Praise for The Apocrypha

62 Pages·2012·3.43 MB·English

Praise for The Apocrypha:
The Lutheran Edition with Notes
Scripture in Jesus’ Judaism and in the Early Church included more documents than those found in the
Protestant canon. Some of these works, called “Apocrypha” by Protestants and “Deuteron-canonical
Works” by Roman Catholics are expertly and attractively collected in The Apocrypha: The Lutheran
Edition with Notes. In these writings you will find a deep expression of the need for God’s forgiveness
(the Prayer of Manasseh) and a vision of the future with the coming of the Messiah (2 Esdras or Ezra
Apocalypse = 4 Ezra). The introductions are superbly well written and engaging. One can see how the
Apocrypha . . . bridges the “Old” Testament with the “New” Testament. Highly recommended, as
Athanasius said in 367 “for instruction in the word of godliness.”
—James H. Charlesworth, PhD
Director and Editor, Princeton Dead Sea Scrolls Project
George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature
Princeton Theological Seminary
This book provides a well-balanced blend of sound scholarship and religious beliefs on the Apocrypha,
especially those of Luther and the Lutherans. The reader will find all the necessary background infor-
mation on the Apocrypha in an attractive presentation, as well as religious guidance for instruction
and preaching. A wealth of introductory essays and appendices make this a very useful compendium.
—Prof. Emanuel Tov, PhD
J. L. Magnes Professor of Bible
Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Concordia Publishing House, General editor Edward Engelbrecht, and the several contributing edi-
tors have placed Bible scholars and students in their debt by bringing out a new and updated version
of The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes. The introduction includes explanation of what the
books of the Apocrypha are, what their value is, and a concise overview of history from Persian rule
to Roman rule. Next come judicious commentaries on the several books of the Apocrypha, followed
by ten appendices that provide readers with additional related information concerning such things
as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of Josephus, rabbinic literature, and New Testament Apocrypha
and Pseudepigrapha. What a treasure trove! This marvelous commentary belongs in the study of every
student and scholar of the Bible.
—Rev. Craig A. Evans, PhD
Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament
Acadia Divinity College, Nova Scotia, Canada
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
Luther recommended the Apocrypha as books that are not regarded as equal to the Holy Scripture,
and yet are profitable and good to read. Lutheran piety up to now seems to have remembered just the
first part of this statement and did not very often exercise itself in the profitable reading. This present
edition gives us occasion to get a fresh approach to books like Wisdom of Solomon, Maccabees, and
others. Accompanied with quotations mainly from Luther and John Gerhard, and useful explanations,
the reader may gain a deeply spiritual approach to the Apocrypha and explore anew these treasures of
the Lutheran faith!
—Prof. Dr. Volker Leppin
Eberhard Karls Universität
Tübingen, Germany
I recommend this edition of the Apocrypha as a timely and useful addition to The Lutheran Study
Bible. The Apocrypha have been considered as a part of the biblical canon for most of the church’s his-
tory, and while the Reformers may have had good reasons for thinking differently, they still had a high
regard for them. This edition enables both scholars and lay readers to understand why.
—Knut Alfsvåg, ThD
Professor of Systematic Theology
School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger, Norway
The books of the Apocrypha are absolutely essential for understanding the Jewish context of early
Christianity. The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes is an outstanding work of scholarship
that provides a welcome service to Lutherans and, indeed, to Christians of other traditions interested
in reading and studying these fascinating and often entertaining writings, which the great Luther
himself deemed “useful and good to read.” A thoughtfully edited and attractively produced volume, it
includes many unique features and has the fullest annotations of any comparable study edition. In all,
this is a monumental achievement and valuable resource for scholars, students, and lay people alike.
