The Pseudepigrapha – What are they?

what does the bible say?

The Pseudepigrapha are ancient religious writings falsely attributed to well-known biblical figures, written between 300 BC and AD 300. These works—ranging from the Book of Enoch to the Gospel of Thomas—were often attempts to preserve faith, explain history, or interpret Scripture, but they were never recognized as inspired by God. The Old Testament warns against false prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:18-22; Jeremiah 14:14), and the New Testament reflects the early church’s concern over forged letters (2 Thessalonians 2:2, 3:17). While the Pseudepigrapha can provide historical and cultural insight into the spiritual climate between the Testaments and early Christianity, they lack the marks of divine inspiration that characterize the biblical canon. Their existence reminds us to treasure the tested and Spirit-breathed Word of God, which alone carries the authority to teach, correct, and guide us in truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

from the old testament

• After the close of the Old Testament canon, there was a period of prophetic silence when no new inspired revelation was given. During this time, many Jewish writers began producing religious and moral works—some claiming to be written by ancient biblical figures—to preserve wisdom, interpret Scripture, and explain Israel’s history and struggles. The Old Testament’s emphasis on true prophecy (Deuteronomy 18:18-22) and warnings against false claims of divine authority (Jeremiah 14:14) help us discern that while these later writings may reflect cultural or historical value, they do not carry the same divine inspiration or authority as Scripture.

from the new testament

• The Apostle Paul dealt with false writings or Pseudepigrapha. In 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul was concerned about a “letter seeming to be from us.” In other places, Paul would note, “I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17; also 1 Corinthians 16:21; Galatians 6:11; and Colossians 4:18).
• The Pseudepigrapha stands in stark contrast with the biblical books, considered the very words of God and useful for life and teaching (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

implications for today

The term “Pseudepigrapha” comes from Greek words meaning false writings (pseudo=false and epigraphe=to inscribe) and refers to works that attempt to create Scripture under false names. In academic studies the Pseudepigrapha refer to both the Apocrypha of the Old Testament as well as writings that claim to be part of the New Testament that together cover the general time period of 300 BC to AD 300. The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha includes the books of the Apocrypha and Deuterocanonical Books. The Roman Catholic Apocrypha includes: Tobit Judith Additions to Esther Wisdom of Solomon Ecclesiasticus Baruch Letter of Jeremiah Song of the Three Children Story of Susanna Bel and the Dragon 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees The Old Testament-related Pseudepigrapha not included in the Apocrypha include: 3 Maccabees 4 Maccabees The Assumption of Moses 1 Enoch 2 Enoch Book of Jubilees Greek Apocalypse of Baruch (3 Baruch) Letter of Aristeas Life of Adam and Eve Martyrdom and Ascension of Isaiah Psalms of Solomon Sibylline Oracles Syriac Apocalypse of Baruch (2 Baruch) Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs The New Testament Pseudepigrapha includes numerous works, ranging from the Didache in some lists (included among the writings of the church fathers) to the Secret Gospel of Mark (a much later work). (A large list of these writings can be found at ). The quality of the writings included in the Pseudepigrapha varies greatly from one to the next. For example, the Didache includes many valuable historical elements from early Christianity, while the Gospel of Thomas has no connection to the biblical Thomas and was written by a Gnostic writer in Egypt. The Pseudepigrapha may have historical value, but they are not considered Scripture as they lacked affirmation by the early Jewish leaders and the early church, often include errors, are presented as works by authors other than the true author, or came at a date far after the true events. Believers today may read the pseudepigrapha with historical interest but should never regard it as God’s inspired Word.

Recap

understand

• The Pseudepigrapha are ancient religious writings falsely attributed to biblical figures.
• The Pseudepigrapha hold historical and cultural value but are not biblical canon.
• The Bible warns against false prophecy and forged writings.

reflect

• How do you discern between writings that are historically interesting and those that are truly inspired by God?
• What helps you stay grounded in the truth and authority of Scripture when you encounter other spiritual or religious writings?
• How does knowing that false writings existed even in biblical times shape your trust in the preservation of God’s Word?

engage

• How can we recognize and respond to teachings or writings that claim divine authority but contradict Scripture?
• How can studying the Pseudepigrapha help us appreciate the reliability and authenticity of the biblical canon?
• How might understanding the existence of these false writings strengthen our confidence in the Spirit’s role in preserving truth?