Throughout Christian history, few topics have sparked as much debate as the Apocrypha. These books, written primarily between the Old and New Testaments, are included in some versions of the Bible but omitted from others. For many modern readers, the Apocrypha is a mysterious collection—sometimes viewed with suspicion, sometimes with curiosity. Should Christians read the Apocrypha?
What is the Apocrypha?
The term “Apocrypha” comes from a Greek word meaning “hidden” or “secret.” In the context of the Bible, it refers to a collection of ancient Jewish writings that are included in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) but not in the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which forms the basis for most Protestant Old Testaments. The Apocrypha typically includes books such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additions to Esther and Daniel, among others.
These books were written during the intertestamental period, roughly between 400 BC and the birth of Christ—a time when, according to most Protestant traditions, prophecy had ceased. The Apocrypha bridges the historical and cultural gap between the Old and New Testaments, providing insight into Jewish life, struggles, and beliefs during this often-overlooked era.
The Apocrypha in Christian Traditions
Different branches of Christianity hold varying views on the status and authority of the Apocrypha. In the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, many of these books are considered “Deuterocanonical”—that is, belonging to a “second canon” and included in the Old Testament. For Catholics, the Council of Trent (1546) formally affirmed the inclusion of most Apocryphal books in the canon, and they appear in Catholic Bibles to this day.
The Eastern Orthodox Church includes most of the same books and, in some cases, additional texts not found in the Catholic canon. Conversely, most Protestant traditions, following the lead of figures like Martin Luther, do not accept these books as canonical Scripture. The 39 books of the Hebrew Bible—and no more—form the core of the Protestant Old Testament.
However, some early Protestant Bibles, including the original King James Version (1611), contained the Apocrypha in a separate section, recognizing their value for reading and instruction, though not for establishing doctrine.
What’s in the Apocrypha? Themes and Content
The Apocrypha covers a diverse range of genres and themes. Some books, like 1 and 2 Maccabees, provide valuable historical accounts of Jewish resistance against Greek oppression, including the famous story of Hanukkah. Others, like the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach, contain poetic reflections, ethical teachings, and practical wisdom similar to Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. Tobit and Judith are narrative stories that combine elements of folklore, piety, and divine intervention.
Several Apocryphal books also expand upon biblical stories. For example, the additions to Daniel (such as “The Prayer of Azariah” and “Susanna”) offer extra details and prayers that fill out the biblical narrative. These works reflect the spiritual concerns and theological debates of Jews living in a world shaped by Hellenistic culture and later by Roman rule.
Arguments for Reading the Apocrypha
Why might Christians consider reading the Apocrypha? There are several compelling reasons.
First, the Apocrypha gives readers a window into the religious and cultural world of Jesus and the apostles. Many ideas, phrases, and even theological developments found in the New Testament have roots in the intertestamental period. For instance, concepts like bodily resurrection, angels, and the afterlife are more fully developed in the Apocrypha than in much of the Old Testament. Understanding these works can help modern Christians appreciate the context in which early Christianity emerged.
Second, the Apocrypha contains much that is morally and spiritually edifying. Books like Sirach and Wisdom offer practical advice for living wisely and faithfully. Stories like Judith and Tobit inspire courage, perseverance, and trust in God’s providence. While these books might not carry the same weight as canonical Scripture (depending on one’s tradition), they can still encourage and instruct readers in spiritual matters.
Third, the Apocrypha provides valuable historical information. The Maccabean books, in particular, help fill the gap between the Old and New Testaments, explaining the background of Jewish festivals, the rise of new religious parties (like the Pharisees and Sadducees), and the political climate into which Jesus was born.
Finally, reading the Apocrypha can promote Christian unity and mutual understanding. By engaging with texts treasured by other Christian traditions, believers can foster greater appreciation for the diversity—and commonalities—within the broader Christian family.
