Kalen Bruce
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Extrabiblical Texts

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Extrabiblical Writings

Apocryphal, deuterocanonical, pseudepigraphal, gnostic gospels, and other ancient, historical works.

The landscape of early Christianity was far more vast, diverse, and dynamic than the sixty-six books that make up the modern Bible. Alongside the canonical scriptures, hundreds of other writings circulated among believers—texts that sought to illuminate the life of Jesus, expand on apostolic teachings, explore the mysteries of the cosmos, or guide communities in worship and daily life. Collectively known as the apocryphal or extrabiblical texts, these works range from infancy gospels and visionary revelations to letters, acts, hymns, and ritual manuals. Some were cherished and widely read for centuries; others were suppressed as heretical, forgotten in obscure communities, or lost to history entirely.

This collection is an ongoing effort to catalog, organize, and make accessible over 600 extrabiblical Christian texts — writings composed outside the canonical Bible that shaped early Christian thought, devotion, and theology.

Ranging from the 2nd century CE through the early medieval period, these works reflect the rich diversity of beliefs and perspectives present in the first centuries of Christianity.

Many of these texts were deeply influential in their time, shaping liturgy, doctrine, and popular devotion, even if they were not ultimately included in the New Testament canon. Others are fragmentary, surviving only through quotations in the writings of early Church Fathers. Some remain lost altogether, known only by name or brief references in ancient sources. Together, they form a fascinating window into the development of early Christian belief, practice, and imagination.

Because of the varied nature of these works, the information available for each text differs greatly. Some entries feature extensive details — including English translations, original language manuscripts, historical commentary, and even audio readings — while others may offer only a name, a brief summary, or a link to a surviving fragment. As additional research and resources become available, more content will be added over time.

Categories and Types of Texts

The texts are organized into thematic categories that reflect their content and historical purpose:

  • Apocryphal Infancy Gospels – Non-canonical works that attempt to fill in the “hidden years” of Jesus’ life, describing his childhood and the early life of Mary. Examples include the Protoevangelium of James and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas.
  • Jewish Christian Gospels – Early writings such as the Gospel of the Hebrews, Gospel of the Nazarenes, and Gospel of the Ebionites, which preserve Jewish-Christian perspectives on Jesus as the Messiah while retaining aspects of Mosaic Law.
  • Rival Versions of Canonical Gospels – Texts like the Gospel of Marcion and Gospel of Mani, which offer alternate retellings or theological reinterpretations of the gospel message.
  • Sayings Gospels – Collections of Jesus’ sayings and parables, such as the Gospel of Thomas, emphasizing his teaching ministry.
  • Passion Gospels – Narratives focused on the arrest, trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, including the Gospel of Peter and Gospel of Nicodemus.
  • Harmonic Gospels – Works like the Diatessaron that attempt to merge the four canonical Gospels into a single, cohesive narrative.
  • Dialogues with Jesus – Texts portraying extended conversations between Jesus and his disciples, such as the Apocryphon of James and the Gospel of Mary.
  • Gnostic and Sethian Texts – Mystical and cosmological writings like the Apocryphon of John and Trimorphic Protennoia, which reflect alternative theological systems within early Christianity.
  • Apocryphal Acts and Epistles – Accounts of the apostles’ lives and journeys (e.g., Acts of Peter, Acts of Thomas) and letters attributed to early Christian figures (e.g., Epistle of Barnabas, Epistle to the Laodiceans).
  • Apocalyptic Writings – Visions and revelations about the end times and divine judgment, such as the Apocalypse of Peter and Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius.
  • Texts Concerning Mary – Works focused on the death and assumption of Mary, like The Home Going of Mary and The Descent of Mary.
  • Miscellaneous Writings – Diverse texts that do not fit neatly into other categories, including the Didache, Cave of Treasures, and Sentences of Sextus.
  • Fragmentary and Lost Works – Texts known only from fragments or historical references, such as the Fayyum Fragment, Gospel of Eve, and Memoria Apostolorum.
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Purpose of This Project

This page is designed to be both a resource for scholars and a guide for curious readers — a living archive of early Christian literature beyond the Bible. Some texts here are easily accessible online; others exist only in academic collections, untranslated manuscripts, or ancient citations. Over time, this resource will grow to include direct links to texts, PDFs of translations, original language versions, scholarly commentary, and audio narrations wherever possible.

