Why were Certain Books Excluded from the Bible?

Have you ever considered how the Bible was formed? You’d be correct to assume that the process of how the Bible was put together is complex, and it involves quite the historical and theological journey that included many groups of people, religious movements, and countless other various factors. 

The Bible contains a diverse range of texts written by different authors, including prophets, kings, apostles, and other individuals inspired by their faith experiences. These texts were written in different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and over a wide time frame, spanning approximately 1,500 years.

Initially, many of the stories, teachings, and historical events that eventually became part of the Bible were passed down through oral tradition. These stories were shared within communities and families before they were written down. The process of putting together the Bible, or canonizing the Bible, was gradual and involved debates and discussions within the early Christian church. The criteria for including texts in the biblical canon varied, but they generally revolved around factors like apostolic authorship, theological consistency with existing beliefs, and widespread acceptance within the faith community.

However, not all ancient texts found their place within the pages of the Bible. The exclusion of certain books from the modern Bible was a result of careful deliberation, guided by the Holy Spirit, and some of the very same principles used to include the books that did eventually land in the Bible.

In this post, let’s look at some of the books that were rejected from the modern Bible and some of the reasons behind their exclusion.

1. The Apocrypha

This refers to a collection of books that were considered by some early Christians but were ultimately excluded from the Bible. While these books have historical and cultural significance, they were not included in the modern Bible for several important reasons.

The books of the Apocrypha were written during a period between the close of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament and thus lacked clear links to the teachings of Christ and the apostles. As many of the Apocryphal books lacked these connections, they were not included in the canon.

Some of the teachings and practices described in the Apocryphal books were not in alignment with the core tenets of Christianity as seen throughout other parts of Scripture.  A few examples of these specific teachings is the concepts of posthumous salvation, intercession of the saints, purgatory, and the ability to gain salvation through charitable giving.

The reception of a text by the early Christian community played a pivotal role in determining its acceptance into the Bible. While some early Christians in certain regions accepted the Apocryphal books as scripture, their widespread acceptance within the broader Christian community was limited.

2. Gnostic Texts

Gnostic texts include the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Gospel of Judas, which emerged during the early centuries of Christianity. These texts presented alternative perspectives on the life and teachings of Jesus, often diverging from the traditional understanding. Here are a few key reasons why the Gnostic texts were rejected from the Bible.

Gnostic texts emerged as part of various heterodox movements within early Christianity. Gnostic texts often lacked direct connections to the apostles and distorted the traditional understanding of Jesus' teachings.

They also introduced teachings that contradicted orthodox Christian doctrine. The emphasis on secret knowledge, dualism, and a different understanding of salvation clashed with the established theological framework.

Much like the books of the Apocrypha, the Gnostic texts were also not widely received by the early Christian community, and many church leaders vehemently opposed their ideas.

3. Pseudepigrapha

Pseudepigrapha, in biblical terms, refers to a collection of Jewish writings attributed to figures from the Old Testament but authored between 300 BC and 300 AD. These texts include works like the Book of Enoch and the Testament of Solomon. Here are a few reasons why it’s believed these books were excluded from the Bible.

Pseudepigraphal texts were written long after the time of their attributed authors, and their authenticity was questionable. The inclusion of these texts, with their uncertain origins, would have compromised the historical accuracy of the Bible.

They introduced novel ideas and practices that were not consistent with the established teachings of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Their exclusion helped maintain the doctrinal integrity of the Bible and ensured that only texts with a clear theological foundation were included.

The early Christian community did not widely embrace the pseudepigraphal writings as inspired Scripture. Their lack of reception within the broader Christian tradition contributed to their exclusion from the modern Bible.

Conclusion

The exclusion of certain books from the modern Bible was a result of careful consideration guided by the Holy Spirit. The rejection of the Apocrypha, Gnostic texts, and Pseudepigrapha reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the Bible and preserving the core teachings of Christ. While these excluded texts may hold historical or cultural value, their omission is a testament to the theological discernment that shaped the Bible.