Apocrypha? An Introduction

Some Bibles include a section between the Old and New Testament, often called The Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books. Included are texts like Wisdom of Solomon, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, and more. Why are they appearing in a separate section? Why aren’t they included at all in some Bible editions? When and where were they written, and by whom?

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Starting on Wednesday, September 8, at 9:00am, Thomas Kleinert will facilitate a Bible Study Book Group, based on the short and very readable intoductory book by Brandon Hawk, Apocrypha for Beginners. In addition to this volume, available in print as well as an e-book, we will also consult a couple of dictionary articles, and if the group is interested, we will take a closer look at one or two of these ancient texts.

Given the current pandemic situation, we will gather via Zoom. Please purchase your copy of the book in the format you prefer, and register here, so we can send you the link and other details. Please contact us if you have any questions.

“Whether they were lost, cut, or censored, the various apocryphal stories offer unique opportunities to learn about the histories of Judaism and Christianity while broadening spiritual understanding. But exploring this vast canon of texts alone can be daunting. Apocrypha for Beginners makes it simple by offering a guided experience, helping explain each piece’s importance and contextualize its place in history.” —promotional blurb by the publisher