Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 1/30/2010

Question
It has been brought to my attention that the Catholic Bible has seven books in the old testament that the Bible we use does not have.  Tobit, Judith, 1&2 Maccabees, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, and Baruch. I am currently researching these books however I would like a to hear from someone with a greater understanding of why and when these seven books were taken out or never added to our Bible.  I thank you very much for your time and appreciate the answer you will give.

Answer
Hi David,

Thanks for this great question.  These books are known as the Apographa.  The events they record cover the time from Malachi to Matthew.  These claim to be a part of the Old Testament Record, but we have to evidence of their existence until well after Jesus' ministry #about 300 years after the events happened that they claim to record.#  Jews kept a very careful watch over their sacred scriptures.  The Jews never recognized these books as part of their scripture.  The doctrines taught in them contradict and conflict with orthodox teaching help by the early church... and contradict other parts of the scripture.  These books were not embraced until about 300 years after Christ.

It is for that reason I do not believe that they are inspired or canonical.

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don