Whether you are exploring these writings to understand the historical context of the early church, trace the development of Christian doctrine, or encounter the imaginative ways early believers reflected on the life and message of Jesus, this collection offers a gateway into one of the most fascinating and formative bodies of literature in religious history.

  • 🎧 - Audio version available
  • 📸 - Images of manuscripts

Apocryphal Infancy of Jesus Gospels

Introduction to the Infancy Gospels

An infancy gospel is a type of early Christian writing that is non-canonical, meaning it was not included in the New Testament. These texts attempt to fill in the “hidden years” of Jesus’ life — the period between his miraculous birth and the start of his public ministry — which the canonical Gospels largely leave unaddressed.

Emerging primarily in the 2nd century CE, infancy gospels often include detailed and sometimes miraculous accounts of Jesus’ childhood, portraying his early wisdom, divine nature, and interactions with those around him. They also frequently offer background stories about Mary and Joseph, providing context for the Holy Family that goes beyond what’s recorded in Scripture.

While these writings were never recognized as authoritative Scripture, they were widely read in some early Christian communities and significantly influenced devotional practices, artistic traditions, and theological reflection throughout Christian history. Among the most well-known examples are the Protoevangelium of James, which focuses on Mary’s early life and Jesus’ birth, and the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, which recounts miraculous events from Jesus’ boyhood.

The Jewish Christian Gospels

Introduction to the Jewish Christian Gospels

The Jewish Christian gospels are a group of early, non-canonical texts believed to have been composed by Jewish followers of Jesus who sought to preserve his teachings within a distinctly Jewish framework. Written primarily in the 2nd century CE, these gospels survive only in fragments and quotations cited by early Church Fathers such as Origen, Jerome, and Epiphanius. They reflect the beliefs and practices of Jewish-Christian sects like the Nazarenes and Ebionites, who emphasized Jesus’ role as the Jewish Messiah and often maintained adherence to aspects of the Mosaic Law.

Though closely related, these texts differ in emphasis and audience, and together they offer valuable insight into the diversity of early Christianity and how Jewish followers understood Jesus in the decades following his ministry.

Gospel of the Hebrews

The Gospel of the Hebrews was used by Jewish Christians in Egypt and is known primarily through quotations by early theologians. It places strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit’s role, even portraying the Spirit as Jesus’ “mother” in a metaphorical sense, and highlights Jesus’ baptism, temptation, and resurrection. This text closely parallels the canonical Gospels but incorporates uniquely Jewish imagery and theological language, bridging early Jewish traditions and emerging Christian beliefs.

Gospel of the Nazarenes

The Gospel of the Nazarenes was used by a Jewish-Christian sect known as the Nazarenes, who accepted Jesus as Messiah while continuing to observe Jewish law. Likely composed in Aramaic or Hebrew, this gospel is similar in structure to Matthew but contains variations that reflect its Jewish-Christian context. It emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of the Law, portrays him as deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, and provides unique sayings and interpretations that shed light on how early Jewish believers reconciled their faith with the teachings of Jesus.

Gospel of the Ebionites

The Gospel of the Ebionites was used by the Ebionites, a Jewish-Christian group known for their strict adherence to Mosaic Law and rejection of Paul’s teachings. It is a harmonized gospel, blending elements from the Synoptic Gospels but omitting references to the virgin birth — portraying Jesus instead as a chosen man at baptism. It also emphasizes Jesus’ role as a prophet and teacher, aligning with the Ebionite belief in his humanity rather than divinity. Though fragmentary, this gospel offers a valuable glimpse into how some early Jewish Christians interpreted Jesus’ mission and message within a strictly monotheistic framework.

Together, these three gospels reveal the theological diversity of early Christianity and highlight how Jewish-Christian communities understood Jesus not as the founder of a new religion, but as the fulfillment of Israel’s hopes and the continuation of God’s covenant with His people.

  • Gospel of the Hebrews (Wiki)
  • Gospel of the Nazarenes (Wiki)
  • Gospel of the Ebionites (Wiki)

Rival versions of canonical gospels

Introduction to rival versions of canonical gospels

This group of texts represents some of the most theologically distinctive and controversial writings of early Christianity. Known as rival gospels, they emerged primarily in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE and present alternative versions or reinterpretations of the story of Jesus that diverge significantly from the canonical Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Often associated with influential teachers and early Christian movements later deemed heretical by the broader church, these writings reflect competing visions of Jesus’ identity, mission, and message during Christianity’s formative centuries.

