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Introducing the Apocrypha: Message, Context, and Significance (2002) is a book by David Arthur DeSilva.

Abstract

"The status of the apocryphal (or deuterocanonical) books has been one of the longstanding areas of disagreement among various Christian traditions. David deSilva suggests, however, that whether one views these books as Scripture (Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christians) or not (Protestant Christians), these books should be read and studied for their inherent value ... The books of the Apocrypha are a witness to faith, specifically the faith of Jewish people living from 200 B.C.E. to 100 C.E. Contemporary Christian readers find these books to be surprisingly relevant. In addition, they provide essential historical background for understanding the Judaism of Jesus¹ day and the Jewish matrix of early Christianity ... After explaining the value of studying the Apocrypha and surveying the historical context from which these writings emerged, deSilva proceeds through each book of the Apocrypha (as found in the NRSV). Using all the tools of a skilled interpreter, he provides the necessary background details (date, circumstances of writing, etc.) before surveying the content and message of each book. Along the way, readers are introduced to connections between the Apocrypha and the Old and New Testaments and are encouraged to embark upon their own exploration of these fascinating books ... Especially suitable for classroom settings, this substantive, up-to-date, and well-written volume is accessible to and will be enjoyed by clergy and laity as well."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2002 / 2nd ed. 2018.

Table of contents

1. Introduction: The Value of the Apocrypha 15 -- 2. Historical Context: "The Yoke of the Gentiles" 42 -- 3. Tobit: "Better Is Almsgiving with Justice" 63 -- 4. Judith: "Hear Me Also, a Widow" 85 -- 5. Additions to Esther: "The Aid of the All-Seeing God and Savior" 110 -- 6. Wisdom of Solomon: "The Righteous Live Forever" 127 -- 7. Wisdom of Ben Sira: "In All Wisdom There Is the Doing of Torah" 153 -- 8. Baruch: "Return with Tenfold Zeal to Seek God" 198 -- 9. Letter of Jeremiah: "They Are Not Gods, So Do Not Fear Them" 214 -- 10. Additions to Daniel: "Let Them Know That You Alone Are God" 222 -- 11. 1 Maccabees: "The Family through Which Deliverance Was Given" 244 -- 12. 2 Maccabees: "There Is Some Power of God about the Place" 266 -- 13. 1 Esdras: "Leave to Us a Root and a Name" 280 -- 14. Prayer of Manasseh: "The God of Those Who Repent" 296 -- 15. Psalm 151: "He Made Me Shepherd of His Flock" 301 -- 16. 3 Maccabees: "Blessed Be the Deliverer of Israel" 304 -- 17. 2 Esdras: "The Mighty One Has Not Forgotten" 323 -- 18. 4 Maccabees: "Noble Is the Contest" 352.

External links

• Google Books