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Authority & Sources

Apocrypha

uh-POK-rih-fuhnoun

“Hidden” writings outside a given canon — the term Protestants use for the deuterocanon, and the word for non-canonical works generally.

Not To Be Confused With

“Apocrypha” is used two ways: (1) the deuterocanonical books Protestants exclude but value historically, and (2) clearly non-canonical writings like the Gospel of Thomas. Context decides which is meant.

From Greek apokryphos, “hidden away.” The label ranges from books one tradition reveres and another sets aside, to spurious works no church received. Theologos flags non-canonical sources plainly so readers never mistake them for Scripture.

Related Terms

Apocrypha — Definition | Theologos Media