40 Questions About the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha

Author: Phillip J. Long
Contributor: David A. deSilva

Discover the value of two ancient, extrabiblical book collections

Most Protestant Christians are only vaguely aware of the seven books called the Apocrypha contained in the Roman Catholic canon. The Pseudepigrapha is even less commonly known but has a history of inspiring wild extrabiblical speculations and conspiracy theories. Consequently, many Christians avoid reading both. Yet these books can be valuable aids in understanding Judaism after the end of the exile and before the events of the New Testament.

Biblical scholar Phillip J. Long helps readers ask and answer the most pertinent questions regarding these books, covering authorship, sources, history, doctrines, relationships to Scripture, and more, including

Why is the Apocrypha accepted as canon by Roman Catholics?

Why did Protestants reject the Apocrypha?

Did the writers of the New Testament use the Apocrypha?

What is the Pseudepigrapha?

Are the books of the Apocrypha historically reliable?

Accurate yet accessible to the nonexpert reader, 40 Questions About the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha demonstrates the value of understanding these books for New Testament studies.

"There are libraries, collections, and compilations of Jewish literature between and beyond the testaments. In his learned and accessible book, Phillip Long helps readers get a grasp of the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, to understand their origins, contents, and relevance to both ancient Judaism and early Christianity. A fantastic resource for students!"
--Michael F. Bird, Deputy Principal, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

"Phillip Long asks all the right questions, and he provides solid answers in this very helpful book, 40 Questions About the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. For many readers, the most important questions revolve around whether there are benefits to studying the books of the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. Long answers in the affirmative and provides many examples that show why this is so. I highly recommend this book."
--Craig A. Evans, Distinguished Research Professor, The Bible Seminary

Author:

Phillip J. Long (PhD, Andrews University) is professor of biblical studies at Grace Christian University. He earned master’s degrees in biblical exposition and Old Testament from Biola University. His publications include Jesus the Bridegroom and Galatians: Freedom Through God’s Grace. He is a member of the Institute for Biblical Research and the Society of Biblical Literature.

Contributor:

David A. deSilva is Trustees' Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelation's Warning, Introducing the Apocrypha, and Honor, Patronage, Kinship & Purity: Unlocking New Testament Culture.

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