Sarah Mitchell
The number of books in the Catholic Apocrypha has been a topic of debate among Christians for centuries. The term apocrypha means hidden or secret, and these books are considered by some Christians to be non-canonical or not divinely inspired. While the exact number of books in the Catholic Apocrypha is not clear, it is believed that there are at least seven deuterocanonical books, including Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Sirach, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as additions to Esther and Daniel. These books are recognized by the Catholic Church as inspired by God, but some Protestant Christians do not accept them as part of the Bible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of books in the Catholic Apocrypha | 7 |
| Examples of books | Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Sirach, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, Wisdom |
| Other names | Deuterocanonical, Hagiographa, Sacred Writings |
| Status | Not part of Hebrew Bible, only in the Greek version |
| Accepted by | Coptic, Greek and Russian Orthodox churches, Catholic Church |
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What You'll Learn
The seven deuterocanonical books
The term "deuterocanonical" means "of, pertaining to, or constituting a second canon". It was coined in 1566 by the theologian Sixtus of Siena, who had converted to Catholicism from Judaism. The term is used to describe scriptural texts considered canonical by the Catholic Church, but which are considered secondary in importance. For Sixtus, this term included portions of both the Old and New Testaments. The deuterocanonical books are also sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha, a term that means "hidden, secret", coming from the ancient Greek "apokryphos".
The deuterocanonical books have been a source of contention between Protestants and Catholics since the time of the Reformation. Protestants argue that these books are not inspired by God and should be distinguished from the rest of the canon of Scripture. They also point out that the New Testament never quotes from these seven books, indicating that they were not considered authoritative by the authors of the New Testament.
However, the deuterocanonical books were admitted as authentic by several early church councils, including the Council of Rome in 382 CE, the Council of Hippo in 393 CE, and the Third Council of Carthage in 397 CE. They were also included in the Septuagint, which was the Old Testament used by the early Church. Additionally, numerous Church Fathers quoted the deuterocanonical books as Scripture, and they continue to be recognized as inspired Scripture by the Coptic, Greek, and Russian Orthodox churches, in addition to the Catholic Church.
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The Catholic OT Canon
The Catholic Old Testament OT canon includes books that are considered apocrypha by Protestant Christians. These books are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as sections of Esther and Daniel. The Coptic, Greek, and Russian Orthodox churches also recognise these books as inspired by God, and they are included in the Septuagint text of the OT, which was the Bible of the early Church.
The term "apocrypha" comes from the ancient Greek "apokryphos", meaning "hidden" or "secret". The term was first used by the Christian theologian Jerome in the 5th century to refer to ancient Jewish documents written outside the time frame of the Hebrew canon. The Hebrew canon, or the Palestinian Bible, was likely completed by the middle of the 5th century BC, and included the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), the Prophets (further divided into former and latter prophets), and the Writings or Hagiographa (the remaining books of the Hebrew Bible).
The inclusion of these deuterocanonical books in the Catholic OT canon has been a subject of debate among Christians. Some argue that they contain historical inaccuracies and should be rejected. However, others point out that they were recognised as didactic parables, similar to the Book of Jonah, which is accepted as part of the Bible. The debate over the OT canon is not just between Catholics and Protestants, but also involves Orthodox Christians, who recognise a larger canon that includes the deuterocanonical books.
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The Apocrypha's influence on later texts
There are a total of fourteen books in the Catholic Apocrypha, though the specific books included can vary slightly between different traditions and canons. Now, let's discuss the influence of these apocryphal texts on later literature and thought:
The Apocrypha, though not officially recognized as canonical scripture by the Catholic Church, has nevertheless exerted a significant influence on Christian thought and literature throughout history, including both Catholic and Protestant traditions. One of the most significant ways in which the Apocrypha has impacted later texts is by providing additional stories and details that fill in gaps in the canonical Bible. For example, the Apocrypha includes books like 1 Maccabees and Tobit, which provide historical context and elaborate on events that are only briefly mentioned in the Old Testament. These books offered rich narrative material for later authors, who could draw on these stories and expand upon them in their own works.
The Apocrypha also introduced or expanded upon certain theological concepts that would go on to be influential. For instance, the book of Baruch presents a vision of hope and consolation for the Jewish people in exile, while the Wisdom of Solomon explores themes of wisdom and virtue ethics. These ideas would later be echoed and developed by Christian theologians and philosophers. The Apocrypha also played a significant role in shaping the development of eschatology, or beliefs about the end times, with books like 2 Esdras offering vivid descriptions of apocalyptic events.
Beyond its theological influence, the Apocrypha also left its mark on literature and popular culture. The story of Bel and the Dragon from the book of Daniel, for example, provided a humorous and satirical take on idolatry, and may have influenced later satirical works. The lives of the saints and various legends also often drew on apocryphal narratives, incorporating elements of the miraculous and the fantastic. The influence of the Apocrypha can even be seen in works of fantasy and fiction, with authors drawing on its rich mythology and narrative traditions to create new worlds and stories.
