The books recognized as part of the biblical canon are those authored by the prophets and the apostles. Specifically, the Old Testament comprises the writings of the prophets, while the New Testament contains the works of the apostles. The books known as the Apocrypha, which fall chronologically between Malachi and John the Baptist, have never been regarded as prophetic. This consensus is reflected in the fact that the Roman Catholic Church does not claim these Apocryphal texts as prophetic, acknowledging that they were not authored by prophets. Indeed, there were no prophets during the period between Malachi and John the Baptist, further confirming that the Apocryphal books do not possess prophetic status.
The Status of the Apocryphal Books
Throughout history, the books included in the Bible have been recognized as either prophetic or apostolic in origin. The Apocryphal books, which were composed in the period between the Old and New Testaments, were universally regarded as valuable writings. However, it was also clearly understood that these texts did not possess prophetic authority. As a result, they were almost always listed in a separate section, distinct from the canonical books.
The Apocryphal writings were appreciated for their historical accounts and considered pious or spiritually instructive. Nevertheless, they were not treated as canonical or authoritative scripture on the same level as the prophetic and apostolic books. This longstanding distinction persisted until the Council of Trent, which marked a significant change in how these books were viewed within certain traditions.
The Role of the Church Fathers and the Council of Trent
Throughout church history, numerous quotations from the early church fathers support the recognition of the Protestant canon, which consists solely of the books regarded as prophetic or apostolic in origin. From the earliest days of the church, this distinction between the canonical books and other writings, such as the Apocrypha, was widely maintained and accepted as the norm.
The Council of Trent, however, brought about a significant shift in the status of the Apocryphal books. The Catholic Church, seeking doctrinal support for teachings such as purgatory and prayer to the saints, referenced passages from texts like 2 Maccabees 12:39–46 and the book of Judith. These doctrines could not be substantiated using the writings of the prophets and apostles, as no such passages existed in the established canon. As a result, Trent elevated the Apocrypha to a level of authority that it had not previously possessed within the broader Christian tradition.
The Influence of Hellenization on Apocryphal Theology
The argument against the doctrines of prayer to the saints and purgatory centers on their origins, which are often traced back to Greek pagan thought rather than to the prophetic or apostolic tradition. This influence is particularly evident in the Apocryphal texts, which emerged during the period of Hellenization following the conquests of Alexander the Great around 300 B.C. As Alexander expanded his empire, regions such as Israel and Jerusalem came under the sway of Greek culture and philosophy.
During this era, the exposure to pagan ideas was significant, and these concepts began to permeate theological discussions within the church. The Apocryphal writings, composed in this environment, reflect the integration of pagan notions, such as the existence of purgatory and the practice of praying to saints. These beliefs were not part of the original teachings of the prophets and apostles but were instead introduced during the great time of Hellenization, marking a shift in the theological landscape of the church.
The Modern View of the Apocryphal Books
In our present understanding, the Apocryphal books continue to be regarded as valuable and pious historical writings. They offer helpful insights and are respected for their spiritual and educational contributions. However, it is important to recognize that these texts have never been considered prophetic. This distinction is essential: the Apocryphal books were not authored by prophets and were never granted prophetic status within the biblical tradition.
The Roman Catholic Perspective and the Ongoing Debate
The Catholic Church has voiced concerns regarding the removal of these books from the Bible, often questioning, “Why do you take these books out of the Bible?” Despite such questions, the underlying point remains that the Apocryphal books were not prophetic from the outset. Their place within the biblical canon has always been distinct from the writings of the prophets and apostles, and this understanding persists to this day.
The Removal of the Apocrypha from American Bibles
The exclusion of the Apocrypha from Bibles in the United States did not occur until the 20th century. For example, early editions of the King James Bible in America included the Apocryphal books. Historically, Martin Luther’s translation also contained the Apocrypha, but these texts were regarded as valuable and edifying Christian literature rather than being viewed on the same level as the canonical scriptures. They were respected for their historical and spiritual insights but were not considered to possess the authority of the prophetic and apostolic writings that make up the rest of the Bible.
Advice on Reading the Apocrypha
If someone is interested in reading the Apocrypha, I fully support that decision. However, my recommendation is that individuals should first become deeply acquainted with the 66 books of the Bible’s canon, beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. This foundational knowledge is essential before delving into the Apocryphal texts.
While the Apocrypha certainly contains intriguing and noteworthy material, I have observed that most modern Christians are not yet sufficiently familiar with the central scriptures. For this reason, engaging with these additional writings is less pressing until one has a solid grasp of the canonical books.
