Original collection
Apocrypha The apocrypha means something hidden or covered. These books were written around 200 BC to 100 AD. The Roman Catholic Church accepts these Old Testament era books. These books are placed between Malachi and Matthew.
There are several reasons the Roman Catholic Church accepts these books. Among the reasons are:
Historical in nature
Seem to be accurate accounts
Appear to be genuine
Contain no major contradictions with the Bible
They contain hints at purgatory and giving alms to atone for sin
The books in the Catholic Bible are: 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Judith, Esther 10:4 – 16:24, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch, Daniel 3:24-90, 13-14, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Letter of Jeremiah, Tobit.
The non-canonical books have many problems within themselves. They do have historical information that is of value to the inter-testament period.
H. S. Miller, in his book, General Biblical Introduction, lists a number of reasons these books were rejected.
It is understood by almost everyone that they never appeared in the Hebrew canon. The Jews never recognized them as part of Scripture.
Neither Christ, the apostles, nor any other writer, quoted from them or referred to them in the NT.
Josephus rejected them.
Philo, a Jewish philosopher from Alexandria wrote much about the Old Testament. He quoted from much of the OT but never quoted, or even mentioned any of the apocryphal books.
The apocryphal books are not included in any list of OT books within the first four centuries AD.
Jerome (347-419) stood solidly for the Hebrew canon and opposed the apocrypha.
The books contain some absurdities.
They contain some errors in geography and history.
Inspiration is not claimed by any of the authors.
The books were not held as canonical until the Council of Trent in 1546 added them to the canon and condemned anyone who disagreed.
They contain no doctrine or prophecy.
Most of these books do not mention God.
There is one brief mention of someone praying for their dead relative that their sins would be forgiven. This is the basis for the doctrine of “purgatory.” There is also a reference to giving alms to atone for sin.
While these books are not inspired, we must recognize their historical value. They help us understand the times, the struggles of the Jews, and the changes that we see in place in the NT.
Key KJV Scriptures:
Luke 24:44; Romans 3:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Key KJV Scriptures: Full Text
6 indexed verses · Showing 1–6. Read each passage in its chapter context.
Luke 24:44 (KJV)
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
Romans 3:1 (KJV)
What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
Romans 3:2 (KJV)
Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:17 (KJV)
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.