-tribulation rapture, I’m not even gonna try to convince you to believe it today. 

This is not an issue in which I’d break fellowship with other Christians over. I’m not trying to be divisive today; I’m trying to be the opposite. I’d like to show, especially for those who reject quote-unquote “rapture theology” that the concept of the rapture is actually pretty common in Scripture.

The reason this is coming up today is because we’re in a study of the Book of Enoch, and we’re going to find out that the first rapture we read about in Scripture was perhaps not the first rapture that ever took place. 

But we’ll get to that later. First, the Bible stuff, because a lot of people find the doctrine of the rapture to be weird, and I’d like us to explore everywhere we can find it in the Bible. 

Turn to II Kings 2, and let’s get weird.

Sign up for the weekly newsletter! Get additional insights and Bible study tips for unpacking strange things in scripture. Enter your email here:

https://weirdstuffinthebible.beehiiv.com/

Check out the website! www.weirdstuffinthebible.com

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction

2:00 - The Raptures of the Bible

5:55 - Harpazo

11:00 - Other Raptures in the Bible

15:05 - Enoch 12 and the First Rapture

19:40 - Next Time

21:50 - Mailbag- the Watchers and the Sons of God

27:40 - Closing Thoughts 

Visit the Weird Stuff store!

https://luketaylorpodcasts.creator-spring.com

You can also find a list of past newsletters at that same link so you never have to miss one.

If you want to get in touch, my email is [email protected]

Hosted by Luke Taylor

If you’re intrigued by strange Bible stories, uncovering Bible mysteries, or learning about unusual biblical teachings, this podcast is for you! Dive deep into weird Bible facts, biblical controversies, and the supernatural in the Bible, while exploring the hidden stories of the Bible you may have never heard. Get a fresh perspective as we explain the Bible in ways that challenge the norm and uncover the unexpected. I’m so glad you’re here- don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE so that you never miss an episode!