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Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance

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At present, there are 4 books in print that provide a survey of the books of the Apocrypha. The oldest, An Introduction to the Apocrypha (1957), is an excellent survey by Bruce Metzger. It includes thorough summaries of each book, and a good history of these books in the Christian church. However, it only discusses the 15 books of the Apocrypha recognized by the Western churches. It does not discuss 3 and 4 Maccabees and Psalm 151, which are included in the Bible of the Eastern Orthodox churches.

More recent publications include Invitation to the Apocrypha by Daniel Harrington (1999) and Stories Between the Testaments: Meeting the People of the Apocrypha (2000) by Marjorie Kimbrough. Harrington's book provides background information, a well written and thorough summary of the contents, and the significance of each of the 18 books of the Apocrypha. The author's focus on the issue of suffering in the books of the Apocrypha further adds to the value of this book. However, this book provides only a very brief discussion about the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian church.

Kimbrough's book provides good, but brief summaries of each of the 18 books, along with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. However, this book provides only a very sketchy (less than 2 pages) discussion on the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian churches.

David deSilva's book, Introducing the Apocrypha, begins with an excellent discussion of the value of the Apocrypha, and a good overview of the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian church. He emphasizes the importance of these books for all Christians, regardless of one's position concerning their canonicity. He then has a chapter on the historical context in which the books of the Apocrypha were written. The chapter on each book of the Apocrypha includes a discussion of the structure and content of the book, the textual transmission, the author, date and setting, the book's genre and purpose, the formative influences in the writing of the book, and the book's theology and influence. Overall, of all the books in print, deSilva's book provides the best and most thorough survey of each book of the Apocrypha and the history of the Apocrypha in the Christian church. The author combines a thorough knowledge of his subject with a writing style that is easy to read and understand.

Should one be interested in a more detailed study of the history of the Apocrypha in the Christian church, you should obtain The Apocrypha in Ecumenical Perspective, edited by Siegfried Meurer.

At present, there are 4 books in print that provide a survey of the books of the Apocrypha. The oldest, An Introduction to the Apocrypha (1957), is an excellent survey by Bruce Metzger. It includes thorough summaries of each book, and a good history of these books in the Christian church. However, it only discusses the 15 books of the Apocrypha recognized by the Western churches. It does not discuss 3 and 4 Maccabees and Psalm 151, which are included in the Bible of the Eastern Orthodox churches.
More recent publications include Invitation to the Apocrypha by Daniel Harrington (1999) and Stories Between the Testaments: Meeting the People of the Apocrypha (2000) by Marjorie Kimbrough. Harrington's book provides background information, a well written and thorough summary of the contents, and the significance of each of the 18 books of the Apocrypha. The author's focus on the issue of suffering in the books of the Apocrypha further adds to the value of this book. However, this book provides only a very brief discussion about the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian church.

Kimbrough's book provides good, but brief summaries of each of the 18 books, along with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. However, this book provides only a very sketchy (less than 2 pages) discussion on the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian churches.

David deSilva's book, Introducing the Apocrypha, begins with an excellent discussion of the value of the Apocrypha, and a good overview of the history and canonical status of these books in the Christian church. He emphasizes the importance of these books for all Christians, regardless of one's position concerning their canonicity. He then has a chapter on the historical context in which the books of the Apocrypha were written. The chapter on each book of the Apocrypha includes a discussion of the structure and content of the book, the textual transmission, the author, date and setting, the book's genre and purpose, the formative influences in the writing of the book, and the book's theology and influence. Overall, of all the books in print, deSilva's book provides the best and most thorough survey of each book of the Apocrypha and the history of the Apocrypha in the Christian church. The author combines a thorough knowledge of his subject with a writing style that is easy to read and understand.

Should one be interested in a more detailed study of the history of the Apocrypha in the Christian church, you should obtain The Apocrypha in Ecumenical Perspective, edited by Siegfried Meurer.

I have to admit to some fascination with the Apocrypha. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church, fell away from the church altogether during my educational years, and then I chanced to marry the daughter of a Presbyterian minister. I now serve as an elder in the Presbyterian church among my other jobs. Given this background, and combined with an interest in the reformation and the formation of the canon of the Bible, the Apocrapha has held special fascination for me.
To those not aware, the Apocrapha consists of books considered as part of the canon in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, but not in the protestant tradition. DeSilva deals with these issues in the introduction, then goes on to give a summary of each of the books of the Apocrypha.
I used this opportunity to read each of the books first and then I read DeSilva's chapter on each book. He does a wonderful job of summarizing each book and pulling out the salient points. He is especially adept at discussing the purpose of the author in writing the book and the theology that the book presents.
To those whose faith tradition includes the books of the Apocrypha as part of their canon, this book will serve as an excellent overview to aid in the study of these books. To my protestant brothers and sisters I recommend that you take the time to get to know and learn about these books. They offer a fascinating insight into the jewish world between Malachi and Matthew and I believe that studying them will enhance your appreciation both of the Old and the New Testament.

