The books of 3 and 4 Maccabees are intertestamental writings that reflect Jewish perseverance and philosophy during times of persecution but lack the divine authority of Scripture. The book of 3 Maccabees recounts the suffering of Jews under Ptolemy IV and celebrates God’s deliverance, while 4 Maccabees uses the martyrdom of faithful Jews to argue that reason guided by devotion to God conquers passion.
Three and 4 Maccabees provide historical and moral insight but do not meet the biblical standard of inspiration or prophetic authority outlined in Scripture. That standard, as presented in the Old Testament, is that the message must come directly from God (Deuteronomy 18:18; Jeremiah 1:9; Exodus 24:4; Numbers 12:6). Three and 4 Maccabees do not come from God. The New Testament warns against extrabiblical philosophies and presents the sufficiency of Scripture as our guide to life (Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). While the Maccabean writings offer valuable context for understanding Jewish faith under oppression, the true fulfillment of hope and endurance is revealed not through philosophy or human courage but through Jesus Christ, the ultimate deliverer and Savior.
There are five books of the Maccabees. First and Second Maccabees are part of the deuterocanonical books used by the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and Anglican Church. The creators of the Septuagint, an early Greek translation of the Old Testament created about two to three hundred years before Jesus, called 1 and 2 Maccabees "useful writings" but not inspired Scripture.
Three Maccabees tells the story of Jewish persecution under Ptolemy IV Philopator (c. 222—205 BC). It was probably written between 100 BC and AD 30, though the date of writing and author are uncertain. Contrary to its title, it does not describe the actions of the Maccabees. It is considered canon in the Armenian Bible.
Four Maccabees is more philosophical than historical. In it, the idea that pious reason trumps passion is illustrated by the martyrdom of Eleazer and the Maccabean youths under Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Church historian Eusebius named Jewish historian Josephus as the author, but critics have since disputed that claim. Most agree 4 Maccabees was written prior to AD 70. It is listed as canon in the Georgian Orthodox Bible.
The other Maccabees, 5 Maccabees, is also known as the Arabic 2 Maccabees, and was written much later.
Most Protestant churches and denominations do not consider any of the five Maccabees books to be the inspired Word of God, which is why they are not part of the Protestant canon. They hold historical interest but are not authoritative regarding matters of spirituality.
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