The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient books that are included in some versions of the Bible but omitted from others. These books are primarily found in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles, but they are not considered part of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant canon.
In this topic, we will explore the books of the Apocrypha in order, their significance, and why they are included in some Christian traditions but not others.
What Is the Apocrypha?
The term Apocrypha means “hidden” or “secret” in Greek. These books were written during the intertestamental period (the time between the Old and New Testaments) and were originally included in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
While the Catholic and Orthodox churches consider these books deuterocanonical (meaning “second canon”), Protestants reject them as non-canonical. However, many scholars study the Apocrypha for its historical, cultural, and religious insights.
List of the Apocryphal Books in Order
The Apocryphal books are arranged differently depending on the tradition, but here is the common order found in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles:
1. Tobit
This book tells the story of Tobit, a righteous Jew, who is blinded and later healed by his son, Tobias, with the help of the archangel Raphael. It teaches themes of faith, marriage, and charity.
2. Judith
A dramatic story about Judith, a brave Jewish widow who assassinates the Assyrian general Holofernes to save her people. It highlights faith, courage, and God’s deliverance.
3. Additions to Esther
These are extra passages not found in the Hebrew version of Esther. They include prayers, visions, and letters that emphasize God’s role in delivering the Jews.
4. Wisdom of Solomon (Book of Wisdom)
This book, often attributed to King Solomon, discusses the virtues of wisdom, righteousness, and justice. It contrasts the lives of the righteous and the wicked.
5. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Written by Ben Sira, this book contains practical ethical teachings on wisdom, humility, and proper conduct. It is similar to the Book of Proverbs.
6. Baruch
Attributed to Baruch, the scribe of the prophet Jeremiah, this book encourages the Israelites to repent and trust in God’s mercy. It includes a famous prayer for wisdom.
7. Letter of Jeremiah
Often included as chapter 6 of Baruch, this letter warns Jews about the dangers of idolatry and the futility of worshiping false gods.
8. Additions to Daniel
These are extra sections not found in the Hebrew Book of Daniel:
- The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Holy Children (a hymn sung by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace).
- Susanna (a story of a virtuous woman falsely accused of adultery, proving God’s justice).
- Bel and the Dragon (an account of Daniel exposing false idol worship in Babylon).
9. 1 Maccabees
This historical book details the Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BCE) against Greek oppression. It highlights heroism, faith, and the struggle for religious freedom.
10. 2 Maccabees
A theological expansion of 1 Maccabees, this book emphasizes martyrdom, resurrection, and divine intervention. It includes the famous story of the Jewish mother and her seven sons who were tortured for refusing to eat pork.
Books Found in the Eastern Orthodox Canon
In addition to the books listed above, the Eastern Orthodox Church includes these additional books in its Apocrypha:
11. 3 Maccabees
A historical account of Jewish persecution in Egypt under Ptolemy IV, but not directly related to the Maccabean Revolt.
12. 4 Maccabees
A philosophical discussion on reason over passion, using examples of Jewish martyrs who remained faithful under persecution.
13. Psalm 151
An extra Psalm attributed to King David, celebrating his victory over Goliath.
14. Prayer of Manasseh
A short prayer of repentance attributed to King Manasseh of Judah, asking for God’s forgiveness.
Why Are These Books Considered Apocryphal?
1. Jewish Canon Exclusion
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) does not include the Apocrypha because Jewish scholars, by the end of the 1st century CE, considered only books written in Hebrew or Aramaic to be Scripture. Most of the Apocrypha were written in Greek.
2. Protestant Reformation
During the Reformation (16th century), Protestant leaders like Martin Luther rejected the Apocrypha because:
- They were not part of the Hebrew Bible.
- They were seen as historical rather than divinely inspired.
- They contained doctrines not aligned with Protestant beliefs, such as prayers for the dead (found in 2 Maccabees 12:44-46).
3. Catholic and Orthodox Acceptance
The Catholic Church, at the Council of Trent (1546), officially recognized the Apocrypha as deuterocanonical, affirming its role in Scripture. The Eastern Orthodox Church also accepts these books, including additional texts.
Importance of the Apocrypha Today
Even though the Apocrypha is debated, it holds historical, theological, and literary value:
- Historical Insight – Books like Maccabees provide key details on the Jewish struggle against Greek rule, influencing Jewish traditions like Hanukkah.
- Moral and Ethical Teachings – Books like Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach offer wisdom literature, similar to Proverbs and Ecclesiastes.
- Christian Doctrines – Some theological ideas, like prayers for the dead and resurrection, are referenced in these books.
The Apocrypha consists of several ancient books that hold a significant place in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity but are excluded from Protestant and Jewish canons. These books provide historical records, moral teachings, and theological insights that continue to be studied today.
The books of the Apocrypha in order include:
- Tobit
- Judith
- Additions to Esther
- Wisdom of Solomon
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
- Baruch
- Letter of Jeremiah
- Additions to Daniel
- 1 Maccabees
- 2 Maccabees
(Plus additional books in Eastern Orthodox Christianity, such as 3 & 4 Maccabees, Psalm 151, and the Prayer of Manasseh).
Whether viewed as Scripture or historical writings, the Apocrypha continues to be a fascinating and important collection of texts in Christian and Jewish traditions.