Apocrypha, use it, trust it?

I wouldnt discount it. Wouldnt call it inspired scripture either. Theres some neat stuff in there, though. I am sure I will get blasted for that view though.

 

I've seen more of this lately I believe especially the OT apocrypha is a good read but have heard it has errors and contradicts other parts of Scripture but can't confirm or deny this maybe someone else on here can.

 

I would, RUN!, Not walk, Away from that. it is NOT the Inspired Word of God. and ANY Real Bible Believing Baptist, would not be caught dead reading that tripe.

MH

 

I JUST got through saying I didnt think it was inspired. its a good read. Like Josephus. Not scripture, but enlightening. For me anyway. Maybe I am not a real Bible believing Baptist.

 

Yeah we wouldn't want to be educated on it or anything

 

Its good for showing the way people were thinking at the time it was written. You learn they thought the world was 7 parts land and 1 part water, for instance.

 

Threw me for a loop first time I realized the book of Enoch was alluded to in the Bible. Heard it as a prospective seminary student in a NEw Testament class. Woooo!

Just outta curiosity, Lorrie, why do you ask about it?

 

I wouldn't compare it to Josephus at all, TaterTot. Josephus was recording history, albeit in a way that would not offend his Roman employers {which should be remembered when studying him}.

The Apocrypha claims to be restoring some "lost" scriptures.

Remember that Jesus never quoted from any of these books or the other 21 apocrypha known as "The Books of Eden."

As far as I know, the Jews have never accepted these writings as scripture either, though I may be mistaken.

The Catholic doctrine of purgatory finds it's roots in II Maccabees.

Most of Catholic doctrine finds it's roots in the Apocrypha.
TaterTot, I would most definitely discount it.

Apocrypha means "hidden things" and Jesus said he did nothing in secret so I would stay in the Light.

MR

 

The Comparison was that its not scripture, but may help our understanding of scripture

 

The Apocrypha is considered a historical document. A comparison with Jospehus is legitimate.

 

Nothing at all wrong with reading it. Just remember it is not a part of the canon of Scripture for a reason. Which is the fact that God did not want it to be because He had His reasons.

 

Josephus does not claim to be scripture.
The Apocrypha does. Note 4 Ezra, ch 1.

A comparison is not legitimate.
A document recording Judas Maccabeus belief in purgatory will not help us understand the Bible.

Jesus didn't bother with it. Neither should we.
Most of us spend little enough time in the Bible as it is without making a foray into false scriptures to satisfy our curiosity.

MR

 

Lorrie, Where are you from in Alaska, if you don't mind my asking? I was born in Fairbanks and raised in Clear. I was at Kenai in August and realized how much I miss it up there.

MR

 

The Jews didn't regard the extra-biblical books as scripture. The early church didn't either. I guess I agree with them.

The Apocrypha contradicts the bible in several places, and adds things not found in scripture.

Read it to see why it was not included in the canon, but steer clear as far as understadning the worg of God and doctrine.

In Christ,
Trotter

 

Actually Jesus did bother with it...it is quoted in the New Testament.

And it is a historical document. To claim otherwise is to be clueless as to what a historical document is and about.

 

The Apocrypha was included in the 1611 Authorized King James Bible. It was removed for later revisions including the one we use today. So, if you believe the Authorized 1611 KJV was the word of God you accept the Apropha.

 

Amazing how closely James follows Sirach.

One should understand the context of the quotes from the pseudepigrapha and apocrypha to understand the parts of scripture where those historical books are quoted.

There is a lot of the same imagery used in the NT which is used in the intertestamental books. A lot of nonsense has resulted from those who claim to understand the Bible when they do not understand the imagery of the time.