The Apocrypha is a collection of fourteen books, written in the time between the Old and New Testaments. Some of them are historical, some are prophetic, some collections of proverbs and wisdom, one or two illustrated stories, and one very beautiful long psalm. Much of the Apocrypha is very helpful, and any Christian would benefit from reading it. These books were not accepted as part of the Canonical Scripture in the early days. Rome made them a part of her official Scriptures at the Council of Tent between 1545 and 1563. The Episcopal Church, following the custom of the Church of England, reads them: “For example of life and instruction of manner, but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine ...” (Article of Religion VI). Nevertheless, selections from the Apocrypha are appointed to be read on certain days at Morning and Evening Prayer.
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Sam also known as Jim Ellis
Apostolic in doctrine
Pentecostal in experience
Charismatic in practice
Non-denominational in affiliation
Inter-denominational in fellowship
OK, here's a somewhat different "take" on the original question. Is the Bible complete, not in the sense that is finished and no more will ever be added to it, but in the sense that it contains all we need to know, for our spiritual life and well-being?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
I ask this because in 1st Corinthians 5:9, Paul mentions a previous letter. I have read in various other places that there were at least four letters to Corinth in total.
My questions are this:
Where are the other two? Why aren't they canonized? Should we, as Christians, assume they are not important, because they are not canonized?
Maybe this has been said, but God knows the future, and did when the bible came together. His hand was on it despite man. It is complete.
__________________ ...MY THOUGHTS, ANYWAY.
"Many Christians do not try to understand what was written in a verse in the Bible. Instead they approach the passage to prove what they already believe."
Maybe this has been said, but God knows the future, and did when the bible came together. His hand was on it despite man. It is complete.
What would you have said to someone who would have said that very same thing in, say, 60 AD, before all the NT books were written? How do you know it's finished now?
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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