The first thing to say about the Apocrypha, or Deuterocanonicals—depending on which term you prefer—is that until you’ve read the whole Bible, they have very little value.

Of the two terms, I much prefer Deuterocanonicals for a few reasons. First, it’s the term consistently used in conversations about the seven additional books still found in many Catholic Bibles today. Second, the name itself means “second canon” or “extra books.” The word Apocrypha, meaning “hidden,” can be misleading and is often used more broadly to refer to various other writings not under discussion here.

What Are the Deuterocanonical Books?

The additional books referred to as Deuterocanonicals include:

• Tobit
• Judith
• Baruch
• Ecclesiasticus (also known as Sirach)
• Wisdom of Solomon
• 1 and 2 Maccabees
• Plus additions to Esther and Daniel

These books were written in Greek before the events of the New Testament. They reflect the theology and struggles of the Jewish people in the 100+ years leading up to the birth of Jesus. They first appeared alongside Scripture during the translation of the Septuagint—the first Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, produced in Alexandria. Notably, many Old Testament quotations in the New Testament come from the Septuagint, not the Hebrew Masoretic Text.

Why Aren’t They in Every Bible?

For various historical and theological reasons, these books have rarely been considered fully canonical—that is, on the same level of inspiration as the rest of Scripture. They were excluded from the final Protestant canon not because of their content, but due to historical and theological concerns about their origin and use.

That said, many post-Reformation Protestant Bibles still included them in a separate section, acknowledging their historical and moral value. The general consensus was that the Deuterocanonical books were profitable—but not to be read or taught as Scripture.

Why Should Seasoned Christians Read Them?

I’d like to share two reasons why I encourage mature believers to read the Deuterocanonicals:

1. They Prepare Us to Understand the Time of Jesus

These books provide insight into the Jewish world Jesus was born into. They offer valuable context for understanding the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and other key groups. They help us empathize with the theological tensions of the time—and perhaps even see some of our own tendencies in them.

Reading the Gospels feels richer and more rooted when read through the lens of the Deuterocanonicals.

2. They Speak to Our Present Moment

These books were written on the cusp of the Messiah’s arrival. The Jewish people were wrestling with uncertainty, debate, longing, and a sense that no solution was perfect. They lived in expectation, trying to stay faithful in a fractured world.

Sound familiar?

We, too, live in expectation—awaiting the victorious return of the Messiah. We debate, we stumble, we question. And like them, we are often surrounded by problems with no clear answers.

Yet Jesus still came.

Despite their missteps, misjudgments, and misunderstandings—God was faithful. And He will be again.

A Closing Word of Hope

Reading the Deuterocanonicals has filled me with hope. They remind me that even when God’s people are confused or divided, even when things feel unclear or unstable—He is faithful.

As I look at the world, the Church, and my own heart, I know we are not without guidance or grace. We may miss the mark at times—but our God doesn’t.

Bibliography (Chicago Style)

Bailey, Kenneth E. Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2008.

Bruce, F. F. The Canon of Scripture. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1988.

Metzger, Bruce M. An Introduction to the Apocrypha. New York: Oxford University Press, 1957.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016.

The Holy Bible, Revised Standard Version. Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, 1952.

Bible Gateway. “Bible Gateway.” Accessed March 22, 2025. https://www.biblegateway.com.

Septuagint. The Apostolic Bible Polyglot. Escondido, CA: Apostolic Press, 2003.