How Many Non Canonical Books Are There
Throughout history, the Bible has been recognized as the central text of Christianity, yet alongside the accepted biblical canon, there exists a wide range of writings often referred to as non-canonical books. These works include apocryphal writings, pseudepigrapha, and gospels that were not included in the final form of the Old Testament or New Testament. The question of how many non-canonical books there are is not a simple one, as it depends on tradition, denomination, and historical period. Exploring this subject helps us understand the rich literary and spiritual background surrounding the development of the biblical canon.
Understanding Canon and Non-Canon
The word canon” refers to the official list of books recognized as authoritative scripture by the church. For Christians, this includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. Non-canonical books, on the other hand, are writings that were not accepted into the canon. Some were widely read and respected, while others were rejected for theological, historical, or doctrinal reasons.
Different traditions recognize different canons. For example
- The Protestant Bible includes 66 books.
- The Catholic Bible includes 73 books, with the Deuterocanonical texts.
- The Eastern Orthodox tradition includes even more writings, such as 3 Maccabees and Psalm 151.
This variety demonstrates that non-canonical writings have played a significant role in shaping the faith, even if they are not universally regarded as scripture.
Old Testament Non-Canonical Books
The Old Testament canon was debated for centuries, and many writings circulated among Jewish communities. These works are often called the Apocrypha or Pseudepigrapha. While the Apocrypha refers to books included in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) but not the Hebrew Bible, the Pseudepigrapha refers to other Jewish religious texts that were never part of the canon.
Examples of Apocryphal Books
- Tobit
- Judith
- Wisdom of Solomon
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
- Baruch
- 1 and 2 Maccabees
These are accepted as canonical by Catholics and Orthodox Christians but not by Protestants.
Examples of Pseudepigraphal Writings
- 1 Enoch
- Jubilees
- Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs
- Ascension of Isaiah
- Book of Adam and Eve
These writings contain historical, theological, and apocalyptic themes but were excluded from the canon. Nevertheless, some of them influenced New Testament writers, particularly apocalyptic books like 1 Enoch.
New Testament Non-Canonical Books
The New Testament canon was shaped in the first few centuries of Christianity. During this time, many gospels, letters, and apocalypses were circulating. Church leaders eventually chose the 27 books that make up the New Testament today. However, many non-canonical writings still survive, offering insight into early Christian diversity.
Non-Canonical Gospels
- Gospel of Thomas
- Gospel of Peter
- Gospel of Mary Magdalene
- Infancy Gospel of James
- Gospel of Judas
These gospels often provide alternative perspectives on the life of Jesus, some emphasizing secret teachings or focusing on characters who are less central in the canonical gospels.
Other Non-Canonical Writings
- Acts of Paul and Thecla
- Shepherd of Hermas
- Epistle of Barnabas
- Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
- Apocalypse of Peter
Some of these works were highly regarded in early Christian communities, with the Shepherd of Hermas and the Didache even being considered for inclusion in the canon at certain times.
How Many Non-Canonical Books Exist?
It is difficult to give an exact number of non-canonical books because the term includes a wide range of writings from different traditions. If we consider the Apocrypha alone, there are around 7 additional books in Catholic Bibles compared to Protestant Bibles. If we include the Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, there are dozens of writings, ranging from apocalyptic visions to wisdom literature.
When it comes to the New Testament, scholars have identified more than 30 gospels, along with dozens of apocryphal acts, epistles, and apocalypses. Altogether, the number of known non-canonical writings easily exceeds 50, and possibly more than 100 if we count every fragment and manuscript discovered over the centuries.
Why Were Non-Canonical Books Excluded?
Church leaders used several criteria to decide which books belonged in the canon. Non-canonical writings often failed to meet one or more of these standards
- Apostolic originWas the book written by an apostle or someone close to them?
- OrthodoxyDid the book align with the teachings of the church?
- Widespread useWas the book commonly read in Christian communities?
- ConsistencyDid the message of the book agree with other scriptures?
Books that lacked these qualities were eventually excluded, though some continued to be read for spiritual value.
The Importance of Non-Canonical Books
Even though these writings are not part of the official canon, they are still valuable for several reasons
- They provide historical insight into Jewish and Christian communities.
- They show the diversity of early theological ideas.
- They influenced biblical interpretation and tradition.
- They reveal how faith communities wrestled with issues of morality, authority, and identity.
For historians, theologians, and believers, these writings serve as a window into the rich and complex development of biblical faith.
Modern Discoveries of Non-Canonical Texts
In the last century, discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Nag Hammadi library have shed new light on non-canonical books. The Dead Sea Scrolls include many Jewish writings that were not part of the Hebrew Bible, while the Nag Hammadi library contained Gnostic gospels and treatises that had been lost for centuries. These discoveries expanded our understanding of the religious world in which Christianity emerged.
So, how many non-canonical books are there? The answer depends on how broadly we define the term. There are at least a handful of extra books recognized in some Christian canons, dozens of Jewish writings from the Second Temple period, and more than 30 early Christian gospels, along with many other letters and apocalypses. In total, the number could easily surpass one hundred. These writings may not be part of the Bible as most traditions know it, but they remain a vital part of the religious and historical conversation, reminding us that the path to the biblical canon was long, complex, and deeply shaped by faith and tradition.