The Complete List of 75 Books Removed from the Bible

The Bible is a very important book that many people have read. But, what some folks might not know is that the Bible we have now is a special collection of writings. A long time ago, they took out many books from the Bible for different reasons. In this article, we’ll look at “The Complete List of 75 Books Removed from the Bible” to learn about this interesting part of religious history.

List of 75 Books Removed from the Bible

Without further ado, here is the list of 75 books removed from the Bible:

1. The Book of Adam and Eve:

• Explores the lives of Adam and Eve post-Eden.
• Details experiences, angelic interactions, and lessons learned outside paradise.
• Offers early interpretations of the biblical narrative.

2. The Book of Enoch:

• Significant apocryphal work attributing to Enoch.
• Explores interactions between angels and humans, prophetic visions, and apocalyptic themes.
• Shapes esoteric and angelological traditions in Jewish and Christian thought.

3. The Book of Jubilees:

• “Little Genesis” revisits early human history chronologically.
• Provides additional details about key figures and emphasizes adherence to religious laws.

4. The Book of Jasher:

• Offers alternate biblical event versions, adding details about various characters.
• Serves as a historical and literary source, providing unique perspectives on biblical stories.

5. The Book of Tobit:

• Focuses on Tobit, a righteous Israelite, and his son Tobias.
• Explores themes of faith, divine providence, and virtuous living.

6. The Book of Judith:

• Narrates the heroic story of Judith saving her people from Assyrian general Holofernes.
• Emphasizes bravery, resourcefulness, and faith in adversity.

7. The Wisdom of Solomon:

• Attributed to King Solomon, renowned for philosophical and ethical insights.
• Addresses wisdom, righteousness, and the immortality of the soul.

8. The Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus):

• Collection of ethical teachings for early Jewish and Christian communities.
• Provides guidance on leading a virtuous and righteous life.

9. The First Book of Maccabees:

• Historical account of Maccabean revolt against Seleucid Empire.
• Focuses on the struggle for religious freedom and rededication of the Second Temple.

10. The Second Book of Maccabees:

• Continuation of the historical account of the Maccabean revolt.
• Offers further insights into the challenges faced by the Maccabees.

11. The Third Book of Maccabees:

• Focuses on a separate historical episode involving Ptolemy IV Philopator’s persecution of the Jewish community in Alexandria.
• Highlights challenges faced by the Jewish diaspora in maintaining religious identity.

12. The Fourth Book of Maccabees:

• Philosophical treatise on religious martyrdom and the supremacy of reason and virtue.
• Focuses on the heroic endurance of seven Jewish brothers and their mother.

13. The Prayer of Manasseh:

• Attributed to King Manasseh, reflects penitence and plea for forgiveness.
• Emphasizes repentance and God’s willingness to forgive.

14. The Book of Baruch:

• Attributed to Baruch during the Babylonian exile.
• Contains texts and prayers expressing longing for Jerusalem’s restoration.

15. The Letter of Jeremiah:

• Often considered an extension of the Book of Baruch.
• Strongly condemns idolatry, emphasizing monotheistic devotion.

16. The Song of the Three Holy Children:

• Found in some versions of Daniel.
• Song of praise and thanksgiving by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace.

17. Bel and the Dragon:

• Also found in some versions of Daniel.
• Exposes foolishness of idol worship and recounts Daniel’s encounter with a dragon.

18. The Prayer of Azariah:

• Part of some versions of Daniel.
• A heartfelt prayer by Azariah, one of the three cast into the fiery furnace.

19. The Story of Susanna:

• Found in some versions of Daniel.
• Revolves around Susanna facing unjust accusations, emphasizing justice and wisdom.

20. The Book of Odes:

• Collection of hymns and songs attributed to various biblical figures.
• Similar to Psalms, expressing praise, lament, and devotion.

21. The Psalms of Solomon:

• Collection of 18 psalms expressing religious and nationalistic sentiments.
• Composed during the Second Temple period, covering themes like justice and divine favor.

22. The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs:

• Farewell addresses attributed to each of Jacob’s twelve sons.
• Offers moral guidance, predicts the future, and explores ethical and prophetic elements.

23. The Apocalypse of Elijah:

• Attributed to the prophet Elijah, offering insights into early Jewish apocalyptic thought.
• Describes end times, cosmic battles, and eschatological themes.

24. The Apocalypse of Moses:

• Heavenly ascent of Moses, revealing divine revelations.
• Emphasizes divine guidance, judgment, and Moses as a mediator.

25. The Apocalypse of Ezra (2 Esdras):

• Explores visionary experiences and prophecies of Ezra.
• Addresses questions about suffering, divine justice, and humanity’s ultimate destiny.

26. The Apocalypse of Zephaniah:

• Attributes prophecies to the prophet Zephaniah, focusing on the Day of Judgment.
• Reflects widespread interest in apocalyptic literature during the Second Temple period.