—Daniel C. Harlow, PhD
Professor of Religion, Calvin College
Editor, The Eerdmans Dictionary of Early Judaism
One of the great rewards of biblical study is an increased awareness of the historical and cultural set-
ting in which the Scriptures were written. In The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes, Editor
Engelbrecht and his team of contributors has provided an attractive and accessible overview of one
of the most interesting periods in the Bible’s history, namely, the Intertestamental or Second Temple
Period. It was during this time that the Old Testament was completed and the New Testament was on
the threshold of emerging. Succinct introductions with helpful maps and diagrams enrich the presen-
tation. A distinctive strength is the churchly and confessional assessment from a Lutheran perspective
that provides a framework for the historical material—a significant contribution that lifts the reader
beyond the merely academic.
—Rev. Dean O. Wenthe, PhD
General Editor, Concordia Commentary
Professor and President Emeritus,
Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
Martin Luther commented that the Apocrypha “were not equal to scripture, yet useful and good to
read.” This volume helpfully guides the reader in exploring how and why this is so. Useful histori-
cal explanations, wisely chosen excerpts from the prefaces of the apocryphal books by Luther and
Gerhard, helpful textual explanations and charts, and wise advice on the challenges and blessings for
readers make this edition of the Apocrypha shine. This is a delightful study resource and devotional
guide to complement one’s reading of Scripture.
—Rev. Gordon A. Jensen, PhD
William Hordern Professor of Theology
Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Canada
Love stories. War stories. Sage wisdom and end time visions. The Apocrypha is chock-full of indis-
pensable historical, theological, and practical information for gaining a rich understanding of the New
Testament world. This excellent study edition will make reading the Apocrypha enjoyable, whether in
college and seminary classrooms, church groups, or individual studies. Each book is accompanied by
maps, well-placed illustrations, beneficial charts, and informative study notes; the edition even begins
with overviews of history and theology. Ostensibly for Lutherans, this edition will benefit anyone who
wants to learn how Israel formed Judaism and how Judaism gave birth to Christianity.
—John R. (Jack) Levison, PhD
Professor of New Testament
Seattle Pacific University
Author of Filled with the Spirit (Eerdmans, 2009)
Martin Luther declared the books of the Old Testament Apocrypha to be “useful and good to read.”
At about the same time, the Lutheran Confessions twice engage texts from the Apocrypha, and they
do so with a theological seriousness befitting its status. For today’s student of the Bible, the books of
the Apocrypha also provide indispensable background for a historically and theologically informed
reading of God’s New Testament revelation, centering in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This fine new
Concordia edition, with its thorough introductory materials and notes, is one important means to that
sanctified end.
—David A. Lumpp, PhD
Professor of Theology
Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota
All Lutheran students of the Bible and the Early Church should welcome this useful study tool. The
Apocrypha have too long been “hidden” from view to modern Lutherans. Like other non-canonical
works from the early centuries, they still enlighten us on the religious, social, and political world into
which the Savior was born and which was the seedbed for the Church’s early growth. The introductory
essays, charts, and wealth of background material make this a one-stop resource for these oft-ignored
early writings.
—Glen L. Thompson, PhD
Professor of New Testament and Historical Theology
Asia Lutheran Seminary (Hong Kong)
The publication of a Lutheran edition of the Apocrypha is a milestone in ecumenical biblical schol-
arship. The historical and philological scholarship is of a high standard. The attention paid to this
material in an explicitly Protestant publication project shows that old Catholic-Protestant disputes
about the canon have lost their relevance in the twenty-first century. As Luther himself said of the
Apocrypha, this book is good to read.
—John J. Collins, PhD
Holmes Professor of Old Testament
Yale Divinity School
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
ALSO FROM CONCORDIA
Biblical Studies Hebrew and Greek Studies
The Lutheran Study Bible Fundamental Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic
Edward A. Engelbrecht, General Editor Also available: Workbook and Supplemen-
tary Exercises for Fundamental Biblical
The Reformation Heritage Bible Hebrew and Aramaic
Commentary Series Andrew H. Bartelt and Andrew E.