These gospels were typically written to advance a particular theological perspective or to correct what their authors saw as distortions in the emerging orthodox tradition. Some emphasized a stark dualism between the material and spiritual worlds, others rejected elements of Jewish law and Scripture, and still others sought to reconcile Christianity with broader philosophical or religious systems of their day.

The texts here include:

  • Gospel of Marcion – Central to Marcion’s movement, this text presented a radically edited version of Luke that removed references to the Old Testament God, portraying Jesus as the emissary of a higher, previously unknown God of grace.
  • Gospel of Mani – Rooted in Manichaean dualism, this gospel blended Christian elements with Persian and Gnostic thought, portraying Jesus as a revealer of divine light sent to liberate souls from material darkness.
  • Gospel of Apelles – A disciple of Marcion, Apelles composed a gospel that sought to soften some of Marcion’s more extreme views while still emphasizing the distinction between the transcendent God and the creator of the material world.
  • Gospel of Bardesanes – Associated with the Syrian philosopher Bardesanes, this work likely integrated Christian teaching with philosophical and cosmological speculation, illustrating the diversity of early Christian thought.
  • Gospel of Basilides – Linked to the Gnostic teacher Basilides, this gospel presented a deeply mystical interpretation of Jesus’ mission and the nature of salvation, rooted in an elaborate cosmology of emanations.
  • Gospel of Cerinthus – Attributed to Cerinthus, this text reflected an adoptionist Christology, teaching that the divine Christ descended upon the man Jesus at baptism and departed before the crucifixion.

Although none of these texts survive intact, their ideas are preserved through quotations and critiques by early Church Fathers such as Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Epiphanius. Together, they reveal a vibrant and contested theological landscape in which different Christian groups sought to define who Jesus was and what his message meant. Far from being mere distortions, these rival gospels offer invaluable insight into the diversity, debate, and doctrinal development of early Christianity.

  • Gospel of Marcion (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Mani (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Apelles (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Bardesanes (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Basilides (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Cerinthus (Wiki)

The Sayings Gospels

Introduction to the Sayings Gospels

The Sayings Gospels are a distinctive category of early Christian literature focused primarily on preserving the words and teachings of Jesus rather than recounting the events of his life, death, and resurrection. Unlike the narrative style of the canonical Gospels, these texts present collections of sayings, parables, and dialogues — often without surrounding context — and reflect a tradition of oral teaching that predates or ran parallel to the written New Testament accounts.

These works arose in the 2nd century CE and may preserve echoes of very early Christian traditions, offering insights into how different communities remembered and interpreted Jesus’ message. Some sayings closely parallel those found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, while others appear entirely unique, reflecting alternative theological emphases such as inner knowledge (gnosis), spiritual awakening, or the hidden wisdom of the Kingdom of God.

The most significant and best-preserved example of this genre is the Gospel of Thomas, a collection of 114 sayings attributed to Jesus. Discovered in the mid-20th century among the Nag Hammadi texts in Egypt, the Gospel of Thomas is written in Coptic and believed to be a translation of an earlier Greek text. It portrays Jesus not primarily as a miracle worker or sacrificial figure, but as a teacher of divine knowledge who calls his followers to discover the Kingdom of God within themselves.

While the Gospel of Thomas was rejected by the early church and never included in the New Testament canon, it remains one of the most important non-canonical texts for understanding the diversity of early Christian thought. It provides a window into communities that emphasized spiritual insight, personal transformation, and direct experience of the divine over external authority or institutional doctrine. Its unique perspective continues to shape scholarly discussions about the historical Jesus and the development of Christian theology.

  • Gospel of Thomas (Wiki)

The Passion Gospels

Introduction to the Passion Gospels

The Passion Gospels are a group of non-canonical texts that focus on the most dramatic and theologically significant events of Jesus’ life — his arrest, trial, crucifixion, death, descent into the underworld, resurrection, and appearances after rising from the dead. While the canonical Gospels devote substantial attention to these events, these apocryphal writings expand upon them with additional details, dialogues, and miraculous episodes that reflect the devotional, theological, and imaginative concerns of early Christian communities.