27. The Apocalypse of Sedrach:

• Associated with the Testament of Abraham.
• Offers revelations about heaven and hell, exploring themes of judgment and the afterlife.

28. The Apocalypse of Abraham:

• Narrative on Abraham’s visionary experiences, emphasizing faith and divine revelation.
• Provides a unique perspective on the patriarch’s spiritual journey.

29. The Apocalypse of Daniel:

• Features apocalyptic visions attributed to Daniel.
• Explores cosmic battles, divine judgments, and the triumph of righteousness.

30. The Apocalypse of Paul:

• Presents visions and revelations experienced by the apostle Paul.
• Explores themes related to heaven, hell, and the divine order.

31. The Apocalypse of Peter:

• Presents vivid accounts of the afterlife, with emphasis on the judgment of souls.
• Describes the fate of the wicked in Hell and offers glimpses of heavenly realms.

32. The Apocalypse of Thomas:

• Attributed to the apostle Thomas, delves into apocalyptic themes.
• Outlines the spiritual journey of the soul after death.

33. The Apocalypse of Stephen:

• Focuses on Stephen, offering insights into his apocalyptic visions.
• Sheds light on the spiritual and visionary aspects of early Christian figures.

34. The Apocalypse of John the Theologian:

• Attributed to the apostle John, reminiscent of the biblical book of Revelation.
• Contains apocalyptic visions exploring eschatology and divine judgments.

35. The Gospel of Thomas:

• Gnostic gospel with sayings attributed to Jesus.
• Challenges conventional Christian narratives, encouraging exploration of alternative viewpoints.

36. The Gospel of Peter:

• Offers a distinctive account of the crucifixion and resurrection.
• Provides vivid descriptions not found in canonical gospels.

37. The Gospel of Philip:

• Gnostic gospel exploring spiritual knowledge and the nature of Christ.
• Discusses the sacredness of marriage, resurrection, and Christ as a transformative figure.

38. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene:

• Gnostic text with teachings on resurrection and eternal life.
• Highlights Mary Magdalene’s prominent role, challenging traditional gender roles.

39. The Gospel of Judas:

• Gnostic gospel presenting a revisionist view of Judas Iscariot.
• Portrays Judas fulfilling a divine role, challenging conventional views.

40. The Gospel of Nicodemus:

• Also known as “Acts of Pilate,” provides accounts of the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection.
• Expands on the traditional Passion narrative, offering additional details and spiritual insights.

41. The Infancy Gospel of James:

• Also known as the “Protoevangelium of James.”
• Attributed to James the Just, brother of Jesus.
• Focuses on the early life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.
• Explores Mary’s childhood, her selection as Jesus’ mother, and circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth.
• Addresses the concept of Mary’s perpetual virginity and her role in the Holy Family.
• Offers insights into religious devotion and reverence for Mary in early Christian communities.

42. The Infancy Gospel of Thomas:

• Different from the Gospel of Thomas.
• Focuses on the childhood of Jesus, portraying him as a child prodigy with miraculous powers and wisdom.
• Includes episodes where young Jesus performs miracles, like shaping clay birds and bringing them to life.
• Provides a non-canonical perspective on Jesus’ early years, emphasizing his divine nature as a child.
• Offers intriguing insights into how early Christian communities imagined Jesus’ upbringing.

43. The Acts of Andrew:

• Narrates the deeds and missionary journeys of the apostle Andrew.
• Not part of the canonical New Testament but highly esteemed in certain Christian communities.
• Describes Andrew’s travels, teachings, and encounters with various individuals.
• Sheds light on the spread of Christianity and the role of apostles in early Christian history.

44. The Acts of Peter:

• Centers on the apostle Peter and his activities.
• Offers narratives about Peter’s interactions with individuals and recounts miracles attributed to him.
• Provides insights into the early Christian tradition’s reverence for Peter.
• Illuminates the significance of Peter as a key figure in the development of Christianity.

45. The Acts of John:

• Features the apostle John and his travels, teachings, and miraculous deeds.
• Notable for its mystical and visionary elements, reflecting spiritual aspects of early Christian thought.
• Significant for understanding the mystical experiences and perspectives of early Christian communities.

46. The Acts of Paul:

• Collection of writings related to the apostle Paul.
• Includes narratives of Paul’s missionary journeys and interactions with other early Christian figures.
• Highly regarded in specific Christian communities, emphasizing Paul’s influential role.
• Explores the spreading of the Christian message through the lens of Paul’s experiences.

47. The Acts of Thomas:

• Focuses on the apostle Thomas and his missionary activities, including a journey to India.
• Carries historical and hagiographical significance, providing insights into early Christian efforts to expand the faith.
• Chronicles the challenges faced by Thomas in spreading Christianity to distant regions.

