Apokryfikirjallisuutta

Apokryfikirjallisuutta refers to a body of ancient Jewish and early Christian writings that were not included in the biblical canon. These texts, often written between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE, offer diverse perspectives on religious themes, historical events, and theological concepts that supplement, and sometimes contradict, the canonical scriptures. The term "apocrypha" itself derives from the Greek word for "hidden" or "secret," suggesting a potential for esoteric knowledge or a special audience.

Examples of apocryphal literature include the Book of Enoch, the Book of Tobit, the Wisdom of Solomon, and the Apocalypse of Baruch. These works explore various narratives, such as angelic encounters, the lives of biblical figures beyond what is recorded in the Bible, and eschatological visions. They were widely read and influential in their time, shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the periods in which they were produced.

The status of these texts has varied throughout history and across different religious traditions. Some Christian denominations, particularly Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, include certain apocryphal books within their Bibles, referring to them as deuterocanonical. Other traditions, like Protestant churches, generally exclude them from their canon, considering them valuable for historical study but not divinely inspired scripture. The ongoing study of apocryphal literature provides crucial insights into the development of religious thought and the formation of the biblical canon.