Assessing the Apocrypha
August 22, 2009
“Assessing the Apocrypha”
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Study
August and September 2009
West Broad Church of Christ
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
Introduction:
There are books in addition to the Bible that are seen as scriptural. How do we respond to these books? We will work to answer these questions as we “assess the Apocrypha.”
I. What is the Apocrypha?
The Apocrypha was written between the third and first centuries BC. What do we learn about its use?
-
number of writings
-
work of Jerome
-
consideration of councils
-
Apocrypha and apocrypha
-
Consideration of canon.
We see a complex journey of deliberation, debate, and determination. In the face of all this, God still managed to communicate his revelation to humanity – that book we call “the Bible.”
II. Contents of the Apocrypha
We have talked about the Apocrypha. Let us notice now what is in the Apocrypha.
-
review of the books
-
review of more books
What do we see? An admirable collection of interesting stories and broad lessons.
III. Objections to the Apocrypha
But this begs a question: If the Apocrypha relates to Scripture and helps us better appreciate Scripture, why are they not Scripture?
-
consideration of objections
-
other doctrinal matters
The evidence above indicates that the Apocrypha failed the ancient tests for scriptural acceptance. It also indicates that much of the doctrine of the Apocrypha contradicts Scripture. This information helps us in our understanding of the Apocrypha. It also helps us in our response.
IV. Value of the Apocrypha
What can be said regarding the value of the Apocrypha?
-
it is useful for historical record
-
it is useful as an ancient indication of faith
When the Apocrypha is viewed as informative but not inspired, many merits and applications become evident.
Conclusion
We have discussed ancient response, content, and modern use of the Apocrypha. What can we say to all this? Only that many attempts to imitate Scripture have been made over the centuries. Nevertheless, God’s word – and God’s word alone – has been proven reliable time after time. Therefore, we appreciate and value the Apocrypha as a document of faith. But we revere and follow the Bible, and the Bible only, as the word of God.
