The term “extrabiblical” refers to ideas, concepts, teachings, or information that are not found directly in the text of the Bible. More specifically, extrabiblical refers to material that goes beyond what is contained within the canonical books of Scripture. This could include writings from the early church fathers, traditions, archaeological findings, historical records, or philosophical reasoning that is used to supplement biblical teaching.
Some key things to understand about extrabiblical material:
- It is not directly inspired by God like Scripture is. The Bible teaches that it alone is “God-breathed” and useful for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
- It can be useful in providing additional context and information related to the biblical text. But extrabiblical material should never be used to contradict or supersede Scripture.
- It requires discernment when evaluating and applying it. Since extrabiblical sources are not inerrant like the Bible is, they should be weighed carefully against Scripture.
- It covers a broad range of writings and content. Apocryphal books, early church writings, archaeological finds, and more fall into this extrabiblical category.
Examples of Extrabiblical Sources
There are many writings and materials considered extrabiblical that relate to biblical topics and teaching. Here are some common examples:
- Apocryphal Books – These are books of questionable authenticity that are not included in the Protestant Biblical canon. Examples include 1 & 2 Maccabees, additions to Esther and Daniel, and others. They provide interesting historical context but contain doctrinal contradictions with canonical books.
- Pseudepigraphal Writings – Like apocryphal books, these are writings falsely attributed to biblical figures. They include books like The Book of Enoch, the Apocalypse of Abraham, etc. They are considered non-inspired and extrabiblical.
- Rabbinic Commentaries – After the close of the Old Testament canon, rabbis and scholars compiled commentaries like the Mishnah and Talmud to interpret and apply the Hebrew Bible. These show how Judaism approached biblical texts but are extrabiblical.
- Works of Josephus – This 1st century Jewish historian provides helpful context about first century Judaism and figures like Herod and Pilate. His writings are enlightening but contain bias and embellishment at times.
- Early Church Writings – Church fathers like Ignatius, Polycarp, Clement of Rome, and others give glimpses into early church worship, leadership, and teaching after the close of the New Testament. However, their viewpoints often contradict each other and Scripture.
- Gnostic Literature – Many Gnostic works like the Gospel of Thomas or Gospel of Judas portrayed unorthodox teachings like secret knowledge, denial of Jesus’ deity, etc. These demonstrate early heresies the church battled against.
- Archeological Discoveries – Finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls provide textual evidence and cultural background relating to the biblical world. But archaeological finds require careful interpretation and do not carry biblical authority.
This wide-ranging list gives a sample of the kinds of writings that are considered extrabiblical. Some are closely tied to the biblical timeline and characters while others are written much later or convey unorthodox perspectives.
Evaluating Extrabiblical Sources
When approaching extrabiblical materials, discernment is needed. Not everything labeled “biblical” or “Christian” aligns with Scripture or apostolic teaching. There are a few guiding principles to keep in mind:
- Does it contradict the revealed Word of God in any way? If so, it should be rejected or viewed with skepticism (Isaiah 8:20).
- Is it consistent with the central gospel message and theology of the Bible? Or does it veer off into unorthodox teaching and speculation?
- Does it promote falsehood or immorality that Scripture clearly speaks against?
- Are there notable historical errors, false claims, or clear bias? This diminishes its credibility and usefulness.
- Does it claim inspiration or hidden knowledge equal to Scripture? Approach these sorts of claims with suspicion (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Is it helpful in filling in details and background that Scripture leaves open? These kinds of sources can aid our understanding if used appropriately.
When surveying extrabiblical materials, it’s important we maintain the supreme authority of the doctrinal, moral, and theological truths found in God’s Word alone. Scripture serves as the standard by which all other writings and ideas are evaluated.
The Benefits of Extrabiblical Sources
While extrabiblical sources clearly require discernment, there can be benefits in consulting them:
- They can help fill in gaps left by the biblical records. We want to be careful not to assume too much beyond Scripture, but they can give us educated guesses at times regarding cultural dynamics, sequence of events, geography, how biblical commands were applied, and so on. The more they align with and illuminate the biblical text, the more potentially beneficial they are.
- Extrabiblical writings help highlight the key themes, concerns, and teachings unique to the biblical writings. We get a glimpse of how God’s inspired Word stands out against the backdrop of other ancient documents addressing spirituality. This can strengthen our appreciation for the authority and truth of Scripture.
- They may aid textual studies of the Bible. Some extrabiblical manuscripts provide ancient textual witnesses that assist scholars in determining the original wording of passages. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for example, helped affirm the reliability in the transmission of the Old Testament.
- Archeological evidence can demonstrate the historical reliability of biblical accounts and provide important cultural context. Finds like the Pilate Stone, Tel Dan Stele, and ancient synagogues corroborate the biblical world.
- They help us trace the growth and formation of the biblical canon. Writings like the Muratorian Fragment show early church discussions on which books were authoritative and which were not.
- Understanding extrabiblical sources can strengthen our ability to identify unorthodox teachings and questionable interpretations that develop. Knowing documents like gnostic gospels helps refute modern distortions of Jesus and the faith.
