The concept of Apocryphal book in Christianity
Apocryphal books, according to Christianity, are writings whose credibility as scripture is often disputed and excluded from the canonical Bible. They include texts mentioned in Jude's Epistle and contain various historical and theological insights, such as Queen Tryphaena's role in The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Apocryphal books may be regarded as having lesser authority and are significant in discussions about sacred literature, particularly within Catholic and Protestant traditions, reflecting a diverse understanding of religious texts beyond the canonical scriptures.
In Malay: Buku apokrif; In Swedish: Apokryfisk bok; In Spanish: Libro apócrifo; In German: Apokryphes Buch; In Finnish: Apokryfinen kirja; In Dutch: Apocrief boek; In French: Livre apocryphe
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Apocryphal book'
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) A text not included in the canonical scriptures but sometimes regarded for its historical content.[1] (2) A written work that is not included in the canonical Bible, often with unclear or disputed authorship and scripture authority.[2] (3) Books that claim a sacred character but are not considered authentic or of divine authority, often containing writings deemed spurious.[3] (4) The writings that are not included in the canonical Bible, often regarded as non-authoritative or lesser works.[4] (5) Apocryphal books refer to those writings that are rejected by Protestants but included by the Church of Rome as part of the Old Testament.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Queen Tryphaena, is mentioned in this, The Acts of Paul and Thecla, as having been present at a great Imperial festival at Pisidian Antioch in the reign of the Emperor Claudius, whose blood-relation she was.[6] (2) These are books that use 'truth' or 'the truth' frequently, in a way similar to how they are used in canonical writings, such as Daniel and Proverbs.[7]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) These are books that are not included in the Hebrew canon and are found only in the Greek Septuagint, and they are not considered part of the core religious texts.[8]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) A designation given to The Pastor of Hermas by Tertullian, indicating that he considered it non-canonical and not divinely authorized.[9] (2) Books that are considered to belong to a certain canon but are to be rejected, as referenced by the canon of Nicephoras.[10] (3) Texts that are not considered part of the canonical scripture, often containing stories and traditions not accepted by mainstream Christianity.[11] (4) Writings considered non-canonical or not officially recognized within the Christian biblical canon.[12]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) According to some of these, a certain tribe in the far east near the ocean possessed a document written by Seth, referring to the star and the presents to be offered.[13] (2) Non-canonical texts referenced in religious discussions, such as those from Esdras, that provide insights into concepts like aeviternity.[14]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) These are books of the Old Testament that some ancient authors considered to be non-canonical, and they were not used to establish faith, though some wanted them read in churches.[15]