Apocryphal Writings

Apart from the 66 canonized books of the Christian Bible today are other books which are not considered to be inspired Scripture. These books are called the Apocrypha, which means hidden or concealed. Some scholars believe they should be included and arguments are also made against the canonizing of the Apocrypha. For someone who has little knowledge concerning these books or who has never read any of these books things can become a little confusing. I will attempt to give you my opinions from the things I have read concerning some of these issues.

As I have read through the arguments for canonization, I have felt that the desire for the books to be included would be to approve of certain church doctrines. It does not seem that the books set forth doctrine that has been included in all of Scripture. The 66 canonized books of the Bible have a harmony among them. However, it seems there are contradictory statements in the books of the Apocrypha. There are doctrines that would be at odds with what is taught in the inspired books of the Bible. “In the Protestant Reformation, the question of the canonical status of the Apocrypha became involved in disputes over doctrine. 2 Macc. 12:43-45 was used to support the idea of purgatory and masses for the dead, while Tob. 12:9; Ecclus. 3:30; and 2 Esd. 8:33 claim that good deeds bring merit, counter to Martin Luther’s emphasis upon grace.” (Quote From
Harpers Bible Dictionary, edited by Paul J. Achtemier (San Francisco: Harper and Row, 1985)

The example of salvation by works:

Tobit 12:8-9, 17, It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for alms doth deliver from death, and shall purge away all sin.

Canonized Scripture clearly teaches that God‘s kindness and grace is what saves us from death…

Ephesians 2:4-9 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

But beyond that, in the introduction to Ecclesiasticus, the translator clearly states “My grandfather Jesus, after he had much given himself to a diligent reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books, that were delivered to us from our fathers, had a mind also to write something himself, pertaining to doctrine and wisdom; that such as are desirous to learn, and are made knowing in these things, may be more and more attentive in mind, and be strengthened to live according to the law… found there books left, of no small nor contemptible learning. Therefore I thought it good, and necessary for me to bestow some diligence and labour to interpret this book; and with much watching and study in some space of time, I brought the book to an end, and set it forth for the service of them that are willing to apply their mind, and to learn how they ought to conduct themselves, who purpose to lead their life according to the law of the Lord.” The translator clearly states that it was a family desire to write a book that would help others live a life according to the law. Upon his finding of certain books, which he does not call Scripture or given by God, he decided to translate them because they were beneficial for others to learn how to “lead their life according to the law of the Lord.” (Quote from Prologue to the Book of Ecclesiasticus) Much like someone would write a book today about how to live a Godly life, the translator of the book of Ecclsiasticus’s family desired to help others pursue God. They were not claiming that the books were the law, given by God, or that doctrine should be set by the writings.

There are four internal reasons why the Apocrypha are not considered canonical:

1. They do not claim to be prophetic.
2. They do not come with the authority of God.
3. They contain historical errors and theological heresies.
4. There is an absence of prophecy.
(Taken from Bible Interpretation, Mark Lafler & Dan King, p.28)

It seems to me, based on what I have read, that these books may be of some use for literary purposes and historical purposes. However, because they are not God-breathed, one should be careful when reading. Church doctrine should not be based on these books as there are errors in them and they do not harmonize with the totality of Scripture. Doctrine should be based on the books which are now canonized, not including the Apocrypha. They alone should be the “standard by which all other works are to be judged.” (Quote from Bible Interpretation, Mark Lafler & Dan King, p. 21)