Some years ago I read Charlesworth’s impressive 2 volume compilation of Old Testament pseudepigrapha, and in two of these texts I found evidence for my chronological theory on the origins of Christianity, published under the title 'A Chronological Revision of the Origins of Christianity'. Therefore I was eagerly looking forward to this new edition with supplementary pseudepigraphical texts, and I have not been disappointed.

The Greek version of the apocalyptic writing 'The Tiburtine Sibyl' (also called 'The Oracle of Baalbe'k) stands out as a witness to my chronological theory. In its last paragraph two rulers are presented who fight against the crucified, and although the text is corrupted and Vespasian and Titus are not mentioned by name, it is not difficult to recognize them. Also the war circumstances are clearly described: the duration of the war (3,5 years) is mentioned, people are fleeing, the sun and the moon are darkened as a consequence of the massive smoke production by the burning of the asphalt covering of the Temple compound roofs. After that, so after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Christ will appear and his reign will start: “And then the son of God will come with great power and glory (…) And then Christ will rule, the son of the living God, with his holy angels. Amen, so be it, amen.”

In his introduction to this text the Dutch theologian Rieuwerd Buitenwerf does not identify both rulers as Vespasian and Titus, nor does Paul J. Alexander in 'The Oracle of Baalbek: The Tiburtine Sibyl in Greek Dress' (1967), the first edition of this Greek text. Alexander, however, mentions Ernst Sachur, who recognizes both Flavian emperors in his edition (1898) of the Latin version of this document (in 'Sibyllinische Texte und Forschungen').

A second volume of 'Old Testament Pseudepigrapha – More Noncanonical Writings' is underway. I am looking forward to it. If it contains only one pearl like this Greek Tiburtine Sibyl, I would be more than happy. ( )

Most important book I have purchased this year.