With its definition coming from the Greek, Apocrypha means “concealed” or “hidden”. In general, apocryphal literature means “outside of the approved canon of scripture”. It is “concealed or hidden” from the accepted canon.
We see Apocrypha literature in some Bibles, but these writings are a small subset of the whole of apocryphal literature. Here are two scholarly articles describing the history of apocryphal literature. 1. Lost Gospels. “Contrary to popular opinion, the Latter-day Saints gave a great deal of attention to apocryphal and related literature long before the current interest generated by the discoveries of this century [1900s].” 2. Apocryphal Writings
Interestingly, the apocryphal literature I have been learning from is not mentioned by these scholars and is not part of the Apocrypha found in some Bibles. In the last several months, led by the Spirit, I have learned a great deal from apocryphal literature from various sources.
As I read apocryphal literature, I like to make sure it does not contradict what the Lord has revealed with the restoration of the fullness of the gospel. What I have found are many truths not contained in these sacred canon.
Seek the Spirit
Concerning the Apocrypha found in some Bibles, The Prophet Joseph Smith was told by the Lord, “Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning the Apocrypha—There are many things contained therein that are true, and it is mostly translated correctly; There are many things contained therein that are not true, which are interpolations by the hands of men. Verily, I say unto you, that it is not needful that the Apocrypha should be translated. Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; And whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;” (D&C 91:1-5)
The key then is to have the Spirit as one reads apocryphal literature. As Moroni got ready to bury the gold plates in 420 A.D. from which Joseph Smith miraculously translated the Book of Mormon, he gave this great counsel: (Moroni 10:3-5) “Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things.”
Moroni Saw Our Day
Moroni saw our day more clearly than any other prophet. He knew not only that the Book of Mormon would come forth, but a lot of other books and information—validating God’s word that would come forth. We need to learn from all that God has revealed and will yet reveal.
Living, as we do, in this digital era with computers, the world-wide-web, and now artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the world. Very few realize the painstaking effort to preserve sacred writings—including apocryphal literature. We tend to go to the internet with our questions instead of to God. We also hear the common modern phase, “Look to the science,” which I assure you can be very misleading.
Receiving a “Sure Witness”
Before the printing press, everything had to be copied by hand—character by character. We need to be more grateful than we are for these ancient and sacred writings. Notice, Moroni shares the very important null hypothesis test, “if these things are not true.” Then, he gives us a sure witness of the Holy Ghost in Moroni 10:3-5. The miracles associated with the printing of the Book of Mormon show God’s validation of this “marvelous work and a wonder.”
I have written ten blog articles benefitting greatly from ancient apocryphal literature that I have been privileged to study. I list them below. I pray the Lord’s Spirit be with you as you ponder, study, and pray. We are so blessed to have these sacred “concealed or hidden” writings. It is exciting to know that a lot is yet to come. Let us open our minds and hearts to receive the TRUTHs of God—confirmed by His Holy Spirit.
1. Importance of Missing Scripture
2. Sacred Bethel, Bethany, Bethlehem
3. How Close is the World of Spirits
4. The Full Infinite Atonement
5. The Infinite Atonement and Paradise
6. Burrows Cave Artifacts Authenticity
7. Two Hundred Names for Jesus
8. The Gospel Before The Four Gospels
9. Don’t Pass Up History Study
10. Jesus’ Planned Miracle Triggered The Crucifixion
I hope you rejoice with me in the exciting and inspiring insights one can gain from ancient apocryphal literature. May it draw us ever closer to our infinitely loving God. The Lord says that He speaks to all nations and tongues to teach His word. And, to help them to come to know Him. (Alma 29:8) I have found many TRUTHs in apocryphal literature to help us to come to know Him. To know Him is eternal life–the greatest of all the gifts of God. (John 17:3; D&C 14:7)
David W. Allan
Photo: CC Christian Apocrypha – Pxfuel