02.02.07 Deuterocanonical Books. Those writings are books accepted by the Roman Catholic Church in addition to the thirty-nine Old Testament books. The Deuterocanonical books include some writings classified as Apocryphal books, but not New Testament books.[1] The term means second canon, and some books in this category are also found in other classifications and with other titles.[2] For example,
- 1st Esdras is a/k/a 3rd Ezra
- 2nd Esdras is a/k/a 4th Ezra[3]
- Ecclesiasticus is a/k/a Jesus, ben Sirach, Ben Sirach, The Wisdom of Jesus, the Son of Sirach, or just Sirach.[4]
- The Assumption of Moses is a/k/a the Testament of Moses[5]
Unfortunately, the Deuterocanonical books are generally of little value, but are mentioned here because the serious student will encounter them from time to time, and should be aware of them.
[1]. House, Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament. 84.
[2]. Fischer, The Gospels in Their Jewish Context. (Lecture on CD/MP3). Week 6, Session 1.
[3]. Some scholars believe this book was written in the late first century A.D. and it reflects long-held messianic opinions. See Saperstein, Essential Papers on Messianic Movements and Personalities in Jewish History. 103.
[4]. This book was written approximately 100-50 B.C. and resembles the book of Proverbs.
[5]. Some scholars believe this book could have been written during the lifetime of Jesus. However, it appears to be of little academic value. Silver, A History of Messianic Speculation in Israel. Boston: Beacon Hill. 7.