Colossians/Thessalonians, Edward A. Steinmann
Engelbrecht and Paul Deterding
Revelation, Mark Brighton (forthcoming Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: A Reference
December 2012) Grammar with Charts and Exercises
Galatians/Ephesians/Philippians, Andrew E. Steinmann
Jerald C. Joersz (forthcoming April 2013)
Concordia Hebrew Reader: Ruth
Concordia Commentary Series: A John R. Wilch
Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture
Leviticus, John W. Kleinig Fundamental Greek Grammar
Joshua, Adolph L. Harstad James W. Voelz
Ruth, John R. Wilch
Ezra and Nehemiah, Andrew E. Steinmann Religion and Resistance in Early Judaism:
Proverbs, Andrew E. Steinmann Greek Readings in 1 Maccabees and Josephus
Ecclesiastes, James Bollhagen John G. Nordling
The Song of Songs, Christopher W. Mitchell
Isaiah 40–55, R. Reed Lessing
Historical Studies
Ezekiel 1–20, Horace D. Hummel
From Abraham to Paul: A Biblical Chronology
Ezekiel 21–48, Horace D. Hummel
Andrew E. Steinmann
Daniel, Andrew E. Steinmann
Amos, R. Reed Lessing
The Church from Age to Age: A History from
Jonah, R. Reed Lessing
Galilee to Global Christianity
Matthew 1:1–11:1, Jeffrey A. Gibbs
Edward A. Engelbrecht, General Editor
Matthew 11:2–20:34, Jeffrey A. Gibbs
Luke 1:1–9:50, Arthur A. Just Jr.
History of Theology, 4th Rev. Ed.
Luke 9:51–24:53, Arthur A. Just Jr.
Bengt Hägglund
Romans 1–8, Michael Middendorf (forth-
coming May 2013)
1 Corinthians, Gregory J. Lockwood
Colossians, Paul E. Deterding
Philemon, John G. Nordling
2 Peter and Jude, Curtis P. Giese
1–3 John, Bruce G. Schuchard
Revelation, Louis A. Brighton
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
THE
A P O C R Y P H A
THE LUTHERAN EDITION WITH NOTES
English Standard Version
Including books of the Apocrypha appearing in
the German Luther Bible, Lutheran Editions of the Vulgate,
and the King James Tradition
General Editor
Edward A. Engelbrecht
Foreword by Paul L. Maier
I know that the church retains this book [of the Apocrypha] as I just said,
but the church is not able to grant more authority or strength to a book than the
book has on its own.
— Martin Luther
Dispute with John Eck, 1519
(WA 59:529)
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
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sion of Concordia Publishing House.
The Apocrypha is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible and Apocrypha, copyright © 2009 by Oxford University
Press, Inc., New York, NY 10016. All rights reserved. The Apocrypha text appearing in this publication is reproduced and published
in cooperation between Oxford University Press and Concordia Publishing House. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication
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All rights reserved.
Several articles were adapted from The Lutheran Study Bible (St. Louis: Concordia, 2009) and Raymond F. Surburg, Introduction to
the Intertestamental Period (St. Louis: Concordia, 1975).
The quotations from the Lutheran Confessions are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, second edition; edited by
Paul McCain, et al., copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Brackets from Concordia.
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House. All rights reserved.
