Are There Any Scriptures That Mention the Apocrypha?

The Apocrypha, a collection of books not included in the canon of the Jewish and Protestant Bibles, has sparked numerous discussions among scholars and religious communities. The question often arises as to whether any scriptures in the New Testament reference the Apocrypha. This article delves into the references to the Apocrypha in the New Testament and explores the broader context of these references.

The Apocrypha in Context

The Apocrypha, also known as the Deuterocanonical Books, are a set of texts found in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Bibles, but not in the Protestant or Jewish Bibles. These books are primarily written in Hebrew or Aramaic, with the majority residing in the Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint. Some Christian traditions consider these books to be part of the biblical canon, while others, primarily the Protestant tradition, view them as historical and/or devotional texts rather than scripture.

Direct Mentions and Allusions in the New Testament

Despite the significant debate surrounding the Apocrypha, there are no direct mentions of these books in the New Testament. This absence has led some to question the relevance and validity of these texts in Christian theology and practice. However, there are several allusions and descriptions that can be traced back to the Apocryphal texts, which have been used to support arguments both for and against their inclusion in the biblical canon.

Psalm 119: “Clay in the Potter’s Hand”

One of the closest allusions to the Apocrypha in the New Testament comes from the Book of Romans. In Romans 9:20-21, Paul uses the imagery of clay in the hands of a potter to describe God’s incomparability to human standards and His unassailable authority:

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what has been shaped say to its shaper, “Why did you make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pieces intended for special purpose and other pieces for common use?

This reference to the potter using clay is reminiscent of Sirach 33:13, which states: "As clay in the hand of the potter— for all his ways are as he pleases— so men are in the hand of him who made them to give them as he decides.” The allusion in Romans 9:20-21 does not directly reference the Apocrypha but draws on similar themes of God's omnipotence and man's vulnerability.

The Role of Allusions in Biblical Interpretation

It is important to understand that allusions and descriptions of God's authority, like those found in the potter imagery, can be found across many books of the Bible. These descriptions do not necessarily imply that the texts in which they appear are to be considered literal scripture or that they directly refer to the Apocrypha. The potter imagery is a common metaphor in the Bible, reinforcing the idea that God is sovereign over His creation. Therefore, while the imagery in Romans 9:20-21 is compelling and similar to what is found in Sirach 33:13, it does not serve as a direct reference to the Apocrypha in the New Testament context.

Further Examples and Scholarly Consensus

Another example of a potential allusion to the Apocrypha is found in Wisdom 11:21, “He formed the world to be inhabited, and made man little shorter than the angels.” Similar to the potter imagery, this passage underscores the idea of divine providence and the creation of humanity. However, this text, like many others, is not directly referenced in the New Testament and is thus not seen as a direct allusion to the Apocrypha.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are no direct mentions of the Apocrypha in the New Testament, the potter imagery in Romans 9:20-21 serves as the closest allusion. This allusion, however, is not specific to the Apocrypha but is a common metaphor found throughout the Bible, illustrating God's sovereignty over creation. The question of the Apocrypha's place in Christian theology remains a topic of ongoing scholarly discussion, with different perspectives based on the interpretation of these descriptions and allusions.

Key Takeaways

The New Testament does not directly mention the Apocrypha. There is an allusion in Romans 9:20-21 that uses the potter imagery, which is reminiscent of the Apocrypha but is not a direct reference. Allusions and descriptions of God's authority are common in the Bible, and they do not necessarily imply direct references to the Apocrypha.

Resources for Further Reading

For further exploration of this topic, consider these books and articles:

The Debate Over the Deuterocanonical Books: A User’s Guide by Jason Dulle. This book provides a detailed overview of the historical and theological debates surrounding the Apocrypha. “The Narrow Canon: Understanding Why Some Books Are in the Bible and Others Aren’t” by Tim Garrison. This article helps clarify the process of canonization and why certain texts are considered scripture.

These resources offer in-depth analysis and historical context to help understand the place of the Apocrypha in Christian literature and theology.