Engaging with the Apocrypha
I have no objection if someone chooses to read the Apocrypha; in fact, I think that’s perfectly fine. Personally, I tend to revisit these texts every couple of years, giving myself an opportunity to read through them again. However, my primary encouragement is for individuals to develop a strong familiarity with the scriptures themselves. In my view, being thoroughly well-versed in the canonical books of the Bible is more important than focusing solely on the Apocrypha.
Determining the Canon of Scripture
The question naturally arises: which books rightfully belong to the biblical canon? This issue is closely related to the books found in the Latin Vulgate. The early church provides clear testimony regarding these writings. According to ancient witnesses, some of these books are considered part of the canon, while others are not.
The Designation of the Apocrypha
The books that are not included in the canon are referred to as the Apocrypha, a designation attributed to Jerome. He used the term “Apocrypha” to describe writings that were subject to doubt or uncertainty regarding their canonical status. Thus, the very name “Apocrypha” originates from Jerome’s classification of these texts.
Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament
The Old Testament Apocrypha comprises several works, including Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Judith, Tobit, 3rd Ezra, 4th Ezra, Baruch, and Jeremiah. Additionally, the books of the Maccabees, as well as the supplemental additions to Esther and Daniel, are considered part of this collection.
Authorship and Historical Context
Some of these Apocryphal books were composed after the era of the prophets, while others bear the names of prophets but lack strong historical evidence to confirm their authenticity as canonical scripture.
Questions of Authorship and Canonical Status
Questions often arise regarding the authorship of biblical books and the content found within them. For example, Martin Luther questioned the prominence of gospel themes in the Book of James and famously referred to it as an “epistle of straw.” By doing so, Luther effectively acknowledging its debated status within the New Testament canon, suggesting it could be considered New Testament Apocrypha.
Controversy Surrounding the Canon
This perspective drew considerable criticism from the Catholic Church, which accused Luther of overstepping his authority by determining which books should be included in or excluded from the Bible. Interestingly, some Catholic voices simultaneously take pride in the Church’s own role in shaping the biblical canon, emphasizing the significance of their process for selecting these sacred texts. This has led to a paradox where the same actions are praised when performed by the Church but condemned when attributed to Luther.
The Source of Scripture
It is important to clarify that, contrary to these debates, Martin Luther was not solely responsible for determining the biblical canon, nor was any single institution. Ultimately, it is believed that the holy scriptures were given by the Lord Himself, who inspired the prophets and apostles to record His word. Thus, the collection of writings from the prophets and apostles that comprise the canon is a cause for rejoicing, as it reflects divine inspiration rather than human decision alone.
Word Study: Words have meaning, words have different meaning to different people. Here is a list of words used in my article and the meaning with which I use them.
biblical canon
The biblical canon refers to the collection of books recognized as authoritative and divinely inspired Scripture within Judaism and Christianity. The term “canon” originates from the Greek word kanṓn, meaning a measuring rod or standard, signifying that these books meet the criterion of being true and authoritative revelation from God.
Apocrypha
The Apocrypha refers to a collection of religious writings of uncertain or disputed origin that are not considered part of the canonical scriptures in Judaism and most branches of Christianity. The term, derived from the Greek word apokryphos meaning “hidden” or “secret,” originally described texts read privately rather than in public church settings, often containing esoteric or profound knowledge.
prophetic authority
Prophetic authority in the Bible refers to the divinely ordained power and influence that prophets possess to communicate God’s will, guidance, and revelation to His people. This authority is rooted in the belief that prophets are chosen by God to serve as His mouthpieces, delivering messages inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Pious
Earnestly compliant in the observance of religion; reverent or devout.
- Showing or characterized by religious devotion.
- Expressive of or used in religious devotion; devotional.
Council of Trent
The Council of Trent was the 19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, held in the city of Trent (Trento) in northern Italy between 1545 and 1563, spanning three periods over 18 years. Convened in response to the Protestant Reformation, it served as the formal Roman Catholic reply to the doctrinal challenges posed by Protestantism and was a central event in the Counter-Reformation.
The council issued seventeen dogmatic decrees that clarified Catholic doctrine on key contested issues such as scripture, sacred tradition, original sin, justification, the sacraments, the Mass, and the veneration of saints, rejecting Protestant principles like “sola fide” (faith alone) and “sola scriptura” (scripture alone) in favor of a “both/and” approach involving faith and works based on both Scripture and tradition.
church fathers
The Church Fathers were ancient and influential Christian theologians and writers who established the intellectual and doctrinal foundations of Christianity during the Patristic Era, spanning roughly from the late 1st to mid-8th centuries.
