The Apocrypha

The books in the Apocrypha may be a mystery to us, but when we consider that they played a role in shaping Judaism during Jesus’ time and the apostle Paul’s life and that they would have influenced the early church, it may be worth learning about these ancient texts. Perhaps by being familiar with these writings, we’ll get a better understanding of the culture and teachings of the devout Jews who wrote them during the “silent years” between Malachi and Matthew, and we will discover how the writings may still influence us today.

Reflect
* Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
* Mark 6:2 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206%3A2&version=NIV )
* Matthew 6:12 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A12&version=NIV )
* Matthew 18:14–35 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A14-35%2CMatthew%206%3A12-15%2CLuke%2011%3A4%2CLuke%206%3A37-38%2C1%20Corinthians%2011%3A27-32%2CEphesians%204%3A32%2CMatthew%207%3A1-2%2CMatthew%2013%3A58%2CMark%206%3A5&version=NIV )
* Luke 6:30–36 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206%3A30-36&version=NIV )
* Philippians 3:6 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203%3A6&version=NIV )
* Hebrews 1:1–4 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%201%3A1-4&version=NIV )
* Colossians 1:15–17 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%201%3A15-17&version=NIV )
* Could some of Jesus’ teaching referred to in Mark 6:2 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%206%3A2&version=NIV ) have reminded listeners of some of the writings from devout Jews found in the Apocrypha?
* When you read Jesus’ teachings about forgiveness found in Matthew 6:12 ( https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A12&version=NIV ),