The Bible is an invaluable collection
of sacred ancient texts, written and assembled over several
hundreds of years by numerous authors. These texts were written
to particular people living at a definite time and place who
shared common experiences and knowledge.
By studying similar literature that precedes and follows the
biblical writings chronologically, students of the Bible are
better prepared to discover the intended meaning.
Apocryphal and pseudepigraphal
literature was apparently intended either to supplement or supplant
existing canonical literature. Many of the apocryphal gospels
offer guesses as to what occurred during the so-called "missing
years" of Jesus' life -- during his childhood or after
his resurrection. Others attempt to provide support for later
theological convictions -- both orthodox and heretical.
Whether the information found in the apocryphal literature is
factually correct or not is not necessarily important. These
documents give interpreters valuable insight into what some
Jews and Christians believed in various places at different
times.
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