The Pseudepigrapha – What are they?

from the old testament

• After the close of the Old Testament canon, there was a period of prophetic silence when no new inspired revelation was given. During this time, many Jewish writers began producing religious and moral works—some claiming to be written by ancient biblical figures—to preserve wisdom, interpret Scripture, and explain Israel’s history and struggles. The Old Testament’s emphasis on true prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:18-22) and warnings against false claims of divine authority (Jeremiah 14:14) help us discern that while these later writings may reflect cultural or historical value, they do not carry the same divine inspiration or authority as Scripture.

from the new testament

• The Apostle Paul dealt with false writings or Pseudepigrapha. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul was concerned about a "letter seeming to be from us." In other places, Paul would note, "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write" (2 Thessalonians 3:17; also 1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11; and Colossians 4:18).
• The Pseudepigrapha stands in stark contrast with the biblical books, considered the very words of God and useful for life and teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

implications for today

The term "Pseudepigrapha" comes from Greek words meaning false writings (pseudo=false and epigraphe=to inscribe) and refers to works that attempt to create Scripture under false names. In academic studies the Pseudepigrapha refer to both the Apocrypha of the Old Testament as well as writings that claim to be part of the New Testament that together cover the general time period of 300 BC to AD 300.

The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha includes the books of the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical Books. The Roman Catholic Apocrypha includes:

Tobit

Judith

Additions to Esther

Wisdom of Solomon

Ecclesiasticus

Baruch

Letter of Jeremiah

Song of the Three Children

Story of Susanna

Bel and the Dragon

1 Maccabees

2 Maccabees

The Old Testament-related Pseudepigrapha not included in the Apocrypha include:

3 Maccabees

4 Maccabees

The Assumption of Moses

1 Enoch

2 Enoch

Book of Jubilees

Greek Apocalypse of Baruch (3 Baruch)

Letter of Aristeas

Life of Adam and Eve

Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah

Psalms of Solomon

Sibylline Oracles

Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch (2 Baruch)

Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs

The New Testament Pseudepigrapha includes numerous works, ranging from the Didache in some lists (included among the writings of the church fathers) to the Secret Gospel of Mark (a much later work). (A large list of these writings can be found at http://www.pseudepigrapha.com).

The quality of the writings included in the Pseudepigrapha varies greatly from one to the next. For example, the Didache includes many valuable historical elements from early Christianity, while the Gospel of Thomas has no connection to the biblical Thomas and was written by a Gnostic writer in Egypt.

The Pseudepigrapha may have historical value, but they are not considered Scripture as they lacked affirmation by the early Jewish leaders and the early church, often include errors, are presented as works by authors other than the true author, or came at a date far after the true events. Believers today may read the pseudepigrapha with historical interest but should never regard it as God’s inspired Word.