Composed primarily in the 2nd to 5th centuries CE, these works sought to deepen understanding of the Passion narrative, defend key theological claims, or fill in narrative gaps left by the canonical accounts. They often incorporate legendary material, visionary scenes, and theological interpretations that go beyond the New Testament texts, offering insight into how early believers contemplated the mystery of Christ’s suffering and victory over death.

The texts here include:

  • Gospel of Peter – One of the earliest known non-canonical passion narratives, it offers a dramatic retelling of the trial, crucifixion, and resurrection, including a striking scene of a walking, talking cross emerging from the tomb.
  • Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of Pilate) – A widely circulated text that expands the trial narrative and introduces the Harrowing of Hell, describing Christ’s descent into Hades to liberate the righteous dead.
  • Gospel of Bartholomew – A dialogue-focused account exploring Christ’s descent into the underworld and his victory over death.
  • Questions of Bartholomew – A companion text that presents theological conversations between Jesus and his apostles about the Passion and the mysteries of the afterlife.
  • Resurrection of Jesus Christ (according to Bartholomew) – A text that claims to present Bartholomew’s witness to the resurrection, adding to the diversity of early resurrection traditions.

Although not part of the biblical canon, the Passion Gospels reveal how deeply early Christians meditated on the suffering and triumph of Christ. They often served devotional, liturgical, and catechetical purposes, enriching believers’ understanding of salvation and reinforcing key doctrines about Jesus’ identity and mission. Their imaginative expansions on familiar events also influenced Christian art, hymnody, and theological reflection for centuries.

Today, these texts remain valuable not as historical records but as windows into the spiritual imagination and theological diversity of the early church — communities striving to articulate the cosmic significance of Christ’s Passion and resurrection in ways that spoke powerfully to their time and context.

  • Gospel of Peter (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Nicodemus (Wiki) (also called the "Acts of Pilate")
  • Gospel of Bartholomew (Wiki)
  • Questions of Bartholomew (Wiki)
  • Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Wiki) (claims to be according to Bartholomew)

The Harmonic Gospels

Introduction to the Harmonic Gospels

The Harmonic Gospels are early Christian attempts to weave the four canonical Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — into a single, continuous narrative. These texts arose from a desire to resolve apparent contradictions between the Gospels, smooth over narrative gaps, and present a unified account of Jesus’ life and teachings. They reflect not only early Christians’ reverence for the gospel tradition but also their interpretive creativity and theological priorities.

The most influential of these works is the Diatessaron, compiled by Tatian around the mid-2nd century CE. Meaning “through four,” the Diatessaron harmonizes the canonical texts into one seamless story, rearranging, condensing, and occasionally modifying passages to eliminate overlap and tension. It became the standard Gospel text in many Syriac-speaking churches for centuries before eventually being replaced by the four separate canonical texts.

Other lesser-known harmonizing texts followed similar aims, often adapting Tatian’s work or producing their own versions for specific communities. These texts were not intended to replace the canonical Gospels but to make them more accessible and cohesive, particularly for liturgical use, catechesis, and devotional reading.

Though no longer in liturgical use today, the harmonic Gospels are significant for what they reveal about how early Christians read and interpreted Scripture. They demonstrate a profound respect for the Gospel message alongside a willingness to engage it creatively, showing that the early church was not merely a passive receiver of sacred texts but an active interpreter seeking clarity and coherence in its proclamation of Christ.

  • Diatessaron (and variations thereof) (Wiki)

Apocryphal Dialogues with Jesus

Introduction to the Apocryphal Dialogues with Jesus

The Apocryphal Dialogues with Jesus are a remarkable group of early Christian texts that present extended conversations between Jesus and his disciples or followers after the resurrection. Unlike the narrative-driven Gospels, these writings are structured as question-and-answer dialogues, focusing on spiritual teaching, hidden wisdom, and esoteric interpretation rather than biography or miracle stories.

Most of these texts were composed between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE, a period of theological diversity and exploration within early Christianity. They reflect a deep fascination with the risen Christ as a teacher of secret knowledge — a figure who continues instructing his closest followers about the nature of God, the soul, salvation, and the cosmos.

