THE APOCRYPHA - DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

The Books called the Apocrypha consist of 14 books originally attached to the Greek Old Testament that were not in the Hebrew-written Bible. That is because they were "first-written" in the Greek language. They were considered scripture and used as such by the Jews of the Dispersion (Jews living in foreign countries) at the time of Christ.

1 Esdras:
This is the Greek version of, and in some parts a reconstruction of the canonical Book of Ezra. It was written about 100 B.C. Some of the subject matter added is from the book of Nehemiah.

2 Esdras:
This book is an apocalypse, especially chapters 3-14. It is composite in origin, dating from 65 B.C. to 120 A.D. The value of the book lies in the fact that it focuses heavily on the period of Jewish thought surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

1 Maccabees:
Written by a Jew in Palestine during the latter part of the 2nd century B.C., is perhaps the best historical source on the period from 175 to 135 B.C. Well written, it reveals deep insight into the root causes of the Maccabean rebellion and details the rebellion itself down to the death of Simon in 135 B.C.

2 Maccabees:
Presents information about the period leading up to the rebellion of the Maccabees under Mattathias in Modein and follows it down to 161 B.C.

Tobias:
This is a story of romance and legend from the Jewish Dispersion in Egypt. It was written in the 3rd century B.C., and was based upon two well-known Egyptian stories. Features prominently the angel Raphael.

Judith:
Legendary tale of a Jewish widow reminiscent of 'Joan of Ark' who succeeds in outwitting and finally slaying a great Assyrian general, thus bringing deliverance to her oppressed people.

Wisdom:
In many respects this is one of the most valuable books of the entire Apocrypha. It was written especially to combat the materialistic tendencies of the canonical book of Ecclesiastes.

Sirach:
This book, written about 180 B.C., contains proverbs and practical observations of life two centuries before the birth of Christ. The work closely resembles the Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament.

Baruch:
The greater part of this book was written in the 1st century A.D. under the assumed name of Baruch, the private secretary of Jeremiah. The 6th chapter is known as the Epistle of Jeremiah. Both books contain a series of exhortations, encouragements and severe denunciations.

Bel and the Dragon:
Written about 100 B.C., this story reveals Daniel's wisdom in exposing the falsehood of idolatry and those who promote it. The book also reveals the existence in Babylon of a dragon-god. Information about this idol is available from no other source, but it is particularly relevant in light of dragon prophecies relative to the last days, scattered throughout the scriptures.

The Prayer of Manasseh:
This work dates from the first century B.C. It was intended to be used in connection with the story of Manasseh's Babylonian captivity (2 Chron. 33). Parts of the Prayer have found their way into Protestant liturgy.

Laodiceans:
This addition to the Book of Daniel was written about 100 B.C. and was found inserted in his book, in the third chapter, right after the 23rd verse.

Contents of The Apocrypha app includes:
★ 1 Esdras - Chapter 1 to 9
★ 2 Esdras - Chapter 1 to 7
★ 1 Macabees - Chapter 1 to 16
★ 2 Macabees - Chapter 1 to 15
★ Tobias - Chapter 1 to 14
★ Judith - Chapter 1 to 16
★ Wisdom - Chapter 1 to 19
★ Sirach - Chapter 1 to 51
★ Baruch - Chapter 1 to 5
★ Epistle of Jeremiah
★ History od Susanna
★ Prayer of Azariah
★ Prayer of Manasseh
★ Bel and the Dragon
★ Laodiceans

We hope this audio app benefits your spiritual / religious purposes and goals. Please rate us and leave feedback so we can improve in near future updates.