APOCRYPHAL DISPUTED?
Why Have the Apocryphal Books Been Disputed?
Before examining the historical and doctrinal questions surrounding the Apocrypha, we must first consider a more foundational issue: authority. The central question is not whether these books contain interesting history, moral instruction, or valuable insight into Jewish thought during the intertestamental period. Rather, the question is how these books should be viewed in relation to divine inspiration and the biblical canon.
Throughout history, many religious writings have been respected, studied, and preserved without being regarded as inspired Scripture. A book may be ancient, influential, and even historically valuable. Yet inspiration is recognized by divine authority, not merely by age, popularity, tradition, or inclusion within a printed collection.
One of the most significant questions surrounding the Apocrypha involves prophetic authority. Throughout the Old Testament, inspired writers repeatedly spoke with certainty. Phrases such as “Thus saith the LORD” and “The word of the LORD came” appear throughout the writings of Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the prophets. These men presented their writings as revelations received from God Himself.
As we examine the Apocrypha, it is worth asking whether these books present themselves in the same way and whether they were recognized by God’s people as possessing that same divine authority. Paul wrote, “Unto them were committed the oracles of God” (Romans 3:2). Jesus likewise referred to “the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms” (Luke 24:44), reflecting the recognized body of sacred writings accepted by the Jewish people.
One of the more interesting statements in this discussion comes from the Apocrypha itself. First Maccabees 9:27 states, “So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.” The writer appears to acknowledge that the prophetic voice had ceased in Israel during that period. Amos had foretold a coming famine “of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8:11). If prophetic revelation had ceased, then an important question naturally follows: by what authority would later writings claim inspiration?
This becomes even more significant when we consider the New Testament. Jesus and the apostles repeatedly quoted from the recognized Old Testament Scriptures. They quoted from Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, Psalms, Daniel, and many other canonical books. Yet there is no clear example of Christ or the apostles quoting the Apocrypha as inspired Scripture with expressions such as “It is written.” Jesus declared, “The scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35), demonstrating the authority attached to inspired revelation.
Early Christian writers also recognized distinctions between the Apocrypha and inspired Scripture. Men such as Jerome questioned their canonicity and distinguished them from the Hebrew Scriptures. Even those who valued these books often stopped short of placing them fully alongside inspired revelation. But, none of this means the Apocrypha is without value. Books such as First Maccabees provide important historical information concerning the period between the Testaments and help us better understand the world into which Christ was born. Yet usefulness and inspiration are not the same thing.
As this series continues, we will carefully examine some of the historical and doctrinal questions surrounding these books. Before examining those details, however, we must first understand the greater issue. Did these books come from God? Jude urged believers to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), reminding Christians of the importance of preserving divine revelation faithfully. That question cannot be answered by popularity, tradition, or modern fascination with “lost books.” It must be answered through careful examination of whether these writings truly bear the marks of divine inspiration and prophetic authority.
Remember, Truth does not fear examination; it demands it.
~ Casey Clement