The Definition of the word Apocrypha

Apocrypha

Hidden, spurious, the name given to certain ancient books which found a place in the LXX. and Latin Vulgate versions of the Old "Testament, and were appended to all the great translations made" "from them in the sixteenth century, but which have no claim to" be regarded as in any sense parts of the inspired Word. "(1.) They are not once quoted by the New Testament writers, who frequently quote from the LXX. Our Lord and his apostles "confirmed by their authority the ordinary Jewish canon, which" was the same in all respects as we now have it. "(2.) These books were written not in Hebrew but in Greek, and "during the "period of silence," from the time of Malachi, after" which oracles and direct revelations from God ceased till the Christian era. "(3.) The contents of the books themselves show that they were no part of Scripture. The Old Testament Apocrypha consists of "fourteen books, the chief of which are the Books of the" "Maccabees (q.v.), the Books of Esdras, the Book of Wisdom, the" "Book of Baruch, the Book of Esther, Ecclesiasticus, Tobit," "Judith, etc." "The New Testament Apocrypha consists of a very extensive "literature, which bears distinct evidences of its non-apostolic" "origin, and is utterly unworthy of regard."