Question 39: Why doesn’t your Bible contain the Apocrypha?

Answer: The simple answer is that we do not believe that the Apocrypha is inspired Scripture. There are several reasons why we believe this, among them are as follows:

1. They are not included in the original Hebrew Old Testament preserved by the Jews.
2. They were not received as inspired Scripture by the churches during the first four centuries after Christ.
3. They do not claim to be the inspired Word of God.
4. They contain teachings contrary to biblical books (e.g. 2 Maccabees teaches praying to the dead and making offerings to atone for the sins of the dead).
5. In quality and style, the Apocryphal books are not on the level of Bible writings.
6. The Apocryphal writings are not quoted by the Lord Jesus or the Apostles, while every part of the Old Testament Scriptures are quoted.