Should Christians Read the Lost Books of the Bible?

When people refer to “the Lost Books of the Bible, they are usually referring to the apocrypha and pseudepigrapha, which are names for collections of ancient books.  However, the term “Lost Books” is actually incorrect, as scholars have known about these books for centuries.  

How Was the Bible Canonized?

There was a very rigorous process that went into bringing the 66 individual books together into the one cohesive book that we now know as the Bible. The books had to cross-reference themselves and could not contradict themselves in any way.  Some would argue and say that there are contradictions in scripture.  But I believe the Bible is perfect and infallible.  When there are seeming contradictions in scripture, you have to examine the context.  Also you have to take into account that the accounts of eyewitnesses might vary slightly from person to person in providing details.   

Why Didn’t the Lost Books Make It?

These “Lost Books” are books that were written but didn’t meet the stringent requirements to be put into the canonized Bible. That means these books could have blatantly contradicted core fundamental beliefs that were explicitly said in other books of the Bible.  It could mean that the manuscripts were written too late, outside the timeframe.  It could have meant that the content was not edifying.  

Dig Into the Bible

I personally wouldn’t get hung up on reading lost books.  Instead, I would recommend reading the 66 canonized books.  Start with the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Master the books that are canonized before you spend time on the Lost Books. There is so much treasure to be found within the Word of God and you can spend your entire life unearthing it before you ever need to go outside of it into a Lost book. 

For More Information

For more information on where to start in reading your Bible, read my helpful blog, What Version of the Bible Should I Read?