Have you ever wondered about the Books of the Ethiopian Bible that are missing from the Protestant Canon? In this blog post, we will explore these lesser-known texts and delve into their significance within the broader context of biblical literature.
Discovering the Books of the Ethiopian Bible not only sheds light on the diverse traditions and interpretations of Christianity but also enriches our understanding of the complexities of biblical canonization. By exploring these hidden gems, we open ourselves up to a more comprehensive study of the Bible and deepen our appreciation for the historical and cultural nuances that have shaped the sacred texts we know today. Join us on this journey of exploration and enlightenment as we delve into the fascinating world of the Ethiopian Bible.
Exploring the Excluded: Ethiopian Bible Books Absent in the Protestant Canon
The Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Canon, is a collection of religious texts used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. This collection of scriptures is distinct from the Protestant Bible in terms of the number and content of its books. One of the notable differences between the Ethiopian Bible and the Protestant Canon is the inclusion of several books that are considered “missing” in the Protestant tradition.
Among the books that are included in the Ethiopian Bible but not found in the Protestant Canon are the Books of Enoch, 1 and 2 Jubilees, the Book of Tobit, the Book of Judith, the Book of Wisdom, and the Books of Maccabees (1, 2, 3, and 4 Maccabees). These books are collectively referred to as the “deuterocanonical” or “apocryphal” books by the Protestant tradition because they are not considered part of the canonical Old Testament.
The Books of Enoch, for example, contain visions and prophecies attributed to the biblical figure Enoch. These texts provide insights into the heavenly realms, the judgment of the wicked, and the role of angels in the divine order. Similarly, the Books of Maccabees narrate the history of the Jewish Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, events not covered in the Protestant Canon.
The Book of Tobit tells the story of Tobit, a righteous Israelite who faces various trials and tribulations but remains faithful to God. The Book of Judith recounts the heroic deeds of a woman named Judith who saved her people by decapitating the Assyrian general Holofernes. These narratives offer moral lessons and examples of faithfulness and courage.
The Book of Wisdom, also known as the Wisdom of Solomon, contains philosophical reflections on themes such as righteousness, immortality, and the nature of wisdom itself. This text emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life and seeking divine guidance in all matters.
Overall, the inclusion of these additional books in the Ethiopian Bible enriches the religious and cultural heritage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. These texts offer unique perspectives on biblical history, ethics, and spirituality that may resonate with believers in different ways. While these books may be “missing” from the Protestant Canon, they continue to hold significance for those who adhere to the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition.
What books are in the Ethiopian Bible that are not in the Protestant Bible?
In the Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Canon, there are several books that are not found in the Protestant Bible. These books are referred to as the “Deuterocanonical” or “Anagignoskomena” books by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Some of these books include:
- The Book of Enoch
- The Book of Jubilees
- The Book of Tobit
- The Book of Judith
- The Wisdom of Solomon
- The Wisdom of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
- The First Book of Meqabyan
- The Second Book of Meqabyan
- The Book of Baruch
- The Rest of the Book of Esther
- The Prayer of Manasseh
These books are considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and are included in their Bible, but they are not part of the Protestant Bible.
What books were removed from the canon Bible?
Several books were removed from the canon Bible during history. These books are collectively known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books. Some of the most well-known books that were removed include the Book of Tobit, the Book of Judith, the Wisdom of Solomon, the Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), the Baruch, and the First and Second Maccabees. These books were part of the Greek Septuagint version of the Old Testament but were later excluded from the Hebrew Bible and subsequently from many Protestant Bibles. The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, however, still consider these books as part of the Bible.
What are the 75 books that were removed from the Bible?
The 75 books that were removed from the Bible are often referred to as the “Lost Books of the Bible,” although the number can vary depending on different traditions and perspectives. These books include texts such as the Book of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, the Book of Jasher, the Apocalypse of Peter, and others.
It is important to note that these books were not included in the final canonical Bible determined by early Christian councils. While some of these books are considered apocryphal or deuterocanonical by certain branches of Christianity, others are completely unique texts that offer different perspectives on biblical stories and teachings.
Some examples of the 75 books that were removed from the Bible include:
- The Book of Enoch
- The Gospel of Thomas
- The Apocalypse of Peter
- The Acts of Paul and Thecla
- The Infancy Gospel of James
These books provide valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of early Christian communities, but they were ultimately not included in the official biblical canon. Despite their exclusion, these texts continue to be studied by scholars and individuals interested in the diversity of ancient Christian literature.
Is the Apocrypha in the Ethiopian Bible?
Yes, the Apocrypha is included in the Ethiopian Bible. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church includes several additional books in its Old Testament canon that are not found in most other Christian Bibles. These books, collectively known as the “Ethiopian canon” or “Ethiopic canon,” include books such as 1 Enoch, Jubilees, and the Book of Jasher alongside the traditional Old Testament and New Testament books. The inclusion of these extra biblical texts is a unique feature of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church’s Bible.