Several books have been removed from the Bible. These include the Book of Tobit, Book of Enoch, and Book of Jubilees. These books did not fit the biblical narrative, and they were assumed to be incomplete. They are not incorrect, but they do not support the bible narrative.
1 Maccabees
The Maccabean Revolt of the fifth century BC is a major event in the history of Israel. Although the book is not a Bible text, it is included in the Church of England’s lectionary, which is read in late summer/early autumn. The authors of the two books are not known, but scholars believe that one was written by a Palestinian Jew, who was against the Hellenization of the Jews and supported the Jewish revolutionaries led by Judas Maccabeus.
The Maccabees’ actions were decisive, forcing the Syrians out of the holy land. They then took possession of the temple, cleansing it and rededicating it.
Book of Tobit
While many people do not realize it, the Book of Tobit was removed from the Bible in the thirteenth century. It is not considered part of the canon of the Bible, and the ancient scribes did not consider it inspired. This led to its exclusion from the Old Testament, and the entire Christian Bible. The reason behind its exclusion is debated by theologians and historians today.
The Book of Tobit is a fictional story from the Bible. It tells the story of a man who was exiled to the city of Nineveh and was blinded. He later asks God to let him die, since Asmodeus had killed his seven husbands before he married her.
Book of Enoch
Enoch is a fascinating character in the Bible. His name is found in the fifth chapter of Genesis. Several aspects of his life are described, from the Tree of Life to the future judgment. His books also touch on issues related to Israel and the messianic kingdom. While many have questioned Enoch’s inclusion in the Bible, the book remains a viable alternative source of information.
Some critics say that the book of Enoch has no place in the Bible, and it is not inspired by God. However, it has been quoted in the Apocryphal book of Baruch, as well as in many early Christian manuscripts. In fact, some people have speculated that Jude 14-15 is an allusion to a passage in the Book of Enoch.
Book of Jubilees
The Book of Jubilees is a work that was originally part of the Hebrew Bible. It deals with the events of the patriarchs before Moses and relates stories that explain the origin of Jewish customs and laws. Most scholars attribute this book to Moses. However, there is little original writing to support this claim.
The Book of Jubilees relates stories of many biblical events, and is found in Ethiopia, where it is regarded as canon by the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. While the author of Jubilees is not known for certain, it is almost certainly a Jewish individual of the biblical era. Scholars who focus on literal interpretation of Biblical numbers have had some difficulty interpreting Jubilees.
Historically, many religious Jews have observed the biblical Sabbatical and Jubilee rules. However, the Book of Jubilees was not practiced for centuries, and the exile of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh (about 600 BCE) meant that the Jubilee laws were not applicable. These laws stated that the land belonged to Yahweh, and were intended to assure the people of their place on the land forever.
Gospel of Judas
The Gospel of Judas is an obscure gospel written a century after the events of the original New Testament. Its author tries to discredit the authority of the Bible and promote a divergent worldview and theology. He also questions God’s morality and promotes human autonomy. Its controversial content is received well by non-Christians but rejected by Christians. Its removal from the Bible is now being considered by scholars and religious leaders.
Scholars disagree about the authenticity of the Gospel of Judas. Its contents contradict the core teachings of the New Testament. As a result, it was rejected by early church leaders. Its manuscript, however, is a rich source of research opportunities. Although the manuscript is not considered a true Gospel, scholars believe that the text is a Gnostic text. Other Gnostic gospels include the Gospel of Mary Magdalene, the Gospel of Philip, and the Apocalypse of Peter.