Moreover, the Apocrypha has been a key source of inspiration for artists and playwrights throughout the centuries. Stories from the Apocrypha, such as the dramatic lives of Susanna, Judith, and Tobit, have been depicted in countless paintings and sculptures, as well as providing the source material for plays and operas. Shakespeare's "Macbeth," for instance, is believed to have been influenced by the apocryphal story of Macbeth and King Duncan, found in the historian Raphael Holinshed's "Chronicles," which itself drew on apocryphal sources.
Finally, the Apocrypha has played a significant role in shaping religious practices and devotional traditions. The prayers and psalms found in certain apocryphal books, such as the Prayer of Manasseh and the Psalms of Solomon, have been adopted and adapted for use in liturgical traditions. The Apocrypha has also been an important source of comfort and reflection for believers, offering additional wisdom literature and moral teachings that resonate with readers seeking spiritual guidance. In this way, the Apocrypha continues to exert a subtle but profound influence on the spiritual lives of many Christians.
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The Apocrypha's historical value
There are a total of fourteen books in the Catholic Apocrypha, though the specific books included can vary slightly between different traditions and canons. These books are considered to have important historical and cultural value, even if they are not always accepted as part of the canonical Bible.
The Apocrypha has long been recognized for its historical value, offering insights into the social, political, and religious contexts of the ancient world, particularly during the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments. These books provide a window into the development of Jewish thought and the emergence of distinct Christian beliefs and practices. Written between the 2nd century BC and the 1st century AD, the Apocrypha fills in gaps in our understanding of this pivotal era, shedding light on the diverse beliefs and practices that existed alongside the emerging Christian faith.
One of the key historical contributions of the Apocrypha is its portrayal of the Jewish community during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Books like 1 and 2 Maccabees provide valuable accounts of Jewish resistance to foreign domination and the struggle for religious and political autonomy. They offer details about the Maccabean Revolt, the rededication of the Temple, and the Jewish festivals of Hanukkah and Purim, all of which are significant events in Jewish history. Similarly, the books of Tobit and Judith offer glimpses into the lives of pious Jews living under foreign rule, reflecting the social and cultural conditions of the time.
The Apocrypha also provides valuable insights into the emergence and development of early Christian beliefs and practices. Books like the Epistle of Barnabas and the Didache, for example, offer early Christian teachings and instructions, reflecting the beliefs and practices of the early Church. They provide a window into the interpretation and application of Christian doctrine in the centuries immediately following the death of Christ, often addressing issues that were pertinent to the early Christian community, such as ethical conduct, church organization, and the interpretation of Scripture.
Additionally, the Apocrypha includes books that shed light on the diverse literary genres and theological ideas that influenced both Jewish and Christian thought. Books like the Wisdom of Solomon and Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) are wisdom literature, offering ethical teachings and philosophical reflections that reflect the intellectual climate of the time. They provide insights into the ethical concerns and philosophical ideas that shaped the thinking of both Jews and early Christians, often drawing on themes and concepts from Greek philosophy and Middle Eastern wisdom traditions.
In conclusion, the Apocrypha is a valuable collection of texts that enriches our understanding of the historical, cultural, and religious landscape of the ancient world. Through these books, we gain insights into the beliefs, practices, and social contexts of both the Jewish and early Christian communities, filling in gaps in our knowledge and offering a more comprehensive understanding of this pivotal era in religious history.
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The Apocrypha's exclusion from the canon
The Apocrypha, derived from the Greek word "apokryphos", means "hidden, secret". The term was first used by Christian theologian Jerome in the 5th century to refer to ancient Jewish documents written in the late Latin apocryphus. Over the years, the term "Apocrypha" has evolved to refer to books that are not part of the canon of Scripture.
The Apocrypha is a collection of books that are considered by the Catholic Church to be part of the Old Testament. These books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, as well as sections of Esther and Daniel. However, Protestants do not accept these writings as inspired by God and refer to them as the "Apocrypha". This disagreement over the canon of the Old Testament has been a source of contention between Catholics and Protestants.
The Apocrypha was not included in the Hebrew canon of Scripture. The earliest manuscripts containing the Apocrypha date back to the 4th century AD, and there is no evidence that they were part of the Septuagint as early as the time of Christ. Neither Christ nor the apostles quoted from them, in contrast to the frequent quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures. The Apocrypha was also rejected by the Jews as Scripture, who denied their authority and considered only the books of the Old Testament to be divinely inspired.
During the Reformation, the Apocrypha was further excluded from the canon as it was understood that these books were of hidden origin or authorship and contained matters that were questionable and not necessarily in line with the rest of Scripture. The Westminster Confession of 1647, composed during the British Civil Wars, excluded the Apocrypha from the canon, stating that they were not of divine inspiration and were therefore of no authority in the Church of God. This decision influenced English Protestants to begin excluding the Apocrypha from their Bibles.
While the Apocrypha is not considered canonical by Protestants, it is recognized by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, as well as some Coptic, Greek, and Russian Orthodox churches. These churches consider the Apocrypha to be inspired by God and include them in their Bibles.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven books in the Catholic Apocrypha, also known as the Deuterocanon.
The seven books of the Catholic Apocrypha are Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Sirach, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees, and Wisdom.
Yes, in addition to the seven books, there are also sections of Esther and Daniel that are included in the Catholic Apocrypha.
