Synopses & Reviews
The author introduces the Old Testament Apocryphal books and summarizes their context, message and significance.
Synopsis
The status of the Apocrypha has been one of the longstanding areas of disagreement among various Christian traditions. David deSilva contends, however, that whether one views these books as Scripture or not, they should be read and studied for their inherent value. The books of the Apocrypha are a witness to faith, and contemporary Christian readers will find these books surprisingly relevant.
After explaining the value of studying the Apocrypha and reviewing its historical context, deSilva surveys the content and message of each book of the Apocrypha (as found in the NRSV). Along the way, he explores how these ancient documents provide essential historical background for understanding the Judaism of Jesus' day and the Jewish environment of early Christianity.