Exploring the Difference Between Gnostic Gospels and Apocrypha: A Critical Analysis

In the world of religious studies, particularly within biblical scholarship, the terms 'apocrypha' and 'Gnostic gospels' are often utilized to describe texts that fall outside the scope of what is considered canonical. This article aims to clarify these terms and their historical contexts to aid better understanding.

Understanding the Apocrypha

The term 'apocrypha' is used to describe a significant collection of books and texts, numbering around 54, that are not included in the major religious canons. These books were often authored between about 300 BC and 100 AD, during a period known as the inter-testamental period. The most noteworthy aspect of the apocrypha is that, while some are used in the Catholic and Orthodox Old Testaments, they are rarely included in Protestant versions of the Bible.

The Jewish Canon

The Jewish canon, known as the Hebrew Scriptures, includes 39 books and was compiled around 500 BC by the Jewish scribe Ezra. This canon is also used by Protestant Christians for the Old Testament. Conversely, the books that make up the apocrypha are part of a larger collection intended to provide supplementary information about the Jewish people, their history, and their covenant with God.

A key point to note is the Septuagint, often referred to as "LXX," which is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. Initially translating only the first five books (the Torah), over time, it grew to include other texts written in the inter-testamental period. This collection became the canon of the Catholic and Orthodox Christianity but was largely omitted from the Protestant version of the Old Testament, reflecting the different ecclesiastical traditions and theological inclinations of these branches of Christianity.

Distinguishing Gnostic Gospels

In contrast to the apocrypha, which primarily pertains to writings related to the Old Testament, the Gnostic gospels refer to a related but distinct set of texts. These are not canonical and were composed much later, often decades to centuries after the life of Jesus. The Gnostic gospels were authored to promote specific theological ideas—many of which were later rejected by the Christian church. Notably, one of the core tenets that these gospels promote is 'gnosticism,' which posits that personal revelation is more significant than religious texts and established church teachings.

The Rejection of Gnosticism

The Gnostic gospels are primarily known for their esoteric and mystical teachings about the nature of Jesus and his ministry. Many of these texts offer alternative interpretations or hypothetical scenarios that differ from the canonically accepted accounts. These gospels were often written in response to existing Christian beliefs and were used to promote gnostic ideas, which they saw as superior to conventional Christianity.

Historical and Theological Context

The distinction between the apocrypha and the Gnostic gospels highlights the evolution of Christian theology and the development of religious canon. The apocrypha, while accepted by some denominations, were still not considered to be scriptural within the main streams of Judaism. On the other hand, the Gnostic gospels, while not part of any official canon, were written to reflect alternative views and theological perspectives that were often deemed heretical by the early Christian church.

Understanding these differences is crucial for providing a clear picture of the diverse religious texts available in the broad landscape of Christian theology and for appreciating the historical context that shaped various branches of Christianity.

Key Takeaways: The apocrypha are a set of books and writings, not considered part of the canonical Bible. The Gnostic gospels are related to the New Testament but focus on promoting rejected doctrines. Understanding these texts requires awareness of the historical and theological contexts in which they were written.