"And now behold, I am bending the knees of my heart;
imploring you for your kindness.
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned;
and I acknowledge my transgressions
I earnestly implore you;
forgive me, O Lord, forgive me! (Prayer of Manasseh 11-13)


Apocrypha & Deuterocanonicals:
Apocrypha means 'hidden things' (in Greek). The Apocryphal books of the Bible fall into two categories: texts which were included at some point in some canonical version of the Bible, and other texts of a Biblical nature which have never been canonical. Those are compositions which profess to have been written either by Biblical personages or men in intimate relations with them.
Deutero means behind, or further from, these books called 'Deuterocanonical,' mean 'books added to the canon.' Deutrocanonical books of the Bible are those of or constituting a second or subsequent canon, books which are included in some version of the canonical Bible, but which have been excluded at one time or another, for textual or doctrinal issues.
Most of Old Testament Apocrypha are part of the wider Alexandrian canon of the OT, known as the Septuaguint (Seventy translators). OT books discovered within the Dead Sea Scrolls has confirmed the authenticity and contents of fourth century Alexandrian unicials, ex. Codex Sinaiticus.
Psalm 151, in spite of its inclusion in Orthodox liturgy for centuries, has only been included in 'The Harper Collins NRSV,' 1989 edition, after its discovery and confirmation in the Hebrew Psalter, within Qumran's cave 11 discovery.

The Mutilated Bible:
It is true that "the Apocrypha is an endless source of fascination for the scholar and lay reader of scriptural texts." It is also valid to state that they are canonical for two thirds of Christians, (Orthodox and Catholics), debated by the founding Churches of antiquity, and sealed by Athanasius of Alexandria, and accepted in faith, by all Christendom.
Even for the reformists, just around the turn of the nineteenth century, "When the British and Foreign Bible Society undertook to provide the copy of the bible for presentation to King Edward VII at his coronation in 1902, F. Temple, the Archbishop of Canterbury ruled that a 'mutilated bible'(lacking the Apocrypha) was unacceptable for the purpose, and as the Society was prevented by its constitution from providing an 'unmutilated' edition, a suitable copy has to be procured at short notice from another source." F.F. Bruce, The canon of scripture.

Apocrypha's Stepchild Status?
In response to Cahners review, 'the Apocrypha's Stepchild Status', following, I quote the most informed Evangelical authority on 'The canon of Scripture', "A controversy broke out in Germany later in the nineteenth century over suggestions that the apocryphal books, because of their theological 'defects', should no longer be printed as part of the Bible. The case for retaining them was persuasively argued by some of the leading conservatives among Protestant theologians," F. F. Bruce.
The books of apocrypha satisfy Luther's criteria of canonicity. New Testament writers quote the Septuagint and/or paraphrase the Apocrypha. Kurt & B. Aland, the foremost 'N.T.G.' authority on Greek New Testament writings; present a list of over 200 New Testament citations and allusions to Apocryphal and Pseudo-epigraphal writings in their standard work, 'The Text of the new Testament, 1979).


Re-Introducing the Apocrypha:
Included withinin the most ancient unicials of the Alexandrine Septuagint (Greek Bible), are the books of the Apocrypha, standing as a witness to the enduring faith of the Jewish people, their Diaspora living between the testaments, who never gave up the belief in the continuity of Adonai's revelation. Contemporary Christian readers of all factions find these books helpful as they provide the essential historical background for the better understanding of Jesus days and the Jewish origins of early Christianity.
deSilva, upon explaining the crucial importance of studying the Apocrypha books, and examining their historical content, and the era in which these writings emerged, proceeds skillfully through each of the books, utilizing available tools of interpretation, providing the needed background milieu, and information as to the dates and circumstances of their writing. Surveying the content and message of each book, he introduces the readers to the the Apocrypha's links to the Old Testament and any relevence to the New Testaments writings. Biblical students and lay readers would be motivated to search on their own and explore these fascinating and holy books.

Authority Testimonial:
"This is certainly the best introduction to the Old Testament Apocrypha."
James Charlesworth, The Eminent Authority on the Apocrypha

As a pastor preaching through the Old and New Testaments, I often run into quotes from the Apocrypha as well as other ancient literature. My theological training did not focus on the Apocrypha, and so it was only recently that I started really studying these books. There are a wide range of books on the Apocrypha, and so far, I have to say that this particular book is the most helpful of the ones that I've used or purchased.

At 6x9 inches, this paper back is a hefty 400+ pages long. The white paper and large font size make it easier to read than most books. Also the layout of the book is encouraging for just sitting down to read through a section. This is because deSilva breaks the material into bite size chunks that are easy to digest. Be aware however that this book does not actually have the Apocrypha in it. It does not have any translation of the Apocrypha. It only introduces you to the apocrypha.

A few negatives: His format for the content varies from book to book. So how he organizes his material in 2 Maccabees is similar to, but not the same as he does for 4 Maccabees (as an example). This has strengths and weaknesses. It's good for customization, but it's weak for setting expectations and delivering on what you were hoping to see for each book. One thing that I wish was clearly marked for each Apocryphal book was a segment on Theology. He does this for some of the books, but not all of them.

