197 THE LAST BEATITUDE. JOY SUFFERING IN “ I will endure any kind of death for the religion of our Fathers” (C, B). The will to accept death is followed by the adjective hdyv, Ω¥ looking at the Fathers’ example. But not even in this case could we speak of an eschatological joy. Another passage (4 Macc 11,12) talks about “most noble sufferings ” (dia gennaioterwn ponwn) considered as gifts, and ù ¥ ¥ endured for the Law’s sake with courage (karterıa). But here there ¥∞ is more good will and desire to accept toil than there is joy. The idea of tribulation as a cause of joy is rarely considered in Judaism 57. For Nauck, that early particular attitude would be also found in contemporary NT Judaism. He was thinking especially of three texts belonging to the Second (Syriac Apocalypse) Baruch, a translation from a Greek text (maybe from a Hebrew/Aramaic original) composed sometime after the Roman destruction of the Second Temple 58. According to him, the book would contain the tradition behind the last beatitude, even though he does not accept any influence from early Christianity in Baruch, as Charles does 59. Here are the texts: 2 Baruch 48, 48-50 “ But now, let us cease talking about the wicked and inquire about the righteous. And I will tell you about their blessedness and I shall not be silent about their glory, which is kept for them. For surely, as you endured much labor in the short time in which you live in this passing world, so you will receive great light in that world which has no end” 60. The elements are A, D, B. The blessedness is caused by the reward in the other world. In spite of the lot of labor endured, they are not invited to rejoice thereat. 2 Baruch 52, 5-7 “ And concerning the righteous ones, what will they do now? Enjoy yourselves in the suffering which you suffer now. For why do you Cf. MILLAUER, Leiden als Gnade, 175. 57 Cf. F.J. MURPHY, The Structure and Meaning of Second Baruch (Atlanta 58 1985) 136-139. Cf. R.H. CHARLES, The Apocalypse of Baruch: Translated from Syriac 59 (London 1896) LXXIX. This text is taken from F. KLIJN, “2 (Syriac Apocalypse of) Baruch”, The 60 Old Testament Pseudepigrapha (ed. J.H. Charlesworth) (London 1983-1985) I, 637.