Books like The Apocryphal Gospels by Bart D. Ehrman

This English translation of the new and thoroughly revised sixth German edition of the extensive extra-canonical gospel literature is an absolutely indispensable collection of sources for every student of the New Testament and of the history and literature of ancient Christianity. The reader will find lucid accounts of the results and questions of the intensive and exciting international scholarly debate of the last two decades.

Perhaps one of the most challenging hurdles facing the NT interpreter is becoming familiar with the ancient primary sources from the countless Greco-Roman, Jewish, and Pagan works. From the Paraphrase of Shem to Pesiqta Rabbati, scholars and students alike must have a fundamental understanding of these documents' content, provenance, and place in NT interpretation. Unfortunately, achieving even an elementary facility with this literature has in the past depended on either years of experience or a photographic memory. Now Craig A. Evans pulls together the essentials of date, language, text and translations, and general bibliography. He also evaluates the material's relevance for interpreting the NT. Six appendixes, including a list of quotations, allusions, and parallels to the NT, and a comparison of Jesus' parables with those of the rabbis, are designed to further save the interpreter hours of precious time. This volume stands in line to become a standard text in NT courses, and its usefulness to anyone interested in seriously studying the NT will become readily apparent.

Explore the hidden and debated writings that were once considered for the Bible, from the Dead Sea Scrolls to Gnostic Gospels, with clear explanations of canon, translation, and cultural influences.

Some may consider these rejected bible books to be blasphemous due to some of their doctrine, but they are still read by thousands everyday.