Texts outside the Protestant canon
Understanding why these books are not in the Protestant canon
The story of Tobit, a devout Jewish exile in Assyria, and his son Tobias. It recounts Tobias's journey guided by the angel Raphael, his marriage to Sarah, and the healing of his father's blindness.
The story of Judith, a Jewish widow who saves Bethulia by beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. It celebrates the faith and courage of a woman who trusted God.
A historical account of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid empire (175–134 BC). It recounts resistance led by Mattathias and his sons, especially Judas Maccabeus, culminating in the purification of the Temple.
An abridgment of a larger work by Jason of Cyrene. It covers a period similar to 1 Maccabees with theological emphasis, including the martyrdom of seven brothers and their mother.
A philosophical treatise attributed to Solomon but written in Alexandria. It praises wisdom as a divine emanation and critiques idolatry, showing Greek philosophical influence.
A collection of wise teachings by Jesus Ben Sira of Jerusalem. Like Proverbs, it addresses ethics, family, friendship, wealth, and piety; the author's grandson translated it into Greek.
Attributed to Baruch, Jeremiah's scribe. It contains a confession of sin, a poem about wisdom, and words of encouragement for Jerusalem, including the Letter of Jeremiah as chapter 6.
Six sections added to Esther in the Greek Septuagint, including Mordecai's dream and prayers, Esther's prayers, and complete royal edicts.
Three additions: the Prayer of Azariah and Song of the Three Young Men, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon, in which Daniel exposes idols.
A collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, without narrative. Some parallel the canonical Gospels; others emphasize secret Gnostic knowledge.
Fragmentary. Mary receives private revelations from the risen Jesus about the soul, and Peter questions her authority because she is a woman.
Judas is the hero who helps Jesus escape the material body. It reverses the canonical narrative and presents an elaborate Gnostic cosmology.