They are categorized into different groups based on their historical periods: the Apostolic Fathers, who lived in the 1st and 2nd centuries and were believed to have known or been influenced by the Twelve Apostles; the Ante-Nicene Fathers, who lived before the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD; and the Post-Nicene Fathers, who lived after that council.
protestant canon
The Protestant canon refers to the collection of books accepted as authoritative scripture by Protestant denominations, typically consisting of 66 books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
This canon is based on the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), which Protestants consider the authoritative Old Testament source, excluding the deuterocanonical books (also known as the Apocrypha) that are included in the Catholic and Orthodox canons.
The Protestant Old Testament includes the same books that Jesus and the early Jewish community recognized, as evidenced by Jesus’ reference to the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms in Luke 24:44, which aligns with the 39-book structure.
The New Testament canon of 27 books is widely accepted across mainstream Protestant traditions and is considered the final and complete revelation of God.
purgatory
Purgatory, according to Catholic doctrine, is a state of final purification after death for those who died in God’s grace and friendship but were not entirely purified of venial sins or the temporal punishment due to sins already forgiven. It is not a place of eternal punishment like hell, but rather a temporary condition necessary for achieving the holiness required to enter the joy of heaven. The Catholic Church teaches that souls in purgatory are assured of their eternal salvation, but still need purification to be made perfectly clean before entering God’s presence, as nothing unclean can enter heaven.
prayer to the saints
Prayer to the saints is a practice within certain Christian traditions, particularly in the Roman Catholic Church, where believers ask saints in heaven to intercede with God on their behalf. This is not seen as worship of the saints, but rather as requesting their prayers, similar to asking fellow believers on Earth to pray for you. The saints, believed to be in the presence of God, are thought to be able to intercede for the faithful, drawing upon their closeness to God and their own holiness.
Hellenization
Hellenization is the process by which non-Greek peoples adopted Greek culture, language, religion, and identity, particularly following the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE. This process involved the spread of Greek customs, the establishment of Greek-style cities like Alexandria, and the blending of Greek ideas with local traditions, leading to significant advancements in philosophy, science, and art. It was not solely a result of conquest, as many local populations voluntarily embraced Greek culture for social and economic advancement, especially in urban centers. The influence of Hellenization extended across the Mediterranean and Near East, shaping governance, religion, and intellectual life, and it continued to impact regions even after the fall of the Hellenistic kingdoms, notably influencing the development of Roman and later Christian culture.
Paganism
Paganism is a broad spiritual tradition characterized by a reverence for nature and the belief in a divine presence manifest within the natural world. It encompasses a wide spectrum of beliefs and practices, often involving polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, or animism, and emphasizes a personal, non-authoritarian relationship with the divine.
Modern Pagans typically view the cycles of nature as sacred and spiritual, celebrating these rhythms through seasonal festivals and rituals. The term originally referred to non-Christians in the Roman Empire and was used pejoratively by early Christians, but it has since been reclaimed by practitioners who identify with various nature-based, often polytheistic, spiritual paths.
Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great, born Alexander III of Macedon on 20 or 21 July 356 BC in Pella, the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Macedon, was the king of Macedon from 336 BC until his death in 323 BC. He was the son of King Philip II of Macedon and Queen Olympias of Epirus, and he was tutored by the philosopher Aristotle during his youth. Alexander succeeded his father at the age of 20 and quickly consolidated his power, reasserting Macedonian control over Greece and launching a campaign against the Achaemenid Persian Empire in 334 BC. He achieved a series of decisive victories, including at Issus and Gaugamela, ultimately conquering the Persian Empire and extending his dominion from Greece and Egypt to the Indus River in India, creating one of the largest empires in history.
Martin Luther’s Bible translation
Martin Luther’s Bible translation was a German-language version of the Bible produced by the Protestant reformer Martin Luther, beginning with the New Testament in 1522 and completed as a full Bible in 1534. It was one of the first complete German Bibles translated directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts, rather than from the Latin Vulgate, which had been the standard for centuries. Luther’s work was based on Erasmus’s second edition of the Greek New Testament (1519), which provided a critical text and philological annotations that influenced his translation.
Latin Vulgate
The Latin Vulgate is a late-4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, largely the work of Saint Jerome, who was commissioned by Pope Damasus I in 382 to revise the existing Latin translations of the Gospels. Jerome’s task began with revising the Vetus Latina Gospels using the best available Greek manuscripts, and he later extended his work to translate most of the Old Testament directly from the Hebrew, while also translating certain books like Tobit and Judith from Aramaic and the additions to Daniel and Esther from Greek sources. The Vulgate became progressively adopted as the standard Bible text within the Western Church, eventually eclipsing the earlier Vetus Latina versions, and by the 13th century was known as the versio vulgata, meaning the “commonly used version”.