Arguments Against Reading the Apocrypha
Despite its benefits, there are reasons why some Christians are hesitant or even opposed to reading the Apocrypha.
Most importantly, Protestants traditionally assert that the Apocrypha is not inspired in the same way as the canonical books. The Jewish community did not accept these books as Scripture, and Jesus and the apostles do not quote directly from them as authoritative. For traditions holding to “Sola Scriptura” (Scripture alone), the Apocrypha’s secondary status means it should not be used to establish doctrine or practices.
Additionally, some Apocryphal books contain theological ideas or practices that differ from the teachings of the canonical Scriptures. For example, 2 Maccabees mentions prayers for the dead—a practice not found in the Old Testament and later debated among Christians. For some, these differences are a cause for concern, especially if readers are not discerning about the distinction between canonical and non-canonical writings.
Finally, there is the risk of confusion. For Christians unfamiliar with the history and status of the Apocrypha, reading these books without guidance might lead to misunderstandings about their spiritual authority or message.
How to Read the Apocrypha Wisely
Given these arguments, how should Christians approach the Apocrypha if they choose to read it? The key is discernment. If your tradition does not accept the Apocrypha as Scripture, read these books as valuable historical and religious literature, much like you might read works by early church fathers or classic Christian authors. They can inspire, instruct, and inform—but they should not override the teachings of the canonical Bible.
It can also be helpful to read the Apocrypha with a good study Bible or commentary that explains their historical context, authorship, and reception. This approach allows readers to appreciate their value without confusion about their canonical status.
For those in traditions where the Apocrypha is considered Scripture, these books can be read devotionally, prayerfully, and as part of the church’s spiritual heritage. Nevertheless, careful study is important to understand their unique features and how they complement, rather than contradict, the rest of the Bible.
FAQ: Should Christians Read the Apocrypha?
1. What is the Apocrypha, and which books does it include?
The Apocrypha is a collection of ancient Jewish writings composed primarily between 400 BC and the birth of Christ. These books appear in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) but are not part of the Hebrew Masoretic Text. Common Apocryphal books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additional sections to Esther and Daniel.
2. Why do some Christian traditions include the Apocrypha in their Bibles while others do not?
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions consider many Apocryphal books as “Deuterocanonical,” meaning they are part of a “second canon” and included in their Old Testament. Most Protestant traditions, however, do not accept them as canonical, following the Jewish canon and the example of reformers like Martin Luther. Some early Protestant Bibles, such as the 1611 King James Version, included the Apocrypha in a separate section for reading and instruction but not for doctrine.
3. What kinds of content and themes are found in the Apocrypha?
The Apocrypha contains a wide variety of literary genres and themes. Some books provide historical accounts (like 1 and 2 Maccabees), others offer wisdom literature (Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon), and some are narrative stories (Tobit, Judith) with elements of folklore, piety, and divine intervention. Several books also expand upon biblical stories, adding prayers and details to existing narratives.
4. What are the arguments in favor of reading the Apocrypha?
Proponents argue that the Apocrypha offers valuable insight into Jewish life and thought during the intertestamental period, provides ethical and spiritual instruction, and fills historical gaps between the Old and New Testaments. Reading these books can also foster understanding and unity among Christians of different traditions.
5. Why do some Christians caution against reading the Apocrypha?
Many Protestants believe the Apocrypha is not inspired in the same way as canonical Scripture and caution that it should not be used to establish doctrine or church practices. Some Apocryphal books contain teachings or practices that differ from the rest of the Bible, and reading them without proper guidance may lead to theological confusion or misunderstandings about their authority.
6. If I decide to read the Apocrypha, how should I approach it?
Readers should approach the Apocrypha with discernment, understanding its historical and religious value but recognizing its different status across Christian traditions. Using a study Bible or commentary can provide helpful context. For those in traditions where the Apocrypha is not considered Scripture, treat it as important literature that can inspire and inform, but not override the teachings of the canonical Bible.
