It is estimated that the Bible consists of more than 80 books. Of these, 73 are included in a standard Protestant bible, 46 in an Orthodox Old Testament, and a few other in Catholics versions – making up to a total of 80 books. But what about the 14 books missing from the Bible? This article will examine the reason why these 14 books were removed from the Bible, and review the different perspectives on the topic so as to educate and engage the reader on the idea of this removed books.
Geography and History
Generally, these books are named as the “Apocrypha”. Apocrypha means “hidden”, and these books were part of the original Greek translation of the Old Testament. Even though Cyril of Alexandria, 4th century Egyptian theologian, declared these books part of the Bible, and quoted them as source, other Christian churches had other ideas in mind. Luther, the initiator of Reformation did not count these books as part of the Bible and started to translate the books and removed them from the Bible. Protestant communities questioned the reliability of these books as these books had no apparent reference in the Hebrew Bible. The geography and cultural context of the Apocrypha presents a strong support for the argument that these books constitute reliable source of Old Testament history.
Themes and Messages in Apocrypha
The tone and content of Apocrypha provides a compelling evidence on why these books were removed. These books don’t directly talk about the prophecies and promises of Jesus Christ, which makes them irrelevant for the Protestants. There are also other themes that are highlighted in these books, for example, the veneration of dead saints, no mentionable sacrifice of Christ, worship through money and political strengths. These books also focus on some lessons from Old Testament such as the necessity to lead a holy life, prayer and need for discrimination. Though the books have a few good messages and lessons to be learned, it is still understandable why Protestants deleted these books from the Bible.
Perspectives on Apocrypha by Different Churches
Different churches have different perspectives on Apocrypha – and, this ultimately is the major source of the remaining 14 books being removed from the Bible. Protestants don’t consider Apocrypha to be part of the inspired Scripture, while Catholics and Orthodox generally accept these books as the Word of God. Orthodox even declare that these books are an untouchable part of the Bible and don’t recommend debating these books with other denominations.
Related Writings
Apart from Apocrypha, there are other related writings that are known as Pseudepigrapha. This is a term used for several writings that are composed from the time from Old Testament till the 1st century CE by Jews.These books have titles such as Life Of Adam and Eve, Book Of Enoch etc. Even though Pseudepigrapha texts have interesting information about the time of Old Testament, these books were never considered by any Church to be part of the Bible.
Flaws in the Authorship
The only definite way to judge a book to be part of the Bible is to trace its authorship. But, these books Apocrypha, couldn’t pass the authorship criteria as many of these books did not have definite authorship. For example the book of Judith did not have a definite author or source.This is why these books were not been accepted as source in the Bible.
Lack of Inspiration and Revelation
The major and primary reason why these books were rejected by Protestants churches is the lack of inspiration that these books convey. As Protestants believe that the Bible is completely inspired and revelatory in nature, that is why most of the churches removing these books from the Bible for lack of inspiration. The books in question are written by authors who did not have direct contact and authority from God to write holy and divine books.
Consideration and Reappearance of Apocrypha
After the 16th century Reformation, an interest was rekindled and more people started to read Apocrypha as part of the Bible. During the 19th and 20th centuries, some denominations, for example Anglican Church, consider these books to convey hidden truth and useful religious lessons though subtle in nature. Latter Protestant communities also welcomed these books in their Bible and started to include them, though some disagreement remains.
Excemption From Canonicity
In the classical Protestant view, the Apocrypha was exempted from the Old Testament canon. Many argued that Apocrypha was not determined to be accepted by Jewish councils as part of their Bible as well. Furthermore, some believe that the Apocrapha remained as part of the Old Testament to preserve the memory of the Septuagint. The decision of the separation of these books from canonical Scripture was made with the approval of the Catholic Church.
Modern Interpretations
Nowadays, we can find some Protestant churches allowing Apocrypha to be studied as part of their Bible. Different interpretations exist on why these books were removed – for example, some believe that Apocrypha was meant to be for instruction and for practical guidance about God’s word. These arguments have led to a greater appreciation for learning and studying Apocrypha.
Conclusion of the Debate
Overall, the debate about the inclusion of the Apocrypha of to the Bible has existed for some time. Protestants don’t accept these books as part of inspiration, while the Orthodox and Catholic churches do. Different denominations have their own view on why these 14 books were removed and what it means for interpreting the Bible. Ultimately, it is up to the individual religious community to decide on the relevance of Apocrypha for their faith.
