Can We Count on the Bible? (3) Is the Apocrypha to be Accepted as Canon?

Can We Count on the Bible? (3)

Is the Apocrypha to be Accepted as Canon?

In Our Study We Have…• Appealed to the inspiration of

scriptures (2 Tim. 3:16,17, 2 Pet. 1:19-22, etc.)• Established the 39 books we have

(which correspond with the 24 books of the Jewish Bible) as accepted by Jesus and NT writers (Luke 24:44, Matt. 23:35, “Thus says the Lord”, etc.)

Respecting God’s Boundaries• In the Old TestamentDeut. 4:1-3, 12:32Prov. 30:5-6• In the New Testament

Gal. 1:6-9, 1 Cor. 4:6-7, 2 John 9, Rev. 22:18-19• These verses consistent with

God’s expectations

Does the Apocrypha belong in this context?

The Apocrypha• From a Greek word meaning,

“hidden”.• “1. a group of 14 books, not

considered canonical, included in the Septuagint and the Vulgate as part of the Old Testament, but usually omitted from Protestant editions of the Bible…

Random House Dictionary

The Apocrypha

• “… 2. Various religious writings of uncertain origin regarded by some as inspired, but rejected by most authorities.”

Random House Dictionary

The Apocrypha• Sometimes called “deuterocanonical

books” or (2nd canon) [By those who consider it inspired].• Consists of works written after Malachi

and before the time of Christ. Most date around the 2nd century BC • They contain some intertestamental

history, account of Biblical and extra-Biblical characters, etc.

The Apocrypha• Was not officially recognized an Canon

by the Catholic church until 1546 during the 4th session of the Council of Trent ( a series of 25 sessions from 1545-1563 which met to counter the reformation movement). During this session, the Council also decreed church tradition to be equal with scriptures and the rule of faith.

Why We Reject the Apocrypha

• The books did NOT meet the High standard of inspiration of accepted books of the Old Testament 1)Written by known prophets; 2)Accompanied with wonders that verified; 3)Consistent with overall message of scripture (cf. Deut. 13:1-3)


• Jewish scholars in general rejected the apocrypha by end of 1st century A.D. To them was given the oracles of God Rom. 3:1-2


• None of the apocryphal books claim inspirations. In other words, some men at some point gave them that consideration. Contrast this with the Old & New Testaments


• Apocryphal books were written in Greek. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew (with some portions in Aramaic). Hebrew was the language of Moses & the prophets. Thus out of character with the Old Testament


• Not canonized until 1546 at Council of TrentWhy did it take more than 1500 years to recognize books as inspired (some recognition before, but not consistent)?


• NOTE: Why Canonize them in 1546• To counter doctrinal teachings questioned

by reformers.• Prayers for the dead – 2 Mac. 12:39-46• Purgatory – 2 Mac. 12• Salvation by alms giving – Eccl. 3:30,

Tobit 12• Practice of magic spells – Tobit. 6:5-8• Saints in heaven interceding – 2 Mac.

15:11-14, cf. Heb. 4:14-16


• There are historical and internal inaccuracies • The Apocrypha is NEVER quoted

by Jesus or NT writers!Considering these reasons, the

Apocrypha ought to be rejected!

Defense for Apocrypha Examined

• Supposed passages in NT are quoted from Apocrypha, cf. Heb. 11:35 is referred to in 2 Mac. 7• All such passages are vague and

not direct quotes. Furthermore, examples of fulfillment can be found in OT.


• The LXX contains the apocrypha• The LXX (Septuagint) documents we

have were written after 4th century AD. Could have been added as copied (we only have “Christian” copies)Also no consistency in which books are added to copies.


• The LXX contains the apocrypha& Jesus quoted from the LXX• Yes, Jesus and others quoted from

the LXX, BUT THEY NEVER QUOTED the apocrypha! That is an indictment AGAINST IT!


• Dead Sea Scrolls quote or contain the apocrypha• Dead Sea Scrolls contain many

volumes from secular sources. It was a preserved library. Does not validate the apocrypha as Canon


• Other early documents quote or contain the apocrypha, including some “church fathers”• Some “church fathers” (Augustine,

etc.) believed the apocrypha belonged. MANY “church fathers” rejected the apocrypha outright (Jerome, Origen, etc.)


• The original KJV contained the apocrypha.•While it was included in the book,

it was treated as an appendix or supplement, NOT as the Canon.

Truly what we have IS the word of God!

We do NOT need the Apocrypha

Let us accept only that which we KNOW to be from God!

Can We Count on the Bible? (3) Is the Apocrypha to be Accepted as Canon?

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