While extrabiblical sources should always be secondary to Scripture, they can positively contribute to our understanding of the biblical world and message when approached carefully. We simply need to maintain the proper priority of God’s Word over all other writings.
Cautions Regarding Extrabiblical Sources
Since extrabiblical sources do not carry biblical authority, there are dangers to avoid when relying on them:
- Avoid placing them on the same level of authority as Scripture. Biblical teachings are the supreme and final authority, not the opinions of church fathers, scholars, or archaeological finds.
- Be on guard against “philosophy and empty deceit” based on human tradition rather than biblical truth (Colossians 2:8). Some extrabiblical conclusions require flawed speculation.
- Don’t use them as a “lost source of truth” to substantiate shaky doctrines. Controversial teachings need clear scriptural support.
- Watch for contradictions between biblical and extrabiblical material. In these cases, Scripture must always be followed over outside opinions.
- Beware of making authoritative dogmatic conclusions solely from extrabiblical sources. Scripture is the basis for sound doctrine.
- Avoid reading modern ideas or interpretations back into ancient documents. This leads to misuse of these sources.
- Be careful of frauds and forgeries that claim ancient origins. Discernment is needed, especially with sources tied to apostolic figures.
- Don’t assume extrabiblical literature reflects actual biblical history without corroboration. Later embellishment was common.
In short, the proper priority should always be studying and relying on the Bible itself. But extrabiblical sources can aid us when used wisely, discerningly, and kept secondary to the authority of the Word of God.
Reasons Something May Be Considered Extrabiblical
There are a variety of reasons a particular teaching, story, or claim might be categorized as extrabiblical. This includes:
- It comes from external writings outside the accepted canon of Scripture. This would include sources like the Book of Enoch or the writings of Josephus.
- It comes from or depends on church tradition rather than being stated in Scripture. Concepts like praying to saints and veneration of Mary stem largely from tradition.
- It draws from rational philosophy and human reasoning that extend beyond biblical statements. Thomas Aquinas integrated Aristotle’s logic and philosophy with theology.
- It comes from personal revelation or prophetic words not recorded in the Bible. Some claim new prophecies but these go beyond the biblical record.
- It is based on allegorical or figurative interpretations of Scripture that read foreign meanings into the text.
- It is dependent on archaeological finds or apocryphal writings used to substantiate it. These discoveries require cautious interpretation.
- It is based on Jewish Rabbinic interpretations like those found in the Talmud. These views on biblical texts developed over time apart from Scripture.
In assessing whether something is truly extrabiblical, the key question to ask is: Can this teaching or claim be proven solely and completely from the biblical text itself? If the answer is no, then it is likely dependent to some degree on extrabiblical material.
The Problem With Relying on Extrabiblical Sources
Since extrabiblical sources do not share the inspiration and authority of Scripture, relying too heavily on them can be spiritually dangerous in a number of ways:
- It opens the door to flawed human opinions that lack divine authorization. Scripture warns against leaning on our own understanding versus God’s Word (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- It often leads to doctrinal errors, contradictions, and false teaching. Scripture is “truth” (John 17:17) while extrabiblical claims require much discernment.
- It easily leads to strange speculations and myths that veer people off course spiritually (1 Timothy 1:4; 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4).
- It can shift trust and reliance away from God’s all-sufficient Word as our source of knowledge, wisdom, and authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- It opens the door to heretical ideas that clearly contradict biblical truths. This causes confusion and instability.
- It threatens the principle of sola Scriptura, the Reformation emphasis on Scripture alone as the final authority. Traditions, councils, and church leaders can all err.
- It frequently relies on fraudulent, pseudepigraphal writings filled with false claims about apostolic figures and teachings.
- It often assumes the Bible is incomplete and needs expansion and supplementation. This disrespects God’s Word.
While extrabiblical sources can have value when approached carefully, placing too much reliance upon them rather than Scripture alone courts spiritual danger. We must maintain the proper priority of God’s authoritative Word in our theology and teaching.
The Sufficiency and Priority of Scripture
Ultimately, the self-attesting authority and sufficiency of the Bible should be the believer’s guide above any other source. Key biblical principles to remember include:
- All Scripture is “breathed out by God” and profitable for complete equipping for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It lacks nothing we need for life and godliness.
- Scripture thoroughly equips the man of God for “every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). There are no gaps that need filling in from extrascriptural sources.
- The Word of Christ is the supreme, final authority believers should look to and submit to (Colossians 3:16). It surpasses all religious tradition or church dogma.
- Biblical prophecy is confirmed by its divine origin, not human interpretation (2 Peter 1:19-21). New revelation and prophecies must align with Scripture.
- The faith has been “once for all delivered to the saints” in the Scripture (Jude 3). There is no new source of divine revelation outside the Bible.
- Christians are not to go “beyond what is written” in Scripture (1 Corinthians 4:6). Speculation beyond the text can lead to arrogance and error.
The self-attesting authority of the Word of God excludes anything that would claim equal or greater authority. While some extrabiblical sources can supplement our understanding, Scripture alone is the final and supreme authority by which all other claims must be tested. The Bible is sufficient in declaring to us everything we need for salvation, spiritual growth, and godly living.