Apocrypha
Canonical Scripture
Canonical Scripture consists of the books formally recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative for faith and doctrine. These writings were received by the community of believers over time as the standard by which teaching, belief, and practice are measured. The canon serves as the established rule (kanōn, “measuring rod”) against which all other writings are tested.
Different religious traditions and denominations recognize different canonical collections, reflecting historical, linguistic, and theological differences in how sacred texts were received, preserved, and transmitted.
Apocrypha
From the Greek apókrupha, meaning “hidden” or “secret.”
The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient writings that are not included in the canon of Scripture. These books were preserved alongside biblical texts in various Jewish and Christian traditions, yet were not universally received as authoritative Scripture.
Apocryphal writings continue to expand as, over the centuries, additional texts have been discovered that record humanity’s understanding of God’s dealings with man. While such writings may preserve historical memory, theological reflection, or fragments of truth, they are not accorded the same authority as canonical Scripture and are therefore read with discernment.
Ancient Writings Outside the Canon
Concerning the ancient writings outside the canon: many things contained therein are true, for God has not left Himself without witness among the nations, nor among the generations of men. For the Lord hath spoken at sundry times and in divers manners, and His truth has been preserved in many records, though not without corruption. Romans 1:19–20; Hebrews 1:1
Yet many things therein are not true, having been altered, added unto, or obscured by the hands and traditions of men. For men have mingled the word of God with their own wisdom, and truth has been darkened through interpolation and neglect. Jeremiah 8:8; Mark 7:7–9
Therefore, let him that readeth understand; for the natural man cannot discern the things of God. Truth is not known by scholarship alone, nor by the wisdom of this world, but is revealed by the Spirit of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11–14
He that seeketh with humility and faith shall receive light; for the Spirit beareth witness of truth, and shall guide the faithful into all truth. John 16:13; James 1:5-6
And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit, discerning that which is of God and setting aside that which is not. 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 1 John 4:1
But whoso receiveth not by the Spirit cannot be benefited; for without the Spirit, the letter killeth, and understanding is veiled. 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 4:3–4
References
Romans 1:19–20 — “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”
Hebrews 1:1 — “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,”
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Jeremiah 8:8 — “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.”
Mark 7:7–9 — “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
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1 Corinthians 2:11–14 — “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” ↩ Back to Text
John 16:13 — “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
James 1:5-6 — “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering...”
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1 Thessalonians 5:21 — “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
1 John 4:1 — “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
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2 Corinthians 3:6 — “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 — “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
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