Are We Missing Part of the Old Testament?

This week we’re considering if certain books are missing from the Bible. The most popular so-called “missing” books are called the “apocrypha,” which means “hidden.” Roman Catholics consider these books as part of the Old Testament Protestants don’t. Are they part of the Bible?

Well, the books themselves don’t claim to be part of the Old Testament. And the New Testament never quotes from them, even though the New Testament relies very heavily on the Old Testament. These books are not internally self-consistent and they even contradict biblical teachings. They were also added to the Old Testament at a late date.

The apocrypha doesn’t pass the test—it’s not part of the Bible.

Dig Deeper

• A Look at the Canon
• Why 66?