New Testament Apocrypha: A Guide to Early Christian Writings

What is New Testament Apocrypha?

The New Testament Apocrypha refers to ancient Christian writings that provide accounts of Jesus' life, teachings, and the nature of God. Unlike the books included in the New Testament, these writings were not recognized as divinely inspired by the early Christian Church and were excluded from the biblical canon.

Definition and History

The term "apocrypha" means "hidden" or "put away." These texts are also known as pseudepigrapha, meaning they were falsely attributed to apostles or other prominent figures to gain authority. The development of the New Testament canon, the official list of books accepted as Scripture, involved debates and discussions about which writings should be included. By the fifth century, a consensus emerged, limiting the canon to 27 books and excluding the apocryphal writings.

Types of Apocryphal Writings

The New Testament Apocrypha includes various types of writings:

Gospels

• Infancy Gospels: Focus on Jesus' childhood.
• Jewish-Christian Gospels: Gospel accounts with a distinctly Jewish character.
• Non-Canonical Gospels: Gospels not accepted into the biblical canon.
• Passion Gospels: Emphasize Jesus' suffering and crucifixion.
• Harmonized Gospels: Attempt to combine and reconcile the canonical gospels.
• Gnostic Texts: Expound on esoteric Gnostic beliefs about the nature of God and salvation.
• Sethian Texts: Focus on Seth, the third son of Adam, as a messianic figure.

Acts

These writings describe the lives and teachings of Jesus' apostles after his resurrection.

Epistles

The apocrypha includes non-canonical letters attributed to individuals or written to Christian communities.

Apocalypses

These texts present visions of the future, heaven, and hell.

Evaluation and Historical Significance

While not considered canonical, the New Testament Apocrypha is regarded as valuable by historians and scholars. These writings provide insights into the diversity of early Christian beliefs and practices, as well as the development of Christian doctrine. They can also shed light on the debates and processes that shaped the New Testament canon.

The New Testament Apocrypha offers a glimpse into the rich and varied world of early Christianity. These writings reveal the different perspectives, interpretations, and beliefs that existed alongside the canonical New Testament, providing a broader understanding of the origins and evolution of Christian thought.

1. What is the New Testament Apocrypha?

The New Testament Apocrypha refers to early Christian writings that provide accounts of Jesus' life and teachings, God's nature, or the teachings and lives of his apostles. These writings were used by early Christians but are not included in the modern biblical canon.

2. Why are they called "apocrypha"?

The term "apocrypha" means "hidden" or "put away." It is used to refer to books not considered divinely inspired by the church.

3. What types of writings are included in the New Testament Apocrypha?

The New Testament Apocrypha includes various types of writings, including Gospels, Acts, Epistles, Apocalypses, and other texts.

4. How was the New Testament canon decided?

The development of the New Testament canon involved debates about which books should be included. By the fifth century, a consensus emerged limiting the canon to 27 books.

5. What is the significance of the New Testament Apocrypha?

Historians consider the New Testament Apocrypha valuable, especially texts that almost made it into the canon. They provide insights into early Christian debates and the development of Christian beliefs.