CAN WE TRUST THE APOCRYPHA?

By Jonathan Brown

Introduction

The Apocrypha is a collection of Jewish writings that were not included in the Hebrew Bible (what most believers today call the “Old Testament”). These books were written in Greek, and were composed during the Hellenistic period. But for most Christians today, the Apocrypha is still a bit of a mystery. Most believers are aware that it was “left out” of the canon (some would also argue it was removed), but what does that really mean? Further, why should believers today care about what the Apocrypha has to say, especially if it isn’t canonical anyway? 

The Apocrypha and The Reformation

Protestant Christianity has its origin in the Reformation movement of the 16th century. One of the primary goals of this movement was to return to the teachings of the Bible and reject any non-biblical teachings or practices. The term “protestant” refers to protesting against certain practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church. This goal of returning to a primacy of Scripture is why Protestant Christians do not accept the Apocrypha as part of the biblical canon. The reason for this is that early Church believers eventually came to recognize certain books as canonical and others as secondary, and the latter of these includes the Apocrypha. However, understanding the Apocrypha is still important for Protestant Christians because it provides historical context, sheds light on Jewish culture and theology, and deepens our understanding of the New Testament.

The Books of the Apocrypha

The Apocrypha includes a diverse collection of writings, including historical narratives, wisdom literature, and even prophetic and apocalyptic literature. Some of the most well-known books in the Apocrypha are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees.

Some of the historical books of the Apocrypha can provide valuable insights into the political and social contexts of the intertestamental period. The book of 1 Maccabees, for example, tells the story of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the subsequent rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem. This historical account can help Christians to better understand the roots of the festival of dedication, aka Hanukkah, and to some degree even some of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In addition to historical and prophetic books, the Apocrypha also contains a number of books that focus on the lives of specific individuals. The book of Esther, for example, is already found in the Hebrew Bible. It tells the story of a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia and uses her position to save her people from a plot to exterminate them. In the Greek text of the Apocrypha however, there are additional sections of Esther that highlight the faith of Mordechai and Esther. Many scholars have noted that the Hebrew text of Esther, conspicuously, lacks references to faithful and righteous living in accordance with God’s design, and further lacks direct references to the Lord at all. These additional sections in Greek, however, smooth these passages out a bit. For example, one of the additions relates how Mordechai was given a dream from God. Another addition includes two direct prayers, one from Mordechai and one from Esther, for the Lord’s help in their situation. 

Another Apocryphal book is the book of Baruch, which focuses on the life of the prophet Jeremiah and contains a number of prayers and lamentations that can be helpful for Christians who are struggling with their faith.

Themes of the Apocrypha 

One of the main themes found in the Apocrypha is the struggle between good and evil. This is particularly evident in the book of Tobit, which tells the story of a righteous man named Tobit who is persecuted by an evil spirit. Tobit remains faithful to God despite his trials, and is eventually rewarded with the restoration of his sight (as he had become blind) and the banishment of the evil spirit. This theme of perseverance in the face of evil is also present in the book of Judith, which tells the story of a brave Jewish woman who saves her people from an invading army through her faith in God.

Another important theme in the Apocrypha is that of wisdom. The book of Wisdom (of Solomon), for example, emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, and understanding as a means of attaining righteousness. The book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, contains a wealth of practical advice on how to live a virtuous life. This emphasis on wisdom and practical advice can be supplemental to the wisdom we find in the Biblical canon, and can be helpful for Christians who are looking for guidance in their daily lives.

The Importance of Understanding the Apocrypha

While the Apocrypha may not be considered canonical by all Christian traditions, it is still important for Christians to understand these books. The Apocrypha can provide valuable insights into the historical and social contexts of the intertestamental period, as well as offer practical advice on how to live a virtuous life. Additionally, the themes of perseverance in the face of evil and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding are universal truths.

Furthermore, the Apocrypha provides valuable insights into Jewish culture and theology. These books contain stories, prayers, and teachings that were important to the Jewish people during the Second Temple era. They provide us with a window into the beliefs and practices of the Jewish people during this period, including their beliefs about angels, demons, and the afterlife. For example, the Book of Tobit, one of the books in the Apocrypha, provides valuable insights into Jewish burial practices and the importance of honoring one's ancestors.

The Apocrypha also deepens our understanding of the New Testament. Many of the themes and ideas found in the Apocrypha are echoed in the New Testament. There are even numerous quotes and allusions to apocryphal books found in the New Testament. For example, Yeshua (Jesus)’s reference to the seed that fell on rocky ground not producing (Mark 4:5) is a sentiment echoed from Sirach 40:15. Wisdom of Solomon 9:1 says that all things were made by the Word, which is repeated in John 1. In fact, there are many similarities between Wisdom and John’s Gospel. Hebrews 11:35 refers to women who were tortured for their faith, a scene played out in 2 Maccabees 7. 2 Peter 2:7 refers to Lot, Abraham’s nephew, as righteous. But Genesis 19, which is the original reference, does not state that Lot is righteous, only that Lot was saved from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Wisdom 10:6, however, refers to him as a righteous man. Revelation 1:4 refers to the “seven spirits of God” and Tobit 12:15 states that the angel, Raphael, is one of the seven angels who stands before the Lord. Additionally in Revelation, specifically in chapter 21, the depiction of Jerusalem being built with gold and precious stones is found in a prophetic text of Tobit 13:16-17.

The point is not that these references and allusions prove the Apocryphal books should be utilized as canonical Scripture. After all, the Apostle Paul also quoted a few pagan Greek philosophers, too, and the simple quotation itself does not make them Scripture! (cf. Acts 17:28; Titus 1:12) However, understanding these connections can help us to better understand the New Testament and the early Christian church.

Finally, the Apocrypha can also be helpful for Christians who are seeking to engage in interfaith dialogue with members of other Christian traditions. The books of the Apocrypha are considered canonical by the Catholic and Orthodox Christian Churches, and gaining familiarity with them can therefore provide points of commonality for dialogue and understanding.

As Christians, we believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and that it is our ultimate authority for faith and practice. The Bible - as we call it today - is comprised of 66 books, no more and no less. However, studying the Apocrypha can help us to better understand the books of Scripture, as well as the development of Jewish thought, and the influence that had on the early Christian church.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Apocrypha contains a wealth of valuable insights and themes that can be helpful for Christians in a variety of contexts. Whether one considers these books to be canonical or not, they offer important historical and theological insights that can deepen one's understanding of the Bible and the Christian faith. By studying the Apocrypha, Christians can gain a better understanding of the historical and social contexts of the intertestamental period, as well as receive practical advice on how to live a more virtuous life. Additionally, the Apocrypha can help Christians to better understand the development of the canon of Scripture and engage in interfaith dialogue with members of other religious traditions.