⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

⁵ By faith Enoch

Enoch was a descendant of Adam and Seth (Ge 5:1–31). He was another person who walked by faith (Ge 5:21–24). He walked by faith for 300 years.

was taken away so that he did not see [experience] death,

Enoch did not experience death; he was suddenly translated supernaturally and directly to heaven (Ge 5:24).

“and was not found, because God [emphatic] had taken him [carried across]”;

People in Enoch’s day searched for him repeatedly but did not find him (imperfect tense).

for before he was taken he had this testimony,

Genesis 5:24 clearly indicates that Enoch was translated to heaven because he pleased God.

that he pleased God.

Enoch pleased God by his walk by faith. The word “pleased” implies permanent testimony in Scripture (perfect indicative).

PRINCIPLE:

God’s primary purpose for us is to be faithful and not necessarily successful.

APPLICATION:

Enoch’s primary purpose was to be faithful, not necessarily effective. He left the results to God (Jude 14–15). Jude indicates that Enoch lived among false teachers. His life was difficult, for he had to confront those who distorted the truth. His faith was active and productive. See this study: https://versebyversecommentary.com/jude/jude-14-16/

Christians one day will suddenly be translated to heaven at the Rapture of the church. Death does not get the last word among God’s people (1 Co 15:54–56).