48. The Acts of Philip:

• Associated with the apostle Philip and his missionary work.
• Contains accounts of Philip’s encounters with sorcerers and conversions to Christianity.
• Offers a glimpse into the challenges early missionaries faced and their successes in spreading the Christian message.

49. The Acts of Matthew:

• Offers narratives related to the apostle Matthew’s ministry and conversion of individuals.
• Explores themes of faith and divine intervention, underscoring Matthew’s contributions to the early Christian community.

50. The Acts of Bartholomew:

• Centers on the apostle Bartholomew, detailing his travels, teachings, and interactions.
• Shares historical and hagiographical interest, contributing to the understanding of apostles’ roles in early Christian traditions.

51. The Acts of Thaddeus:

• Focuses on the apostle Thaddeus (Lebbaeus or Jude) and his missionary activities.
• Associated with the spread of Christianity in Mesopotamia and Armenia.
• Provides detailed accounts of Thaddeus’s efforts to convert individuals and perform miracles.

52. The Acts of Simon the Zealot:

• Explores the life and ministry of the apostle Simon the Zealot.
• Suggests a possible affiliation with the Jewish Zealot movement, known for resistance against Roman rule.
• Highlights Simon’s role in spreading Christianity and his experiences as an early missionary.

53. The Acts of Matthias:

• Centers on the apostle Matthias, chosen to replace Judas Iscariot among the Twelve apostles.
• Narrates Matthias’s missionary activities and contributions to the early Christian community.
• Symbolizes the continuity of leadership within the early church.

54. The Acts of Andrew and Matthew:

• Focuses on the apostles Andrew and Matthew, detailing their missionary journeys and teachings.
• Offers accounts of their interactions with diverse individuals, reflecting inclusivity in spreading the Christian message.

55. The Acts of Barnabas:

• Centers around the apostle Barnabas, a significant figure in the early Christian community.
• Narrates Barnabas’s missionary activities and interactions with individuals.
• Highlights his role beyond his partnership with Paul, nurturing believers and fostering Christian communities.

56. The Acts of James:

• Features the apostle James, also known as James the Just or James the Brother of the Lord.
• Offers insights into James’s mission and contributions to the Christian community.
• His leadership and commitment to maintaining the faith’s integrity make him a crucial figure.

57. The Acts of Paul and Thecla:

• Includes the story of Thecla, a woman who converted to Christianity and became a companion of Paul.
• Significance lies in portraying a female Christian figure actively spreading the Christian message.
• Challenges traditional gender roles within early Christianity.

58. The Acts of Peter and Andrew:

• Explores the lives and activities of the apostles Peter and Andrew, two of Jesus’ first disciples.
• Includes accounts of their teachings and interactions with diverse individuals.
• Highlights Peter’s leadership and Andrew’s missionary work.

59. The Acts of Philip and Thomas:

• Narrates the apostles Philip and Thomas’ missionary journeys and efforts to spread the Christian message.
• Provides insights into their experiences as they shared Jesus’ teachings in different regions.

60. The Acts of Peter and the Twelve Apostles:

• Offers narratives related to the apostle Peter and his interactions with the other twelve apostles.
• Emphasizes their collective efforts in spreading the Christian message.
• Underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian evangelism.

61. The Acts of John the Theologian:

• Provides a unique perspective on the apostle John, often referred to as “the Theologian.”
• Offers an in-depth look into John’s teachings, missionary activities, and encounters with various individuals.
• Highlights John’s theological insights and impact on the nascent Christian community.

62. The Acts of Thomas and Philip:

• Combines the narratives of two apostles, Thomas and Philip.
• Depicts their missionary journeys, conversions, and miraculous deeds.
• Provides historical accounts of early Christian expansion and challenges faced by apostles.

63. The Acts of Timothy:

• Dedicated to the apostle Timothy, often associated with Paul.
• Illuminates Timothy’s ministry, teachings, and contributions to the early Christian community.
• Showcases Timothy’s efforts to guide and nurture emerging Christian groups.

64. The Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles):

• A significant early Christian manual imparting essential teachings and instructions for believers.
• Encompasses moral guidelines, rituals, and church organization.
• Offers insights into the practices and ethics of early Christian communities.

65. The Shepherd of Hermas:

• Consists of visions, parables, and commandments conveying moral and theological lessons.
• A notable text in early Christian literature emphasizing repentance, virtue, and spiritual guidance.
• Encourages reflection on moral and ethical conduct, providing unique spiritual insights.

66. The Epistle of Barnabas:

• Attributed to Barnabas, a close associate of the apostle Paul.
• Contains teachings exploring the Old Testament, the nature of Christ, and Christian ethics.
• Important for understanding early Christian interpretations of the Old Testament.

