Noncanonical Literature

The Bible is an invaluable collection of sacred ancient texts, written and assembled over several hundreds of years by numerous authors. These texts were written to particular people living at a definite time and place who shared common experiences and knowledge.

By studying similar literature that precedes and follows the biblical writings chronologically, students of the Bible are better prepared to discover the intended meaning.

Apocryphal and pseudepigraphal literature was apparently intended either to supplement or supplant existing canonical literature. Many of the apocryphal gospels offer guesses as to what occurred during the so-called "missing years" of Jesus' life -- during his childhood or after his resurrection. Others attempt to provide support for later theological convictions -- both orthodox and heretical. Whether the information found in the apocryphal literature is factually correct or not is not necessarily important. These documents give interpreters valuable insight into what some Jews and Christians believed in various places at different times.

The texts provide insight into inforation that the writers considered necessary, either to fill a 'gap' or to expound upon a subject. For example there are several references to Adam and Eve that explain the years after the ejection from Eden, why may Satan have been cast out of heaven, as well as just why God found the action at Babel necessary.

To ensure there are no misunderstandings, the writings included in this section are enclosed for reference only. Many books and documentaries often quote information from these collected texts so they are useful in that regard. These texts also include the origins of many stories that have been erroneously accepted as coming from the canonical Holy Bible of Christian belief.

Consider these texts to be no more than a television movie "Based on Fact". The general facts are there as they reference accepted scripture.... the details in between were left to someone's imagination. That imagination found it's way to these writings.

Old Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Old Testament Deuterocanonical
Old Testament Apocrypha
Old Testament Pseudepigrapha

New Testament Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Apocryphal NT Acts
Apocryphal NT Apocalypse
Apocryphal NT Gospels
Pseudonymous Writings

Gnostics, Gnostic Gospels, & Gnosticism

Nag Hammadi Codices

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