The Apocrypha
The 14 books of the Apocrypha, printed between the Old and New Testaments in the King James Version with Apocrypha (KJVA). Churches have received them differently, some as Scripture and others as writings to read for history and spiritual insight. Most come from the centuries before Christ.
1 Esdras
A parallel account of events in 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, with the unique story of the three guardsmen.
2 Esdras
An apocalyptic work containing seven visions given to Ezra about the end times and divine justice.
Tobit
A tale of faithfulness, the angel Raphael, and the healing of Tobit's blindness.
Judith
The story of a courageous widow who saves her people from the Assyrian general Holofernes.
Additions to Esther
Expansions of the Book of Esther with prayers, letters, and explicit references to God.
Wisdom of Solomon
A meditation on wisdom, righteousness, and the fate of the just and the wicked.
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
A compendium of ethical teachings, proverbs, and hymns by Jesus son of Sirach.
Baruch
A book of prayer, confession, and encouragement attributed to Jeremiah's scribe.
Prayer of Azariah
The prayer of Azariah (Abednego) and the Song of the Three Young Men in the fiery furnace.
Susanna
The story of Susanna's false accusation and Daniel's wise judgment.
Bel and the Dragon
Two stories showing Daniel's cleverness in exposing false worship.
Prayer of Manasseh
A penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh of Judah during his captivity.
1 Maccabees
A historical account of the Maccabean revolt and the rededication of the Temple.
2 Maccabees
A theological interpretation of the Maccabean period, emphasizing God's protection of the Temple.