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

2. 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.)

3. Respecting God’s Boundaries In the Old Testament Deut. 4:1-3, 12:32 Prov. 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?

4. 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

5. The Apocrypha “… 2. Various religious writings of uncertain origin regarded by some as inspired, but rejected by most authorities.” Random House Dictionary

6. The Apocrypha Sometimes called “deuterocanonical books” or (2 nd canon) [By those who consider it inspired]. Consists of works written after Malachi and before the time of Christ. Most date around the 2 nd century BC They contain some intertestamental history, account of Biblical and extra- Biblical characters, etc.

7. The Apocrypha Was not officially recognized an Canon by the Catholic church until 1546 during the 4 th 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.

8. 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)

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

10. Why We Reject the Apocrypha 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

11. Why We Reject the Apocrypha 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

12. Why We Reject the Apocrypha Not canonized until 1546 at Council of Trent Why did it take more than 1500 years to recognize books as inspired (some recognition before, but not consistent)?

13. Why We Reject the Apocrypha 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

14. Why We Reject the Apocrypha 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!

15. 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.

16. Defense for Apocrypha Examined The LXX contains the apocrypha The LXX (Septuagint) documents we have were written after 4 th century AD. Could have been added as copied (we only have “Christian” copies) Also no consistency in which books are added to copies.

17. Defense for Apocrypha Examined 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!

18. Defense for Apocrypha Examined 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

19. Defense for Apocrypha Examined 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.)

20. Defense for Apocrypha Examined 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.

21. 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!