I. Introduction
II. Biblical References to Non-Canonical Texts: A list of books, prophecies, and names mentioned in the Bible but not found in the canonical books.
III. Why the Apocrypha Was Excluded from the Canon: An examination of the reasons behind the exclusion of Apocryphal books from the biblical canon.
IV. The Apocryphal Books: A Catalogue: A comprehensive list of the Apocryphal books.
V. Observations and Insights.
——————————————————————
Introduction
The Bible references several non-canonical books that provide historical context, Jewish traditions, and records of events mentioned in Scripture. Although these books weren’t canonized, they were cited as reliable historical sources. 50 Most Popular Bible Verses KJV
There are several reasons why these books weren’t included in the biblical canon:
– They contain teachings that contradict other canonical books.
– Their authors didn’t claim divine inspiration.
– The Jewish community didn’t accept them as Scripture, but rather as historical documents.
– They contain historical inaccuracies, which compromise their reliability.
However, referencing these non-canonical books doesn’t undermine the authority of the biblical canon. Similarly, the Bible quotes Satan, but that doesn’t invalidate its authority. The inclusion of these references serves to provide context and illustrate the biblical narrative, rather than endorsing the referenced books as canonical.
Biblical References to Non-Canonical Texts: A list of books, prophecies, and names mentioned in the Bible but not found in the canonical books. THE IMPORTANCE OF WORDS
Book of the Wars
Numbers 21:14 Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon,
Book of Jasher
Joshua 10:13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
Book of the acts of Solomon
1 Kings 11:41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon?
Book of Nathan
1 Chronicles 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
2 Chronicles 9:29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
Book of Gad the seer
1 Chronicles 29:29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer,
Book of Shemaiah
2 Chronicles 12:15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.
Book of Jehu
2 Chronicles 20:34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
Book of the records
Ezra 4:15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.
Esther 6:1 On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.
The Prophecy of Enoch
Jude 1:14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
Jud 1:15 To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Jannes and Jambres
2 Timothy 3:8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
Jannes and Jambres are mentioned in the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:8) as two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses.
They are also mentioned in several Apocryphal books, including:
1. The Book of Jasher (Chapter 79): This book provides a detailed account of Jannes and Jambres’ magical feats and their opposition to Moses.
2. The Targum of Jonathan (Exodus 1:15, 7:10-12): This ancient Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible mentions Jannes and Jambres as the two Egyptian magicians who confronted Moses.
3. The Talmud (Menachot 85a): This Jewish text mentions Jannes and Jambres as the two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses.
4. The Book of Jubilees (48:1-4): This Apocryphal book mentions Jannes and Jambres as the two Egyptian magicians who sought to replicate the miracles performed by Moses.
These Apocryphal books provide additional background information on Jannes and Jambres, but it’s essential to note that their historical accuracy and canonical status are subject to debate.
Why the Apocrypha Was Excluded from the Canon: An examination of the reasons behind the exclusion of Apocryphal books from the biblical canon.
The Apocryphal books were not canonized for several reasons:
1. Lack of divine inspiration: The authors of the Apocryphal books did not claim to be writing under divine inspiration, unlike the authors of the canonical books.
2. Late composition: Many Apocryphal books were written after the time of the Old Testament prophets, which raised questions about their authority and relevance.
3. Contradictions with canonical books: Some Apocryphal books contained teachings or accounts that contradicted the canonical books, which led to concerns about their accuracy and reliability.
4. Lack of acceptance by the Jewish community: The Apocryphal books were not widely accepted as authoritative by the Jewish community, which was an important consideration for the early Christian church.
5. Historical inaccuracies: Some Apocryphal books contained historical errors or inaccuracies, which undermined their credibility.
6. Inconsistent theology: The Apocryphal books often presented inconsistent or conflicting theological ideas, which made it difficult to integrate them into the canonical narrative.
7. Absence from the Hebrew Bible: The Apocryphal books were not included in the Hebrew Bible, which was the primary source of Scripture for the early Christian church.
These factors contributed to the decision not to include the Apocryphal books in the canonical Bible. However, many of these books are still considered valuable for historical and cultural insights, and are studied by scholars and theologians today.
The Apocryphal Books: A Catalogue: A comprehensive list of the Apocryphal books.
Old Testament Apocrypha:
1. Tobit: A story about a pious Israelite named Tobit.
2. Judith: A story about a brave Jewish widow named Judith.
3. Additions to Esther: Six additional chapters added to the book of Esther.
4. Wisdom of Solomon: A collection of wisdom teachings attributed to King Solomon.
5. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach): A collection of wisdom teachings.
6. Baruch: A prophetic book attributed to Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe.
7. Letter of Jeremiah: A letter attributed to Jeremiah, warning against idolatry.
8. 1 Maccabees: A historical account of the Maccabean Revolt.
9. 2 Maccabees: A continuation of 1 Maccabees.
10. 3 Maccabees: A story about the persecution of Jews in Egypt.
11. 4 Maccabees: A philosophical treatise on the nature of reason and faith.
New Testament Apocrypha:
1. Protevangelium of James: A story about the birth and childhood of Mary.
2. Gospel of Peter: A gospel account that differs from the canonical gospels.
3. Gospel of Thomas: A collection of sayings attributed to Jesus.
4. Gospel of Philip: A gospel account that emphasizes the role of Mary Magdalene.
5. Gospel of Judas: A gospel account that portrays Judas as a hero.
6. Acts of Paul and Thecla: A story about the missionary journeys of Paul.
7. Apocalypse of Peter: A vision of the end times attributed to Peter.
8. Epistle of Barnabas: A letter attributed to Barnabas, discussing the relationship between Christians and Jews.
9. Shepherd of Hermas: A collection of visions and teachings attributed to Hermas.
10. 1 Clement: A letter attributed to Clement, discussing church governance and doctrine.
Other Apocryphal Books:
1. Book of Enoch: A collection of apocalyptic writings attributed to Enoch.
2. Book of Jubilees: A retelling of Genesis and Exodus, with additional material.
3. Book of Jasher: A collection of stories and legends about the patriarchs.
4. Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs: A collection of farewell speeches attributed to the twelve sons of Jacob.
5. Sibylline Oracles: A collection of prophecies attributed to the Sibyls.
6. Sixth and Seventh Book of Moses: are actually a collection of magical and mystical texts that were likely compiled in the 18th or 19th century. They contain a mix of Jewish mysticism, folk magic, and occultism, and are not recognized as authoritative or inspired texts by Jewish or Christian traditions.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other Apocryphal books not included here.
Observations and Insights.
It’s crucial to remember that God promised to preserve His Word, which we have in the King James Bible today. While non-canonical texts, such as the Apocrypha or Pseudepigrapha, may offer historical context and insights into Jewish culture, they contain errors and theological issues. Churches that consider these texts scripture often adopt occult practices and beliefs contradicting Jesus Christ’s teachings. These practices may include praying for the dead, merit-based salvation, purgatory, sorcery, veneration of the dead, sacrifices for the dead, and idolatry. Be cautious if your Pastor begins to stray from biblical teachings, as this may lead to introducing false doctrines and idols.
Compiled by Akande Happy
9-3-2025
