Understanding the Complete New Testament: Why No Gospels Were Removed and Where to Find Forgotten Writings

Introduction: The Bible, as we know it today, is the result of a long process of canonization. This article aims to clarify a common misconception: the idea that gospels were removed from the Bible. We will explore why this is untrue, discuss the existence of apocryphal gospels, and provide resources for those interested in studying additional early Christian writings.

Myths and Realities: The So-Called Removed Gospels

There is a widespread belief that certain gospels were removed from the Bible. However, this is not accurate. The gospels that define the Christian canon were chosen through a complex process involving widespread acceptance, theological reasons, and Church authority.

The gospels of the Gnostic movement, such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, and the Gospel of Mary, were not part of the New Testament from the beginning. These Gnostic gospels were written much later and were not accepted by the early Church. They offered an alternative understanding of Christ, which diverged significantly from the main Christian teachings.

The Christian Canonization Process

The canonization of the New Testament was a gradual process that took place over several centuries. Early Christian leaders, like Irenaeus, recognized the four accepted gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four gospels were chosen for their theological soundness, historical reliability, and widespread acceptance.

Additional writings, like the so-called Apocryphal gospels, were not included because of their lack of universal acceptance, theological divergences, and perceived heretical nature. For example, the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas, a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, was considered heretical and was not included in the official canon.

Early Christian Writings: A Rich Collection

There are many early Christian writings that, while not included in the official New Testament, provide valuable insights into early Christian traditions and teachings. These writings offer alternative perspectives and complement the official canon. Here are some notable examples:

Catholic Deuterocanonical Books

The Catholic Bible includes additional books known as the deuterocanonical or apocryphal books, which are not part of the Protestant or Orthodox canons. These books include Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, and Tobit. While these books are not part of the New Testament, they offer important contributions to Christian literature and theology.

Non-Catholic Christian Writings

Non-Catholic Christian denominations also have their own sets of apocryphal books. For instance, the Coptic Christian Church has a canon of 81 books, including additional gospels, epistles, and apocalypses. However, it is worth noting that none of these contain the four canonical gospels of the New Testament.

Accessing Apocryphal and Forgotten Writings

For those interested in exploring these alternative Christian writings, several resources are available:

Online Sources

There are numerous websites that provide access to these writings. One such resource is This site offers a selection of early Christian writings, including apocryphal gospels, letters, and other religious texts. It also contains writings by early Church Fathers who commented on these texts.

Printed Resources

For those who prefer print, there are several books and collections available. Books like The Apocryphal New Testament by Robert H. Johnson and The Gospel of Thomas by Marvin Meyer serve as excellent starting points for those interested in these writings.

Why These Writings Matter

Studying these alternative Christian writings can provide a richer understanding of early Christian diversity and the development of Christian doctrine. It is important to note, however, that these writings should be approached with a critical and open mind, as they often reflect different theological perspectives and historical contexts.

Conclusion

While no gospels were actually removed from the Bible, there are significant early Christian writings that were not included in the canon. These writings offer valuable historical and theological insights. By exploring these resources, one can gain a deeper understanding of the early Christian world and the diverse traditions that contributed to its development.