67. The Epistle of Clement:

• Attributed to Clement of Rome, offers practical instructions and exhortations to the Corinthian church.
• Emphasizes unity, humility, and order within the Christian community.
• Exemplifies pastoral care and concern for maintaining harmony among early Christian congregations.

68. The Epistle to the Laodiceans:

• A brief epistle often attributed to Paul, containing exhortations related to Christian virtues and behaviors.
• Its authenticity is debated but reflects familiar themes of Christian morality.

69. The Apocalypse of Hermas:

• An apocalyptic work characterized by visions and revelations experienced by Hermas.
• Explores themes of repentance, angelic guidance, and the future of the Church.
• Contributes to early Christian apocalyptic literature and reveals eschatological beliefs.

70. The Gospel of the Ebionites:

• Associated with the Ebionites, a Jewish-Christian group.
• Presents an alternative perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, emphasizing his Jewish heritage.
• Crucial for understanding the complex relationship between Judaism and early Christianity.

71. The Gospel of the Nazarenes:

• Linked to the Nazarenes, an early Jewish Christian group.
• Includes teachings attributed to Jesus, emphasizing the preservation of Jewish elements.
• Offers insights into the interplay between Jewish and Christian beliefs in the early Christian community.

72. The Gospel of the Hebrews:

• Also known as the Gospel of the Nazarenes in some sources.
• Underscores the Jewish context of Jesus’ ministry and teachings.
• Provides perspectives on early Christian-Jewish relations and theological diversity.

73. The Traditions of Matthias:

• Writings about the apostle Matthias, who replaced Judas Iscariot among the Twelve.
• Contains narratives about Matthias’s missionary work and contributions to the early Christian community.

74. The Book of Laodiceans:

• A brief epistle often attributed to Paul, addressed to the Laodicean church.
• Contains exhortations and instructions related to Christian ethics and conduct.

75. The Acts of John and Thekla:

• Narrates the lives and activities of the apostle John and Thekla, a prominent early Christian figure.
• Offers insights into their roles in spreading the Christian message, contributing to early Christian history and mission.

If you like to know more about the Lost Books of the Bible. Watch the Video Below:

Why Were These Books Removed?

The removal of these 75 books from the Bible is rooted in a complex interplay of theological debates, historical context, and evolving beliefs. A significant factor contributing to their exclusion was uncertainty surrounding their authorship, with many texts believed to have been written long after the apostolic era.

Some of these works were integrated into specific versions of the Bible, tailored to the preferences of particular religious communities. It’s conjectured that these texts were penned during the transitional period between the Old and New Testaments.

“Pseudepigrapha” denotes texts falsely attributing authorship to notable figures such as disciples or prophets. Notably, many of the omitted books fall into this category, raising doubts about their authenticity and rightful place in religious discourse.

In contrast, “Apocryphal Texts” are supplementary books included in certain Bibles but not universally embraced. They provide additional insights for select religious groups.

Ultimately, the rationale behind excluding these books from the Bible unveils the intricate tapestry of religious history and the canonization process. While some texts found their way into specific Bible versions, others remain beyond canonical bounds, sparking ongoing debates regarding their significance and authenticity.

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Conclusion

To sum it up, when you read “The Complete List of 75 Books Removed from the Bible,” you’re on a journey to find ancient writings that really shaped how people think about religion. It shows that religious books aren’t just simple and always the same. Instead, they reveal how people have always tried to learn more about their faith.

So, whether you’re curious about the secrets hidden in those old texts or you want to learn about the history of religion, this exploration is a super interesting way to do it. And if you want to dive even deeper, there are more helpful resources to help you learn more about this cool topic.

If you want to learn more about these books, you can get a PDF that talks about them in detail. Just click the link below:

Download The Complete PDF Here

FAQs About The List of 75 Books Removed from the Bible

1. Why were these books removed from the Bible?

There are a variety of reasons why these books were not included in the Bible canon. Some of the reasons include:

• Questionable authorship
• Date of composition
• Content inconsistent

2. What are some of the most well-known books removed from the Bible?

Some of the most well-known books removed from the Bible include:

• The Book of Enoch
• The Gospel of Thomas
• The Gospel of Peter
• The Book of Jubilees

3. What are the implications of the 75 books being removed from the Bible?

The removal of the 75 books from the Bible has a number of implications. For example, it raises questions about the authority and interpretation of scripture. It also highlights the importance of historical and critical study of the Bible.

4. Where can I learn more about the list of 75 books removed from the Bible?

There are a number of resources available where you can learn more about the list of 75 books removed from the Bible. These resources include:

• “The Lost Books of the Bible” by Bart Ehrman, “The Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha of the Old Testament” by James Charlesworth
• The Bible Project, Early Christian Writings
• “Lost Books of the Bible” (PBS)