While there isn't a universally agreed-upon list of "17 missing books" of the Bible, the concept typically refers to various ancient texts that were not included in the officially recognized biblical canons used by different Christian traditions. These non-canonical works are often called apocryphal or pseudepigraphal texts. Many collections, such as The Lost Books of the Bible and the Forgotten Books of Eden, compile numerous such writings that offer different perspectives or additional details about biblical figures and events. Some broader compilations of "lost" religious writings might include titles like "The Book of Jesus Christ" (often a general reference to various apocryphal gospels) or historical statements of faith such as "The Apostles' Creed," although the latter is a creed and not a narrative book in the same sense.
Understanding "Missing Books"
The term "missing" or "lost" often refers to books that were either not accepted into the final biblical canon, were widely circulated but eventually fell out of use, or were considered authoritative by some early Christian communities but not others. The criteria for canonicity varied among different Christian traditions and over centuries, leading to different sets of books being accepted into the Old and New Testaments. These "missing" texts provide valuable insights into early Jewish and Christian thought, theology, and community life.
A List of Often Cited "Missing Books"
Here is a list of 17 books often cited in discussions about non-canonical or "lost" biblical texts, including prominent ones sometimes found in compilations of such writings:
| Book Title | Brief Description |
|---|---|
| 1. The Book of Enoch | An ancient Hebrew apocalyptic religious text, traditionally attributed to Noah's great-grandfather Enoch. It covers various topics including the origin of demons and Nephilim, angels, and prophecies. |
| 2. The Protevangelion (or Protevangelium of James) | A second-century apocryphal gospel focusing on the birth and early life of Mary, her parents Anne and Joachim, and the virgin birth of Jesus. It influenced later Christian tradition, especially regarding Mary's perpetual virginity. |
| 3. The Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ (e.g., The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew) | An apocryphal gospel from the 7th century that expands upon the early life of Jesus, including the Flight into Egypt and various miracles he performed during his childhood. |
| 4. The Infancy Gospel of Thomas | Another apocryphal gospel, believed to be from the 2nd century, which recounts the childhood of Jesus from ages five to twelve, focusing on his miraculous powers and occasional mischief. |
| 5. The Gospel of Nicodemus (also known as The Acts of Pilate) | A two-part apocryphal work from the 4th century. The first part details the trial and crucifixion of Jesus, while the second, known as "The Harrowing of Hell," describes Jesus's descent into the underworld to rescue the righteous. |
| 6. The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Laodiceans | A short epistle, believed to be a forgery or a compilation of verses from other Pauline letters, purporting to be a letter from Paul to the church in Laodicea. |
| 7. The Gospel of Peter | An apocryphal gospel fragment from the 2nd century, containing a unique account of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus, with distinctive details not found in the canonical gospels. |
| 8. The Gospel of Mary Magdalene | A Gnostic gospel, possibly from the 2nd century, that presents a dialogue between Jesus and his disciples, with a strong emphasis on Mary Magdalene's spiritual insight and leadership. |
| 9. The Gospel of Philip | A Gnostic gospel from the 3rd century that focuses on sacramental and mystical themes, including the symbolic meaning of various rituals, and offers insights into Gnostic cosmology and anthropology. |
| 10. The Gospel of Thomas | A collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, discovered in 1945 as part of the Nag Hammadi library. It presents Jesus's teachings as enigmatic proverbs and parables, without a narrative framework. |
| 11. The Didache | An early Christian treatise, likely from the late 1st or early 2nd century, providing instructions on Christian ethics, rituals (like baptism and the Eucharist), and church organization. It is considered one of the earliest Christian manuals. |
| 12. The Shepherd of Hermas | A popular Christian work from the 2nd century, consisting of five visions, twelve commandments, and ten parables. It offers moral guidance and a call to repentance for early Christians. |
| 13. The Apocalypse of Peter | An early Christian apocalypse, likely from the 2nd century, which describes a vision of heaven and hell, portraying the torments of the damned and the joys of the righteous. |
| 14. The Epistle of Barnabas | A Greek epistle dating to the late 1st or early 2nd century, which interprets Old Testament passages allegorically to demonstrate their fulfillment in Christ and to differentiate Christian understanding from Jewish literal interpretation. |
| 15. The Book of Jasher | This title refers to a lost book mentioned in the biblical books of Joshua and 2 Samuel. While no universally accepted ancient text corresponding to this title exists, several later works have claimed to be the "Book of Jasher." |
| 16. The Odes of Solomon | A collection of 42 early Christian hymns or odes, likely from the 1st or 2nd century, characterized by poetic imagery and a focus on divine love and spiritual union. |
| 17. The Book of Jubilees | An ancient Jewish religious work, written around the 2nd century BCE, which retells the stories of Genesis and Exodus, often supplementing them with additional details and emphasizing the importance of keeping God's laws and the calendar of festivals. |
