The King James Bible
The King James Bible, published in 1611, is said to be the most printed book in history. Comprised of 66 books, its contents were decided in the fourth century AD by the First Council of Nicaea, an assembly of bishops in the Eastern Roman Empire. It is the version of the Christian Bible used by the majority of Christians today. However, originally the King James Bible was created with 7 additional books.
Apocrypha
The 7 books referred to as Apocrypha were added to the Bible sometime between 180 and 220 AD and generally referred to as the ‘apocryphal texts’. The term Apocrypha is derived from the Greek language, meaning ‘hidden’ or ‘secret’. Written largely by unknown authors, these texts were never officially sanctioned by the Catholic Church, and were often considered heretical by the Church fathers.
Which Books Were Removed?
The 7 books removed from the King James Bible include 1 and 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch and the Letter of Jeremiah. As well as being removed from the King James Bible, these 7 books were also removed from Protestant Bibles in the 16th century. They remain in Catholic Bibles as ‘deuterocanonical’ books which are of lesser authority than the canon books.
Reasons for Removal
There is no definitive answer as to why the 7 books were removed from the Bible, although there are several theories. One theory is that the books didn’t have the stamp of approval from Jesus or the apostles, and therefore were removed from the Bible. Another theory is that the contents of the books didn’t fit in with long-held Christian beliefs, particularly about the authority of Jesus. The books also do not appear in early versions of the Bible, such as the Septuagint.
Effect of Removal
The books of Apocrypha which were removed from the Bible are not entirely lost. The stories are often referenced in modern Christian theology and remain influential in Christian thought. They also remain an integral part of Catholic belief, despite not appearing in Protestant Bibles.
Differing Interpretations
Though many modern scholars view Apocrypha as interesting additions to the Bible, they were never intended to form an essential part of the New Testament. This is further developed in modern biblical scholarship, which views the Apocrypha through a different lens. Modern scholars are often less-concerned with religious authority and more focused on a wide range of meanings found in the original texts.
The Debate Continues
The debate about the Apocrypha has been going on for centuries, and will likely continue for as long as there is disagreement about what constitutes divine revelation. However it’s clear that the debate about these 7 books will continue well into the future, as both sides are passionate about their beliefs.
Theological Implications
The removal of the 7 books of Apocrypha from the Bible has had a profound impact on the way Christianity is practiced throughout the world. Not only has it affected the way people interpret scripture, it has also had a significant influence on Christian theology. Most Christian denominations place heavy emphasis on the importance of the Bible, and its authority. As a result, the removal of the 7 books of Apocrypha has affected the way people think and practice their faith.
Missed Opportunities
The removal of the 7 books of Apocrypha has caused many to miss out on an opportunity to gain insight into the spiritual and cultural riches found in the texts. The stories and characters included in these books are often overlooked in favour of other passages, leaving many Christian readers unaware of the potential spiritual and cultural benefits of exploring these books.
Historical Context and Significance
The removal of the 7 books of Apocrypha from the Bible was a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. It changed the way other denominations viewed the Bible, and caused many to re-examine the significance of certain passages. Although many still disagree about the importance of these books, it can still be seen as a turning point in the way Christian theology and doctrine is viewed.
Influence on Later Writings
The removal of the 7 books of the Apocrypha from the Bible had a profound influence on later writings. Many of the characters and stories that appear in these books have been reinterpreted in later works, such as plays, books and films. This marks a lasting legacy of the Apocryphal texts, and continues to shape the way we think about Christianity today.
Impact on the Jewish Tradition
The decision to remove the 7 books of Apocrypha from the Bible had a significant impact on the Jewish tradition. For centuries, these texts were ignored by mainstream Judaism, and the influence of the Apocryphal literature waned. As a result, mainstream Judaism is now less concerned with the Apocryphal texts and more focused on the canon texts that remain in the Bible.
The Legacy of the Removal
The removal of the 7 books of Apocrypha from the Bible has had a lasting impact on the Christian tradition. Although it may not be seen as a positive move in the eyes of many, it can still be seen as a vital moment in the evolution of Christianity, and Christianity’s interactions with other faiths. This moment in history will likely continue to be discussed and debated for centuries to come.
This has opened a new respect for the written word of God which has been kept from people.
How does one find copies of texts that has not been accepted as scripture?
I realize that this old soul is still yet reliant on the gifts of the educated women and men, as I can only understand English.
Are there reliable translations of the lost books of the Bible?