This book really delivers exceptionally well on the goal implicit in the title. When you are done, you have a great introduction to the Apocrypha.
He generally gives a great summary of each book, it's Purpose and Genre, Structure/Form, Influence, Theology, Author/Date/Setting, and something on the Textual Transmission.

Let me zoom in on the 2 Maccabees section to illustrate.

For 2 Maccabees he gives 15 pages of material. After two paragraphs opening things up, he gives a few pages on the Structure, Contents and Textual Transmission of 2 Maccabees. This is worth reading, but it is very much like a 'Cliff Notes' of 2 Maccabees. He hits all the high points in a clearly organized and memorable fashion. The only irritation I had was the regular use of vocabulary I am not used to hearing, however he limited this to a few words at the most, so it's only a minor thing. Some in fact might enjoy expanding their vocabulary as they read a book. I find myself stopping to search online to see if a word is spelled correctly or if it has a clear meaning in context. In this chapter he kept using odd forms of the word legitimate. I never hear legitimating, but he uses it. And he says 'to legitimate' where most would say 'to make legitimate'. He also uses variations of 'epitome' and 'epitomator' through-out this chapter. After looking it up, I found myself enjoying that though.

Some of his summary paragraphs are so well written you could almost read them to a congregation straight out of this book! Not too many scholars write that clearly.

Next he goes to Author, Date and Setting for a few more pages. I prefer to read B.C./A.D., but he uses B.C.E./C.E. instead. Otherwise it's about as good as you can make that sort of topic.

Then he covers Genre and Purpose. With nearly two pages on that he summarizes the general view of groups of scholars without getting into the nitty gritty of their views. His summaries are helpful and laced with enough citations that you can dig further if you like.

Formative Influences are reviewed here in less than a page.
Then he goes on to "The History that 2 Maccabees crafts". These 3 1/2 pages are unique to this book, with some of the other books containing unique elements for them as well. This is where deSilva shines by providing a custom glimpse into important matters with each book. He discusses what we know about the sources used for forming 2 Maccabees, like Jason of Cyrene's five volume lost history of the Maccabees.

After this he has one page on the Honor, Shame, and Jewish Cultural Values. Then he shifts to Eschatology, discussing the doctrine of the resurrection and how it was impacted by 2 Maccabees. Finally, he has a section that most other books have, called Influence. (Some of the books substitute Theology for the Eschatology section).

I think the most important part of "Introducing the Apocrypha" is the Influence section for each Apocryphal book. Not only does he discuss how the book influenced Jewish thought and life and doctrine, but how it affected early Christianity.

If I could say one thing to David deSilva, it would be "Thanks and well done!" If I could recommend one book on the Apocrypha for Christians everywhere to purchase and read through, this would be it (besides the Apocrypha itself).

Oh, that's one thing that would make this even better. If this book was enlarged to provide the actual text of the Apocrypha with more cross references after each introduction, it would be fantastic. As it is, it's an excellent tool. I gladly recommend it for your study and reading in general.

Coming from a conservative evangelical background, I didn't think it was wise to touch the Apocrypha with a ten-foot-pole. After I read Introducing the Apocrypha, I realized how wrong I was. In his book, deSilva shows that, while the books that make up the Apocrypha don't have the authority Scripture has, they provide a vast wealth of information about the period of time between the Old and New Testaments. Covering 16 apocryphal books, deSilva provides an overview of each one and delves into issues of authorship, date, setting, themes, historical background, etc. I had never read any of the apocryphal books before and was surprised to find that many of the texts are exciting and thought-provoking, and some even have fantastic imagery. They provide a great window into the world of the Jews--the culture and history that Jesus knew and grew up in. The apocrypha and other intertestamental documents really help fill in the gap between the last Old Testament book and the earliest New Testament writings. DeSilva's book is a great resource for understanding the Apocrypha, both for those familiar with these ancient texts and those who aren't.

I am involved in adult education at an Orthodox parish. A couple years, after the The Orthodox Study Bible: Ancient Christianity Speaks to Today's World was published, members of the class asked me to teach on those extra OT books. I was raised Protestant, so while I knew the Bible well, I knew nothing of these books. My response, like a parent delaying a request they don't want to fulfill, was "We'll see".

Eventually I decided to take up the challenge, but outside of reading the books themselves, I found very little helpful material. Thankfully, a friend led me to this book.

I really can not praise it enough. Not only is it comprehensive in its treatment of the Apocrypha, the bibliography and source material listed can send you down deeper into scholarly inquiry if you wish.

The author himself does not consider the books canonical, but treats them kindly and encourages them to be read for spiritual benefit and for a better understanding of the New Testament world. My biggest surprise when encountering this book as well as the original texts was how much they reveal Christ and explain Paul.

Later, I compiled my own study notes and classroom responses and wrote a devotional overview of the Apocryphal books entitled The Rest of the Bible. I would never have been able to teach that class or write my book without deSilva's excellent work.

Thank you Dr. deSilva!

Book is very scholarly written and objective in its approach. However, it is very detailed and requires you to focus your entire attention when sitting down to read it. Very good as a reference book on this subject. Author appears to be quite capable and intelligent. Overall, it is an impressive overview.

This is an excellent book if you want to understand the foundation of how scripture was formed to make up the canon.