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© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
Contents
FRONT MATTER THE APOCRYPHA
Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi The Arrangement of Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii Title Variations for Apocryphal Books . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xv
The Engravings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xix The Compositions
Editor’s Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxi Judith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Preface to the ESV Apocrypha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxv The Wisdom of Solomon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Features of The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition Tobit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
with Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxxvi Ecclesiasticus (Wisdom of Jesus son of Sirach) . . . . .73
Reading Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxviii Baruch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
The Letter of Jeremiah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .151
An Introduction to the Apocrypha
and the Time Between the Testaments The Histories
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xxxiii 1 Maccabees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .156
The Holy Scripture 2 Maccabees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .197
and Other Ancient Writings . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xxxv
The Apocrypha The Additions
in Modern Bible Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . xxxix Old Greek Esther . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .227
The Historical Setting of the Apocrypha . . . . . .xliii Susanna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv Bel and the Dragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246
The Judeans under Persian Rule
The Prayers and Songs
(538–330 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xlvii
The Prayer of Azariah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250
The Judeans and Alexander the Great
The Song of the Three Holy Children . . . . . . . . . .250
(334–323 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lv
The Prayer of Manasseh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
Divided Rule: The Judeans under the
Ptolemies (323–181 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lix
The Apocryphal Books
Divided Rule: The Judeans under the
in Other Christian Traditions
Seleucids (311–164 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lxv
Other Books of the Apocrypha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261
The Judeans under the Maccabees
Canonicity and Use of the Apocrypha . . . . . . . .262
(164–134 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lxxi
The Apocrypha and the Old Testament
The Judeans under the Hasmoneans
Scriptures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .265
(134–63 BC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lxxvii
The Apocrypha and the New Testament . . . . . .267
The Judeans under the Romans
1 Esdras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269
(63 BC–AD 135) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .lxxxi
2 Esdras . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .282
Theological Teachings of the Time between
3 Maccabees (Ptolemaika) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .308
the Testaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xci
4 Maccabees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
Psalm 151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .331
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
APPENDICES REFERENCE GUIDE
Appendix 1: The Elephantine Papyri . . . . . . . . . . .334 Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360
Appendix 2: The Cairo Genizah Documents . . . . .335 Transliteration Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363
Appendix 3: The Dead Sea Scrolls . . . . . . . . . . . . .336 Articles and Charts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .364
Appendix 4: Discoveries of Other Early Jewish Weights and Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .365
Manuscripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .338 Persons and Groups
Appendix 5: Philo and His Writings . . . . . . . . . . . .340 in the Apocrypha and Early Judaism . . . . . . . . . . .366
Appendix 6: Josephus and His Writings . . . . . . . . .346 Key Terms and Phrases in the Apocrypha . . . . . . .370
Appendix 7: The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha . .352 The Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381
Appendix 8: Rabbinic Literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . .354 Old Testament and Jewish Feasts . . . . . . . . . . . . .383
Appendix 9: New Testament Apocrypha or Names for God in the Apocrypha . . . . . . . . . . . . .384
Pseudepigrapha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .356 The Apocrypha in Lutheran Worship . . . . . . . . . .387
Appendix 10: The Nag Hammadi Codices . . . . . . .357 Assumed Settings for Apocryphal Books . . . . . . . .389
Map List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .390
Place-Names of the Apocrypha
and Ancient Empires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391
Apocrypha Chronology and World History . . . . . .394
Apocrypha Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .406
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.
Contributors
Portions of this book are drawn from the histories published by Raymond F.
Surburg (1909–2001) and an article by Edwin Cone Bissell (1832–94). Their
work was edited or updated to serve current readers. Lutheran writers of notes
and articles include the following:
Rev. Dr. Mark Brighton
Rev. Dr. Lane A. Burgland
Rev. Heath R. Curtis
Rev. Dr. Paul E. Deterding
Vicar Gary L. Dunker
Rev. Edward A. Engelbrecht
Rev. Dr. Mark J. Lenz
Rev. Dr. Timothy H. Maschke
Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Paavola
Rev. Dr. Jason R. Soenksen
Rev. Dr. Robert A. Sorensen
Rev. Dr. Andrew E. Steinmann
Rev. Dr. Karl A. Weber
Rev. William C. Weedon
We are also grateful to include “The Apocrypha and the Old Testament
Scriptures” as well as “The Apocrypha and the New Testament,” prepared by
a member of the ESV Translation Committee of the Apocryphal Books: Dr.
David A. deSilva, Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and
Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary.
© 2012 Concordia Publishing House.