Notable examples include the Apocryphon of James (also known as the Secret Book of James), where Jesus imparts post-resurrection teachings about perseverance and spiritual maturity; the Dialogue of the Saviour, which emphasizes inner transformation and divine wisdom; and the Gospel of Mary, which highlights Mary Magdalene’s role as a recipient and interpreter of hidden revelation. Texts like the Gospel of Judas and the Sophia of Jesus Christ push even further into gnostic cosmology, portraying Jesus as revealing profound metaphysical truths about creation, the fall, and the path back to divine fullness.

These dialogues were especially valued in gnostic and mystical circles, but they also illuminate broader early Christian attempts to grapple with the meaning of Christ’s message beyond his earthly ministry. They invite readers into a deeper, more contemplative engagement with Jesus’ teachings and show how diverse early Christian thought could be in its quest for understanding divine mystery.

Apocryphal Christological texts

Introduction to apocryphal Christological texts

The Apocryphal Christological texts are a diverse collection of early Christian writings that explore profound theological and mystical dimensions of Christ’s identity, mission, and cosmic significance beyond the narratives preserved in the canonical Gospels. Written primarily between the 2nd and 4th centuries CE, these works reflect the vibrant diversity of early Christian thought and often emerge from gnostic and mystical traditions that sought deeper insight into the nature of Jesus and the divine plan.

Unlike infancy gospels or passion narratives, these texts focus less on biography and more on spiritual interpretation and cosmic context. Works like the Gospel of Truth and the Second Treatise of the Great Seth emphasize Christ as the revealer of hidden wisdom and the restorer of humanity’s divine origin. The Pistis Sophia and the Gnostic Apocalypse of Peter engage with complex cosmologies, portraying Jesus as guiding souls through spiritual realms and exposing the ignorance of worldly powers.

While not part of the New Testament canon, these writings illuminate the rich theological debates of early Christianity, revealing how different communities understood Jesus as more than a historical figure — as a cosmic redeemer, a revealer of hidden truths, and the key to humanity’s return to divine fullness. They provide valuable context for understanding the diversity of early Christian beliefs and the evolving portrait of Christ in the centuries following his earthly ministry.

Apocryphal Sethian Texts

Introduction to the Sethian Texts

The Sethian texts represent one of the most distinctive streams of early Christian and Gnostic thought. Originating in the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE, the Sethians were a mystical sect that revered Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve, as a divinely appointed figure and spiritual ancestor. Over time, their tradition evolved to identify Jesus as the reincarnation or ultimate manifestation of Seth, sent to reveal hidden truths and guide humanity back to its divine source.

Sethian writings are characterized by complex cosmologies, visionary revelations, and symbolic language. Rather than recounting the earthly life of Jesus, they focus on his cosmic role in the drama of creation, fall, and redemption. Texts such as the Apocryphon of John and the Trimorphic Protennoia depict intricate narratives of divine emanations, the fall of wisdom (Sophia), and the creation of the material world by ignorant powers. Within these frameworks, Jesus appears as a divine revealer, awakening the divine spark within humanity and exposing the illusions of the material realm.

These writings are not historical accounts but spiritual maps, offering a radically different lens through which to understand Christ’s mission. They reveal how some early Christians grappled with profound questions about the origin of evil, the nature of salvation, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. While far removed from mainstream Christian doctrine, Sethian texts are invaluable for understanding the intellectual diversity and theological creativity that characterized early Christianity.

Apocryphal ritualistic writings

Introduction to apocryphal ritualistic writings

The apocryphal writings focused on rituals and sacred practices offer a fascinating glimpse into the ceremonial life and spiritual symbolism of early Christian and Gnostic communities. Unlike narrative gospels or epistles, these texts aim to reveal or preserve secret rites, diagrams, and liturgical instructions believed to grant deeper spiritual knowledge or facilitate the soul’s ascent to the divine.

Works like the Ophite Diagrams illustrate the cosmic structure of reality as understood by certain Gnostic groups, mapping the spiritual realms and the soul’s journey through them. These diagrams likely served as teaching tools or meditative aids, visually conveying complex theological ideas about the divine hierarchy and humanity’s path to reunification with the source. The Books of Jeu, associated with the Sethian and related traditions, record elaborate ritual formulas, prayers, and invocations designed to empower believers with secret knowledge (gnosis) and guide them through the celestial spheres after death.

While these texts stand apart from canonical Christian writings, they reveal how ritual was not merely symbolic but deeply integrated into theological understanding and spiritual transformation. They reflect a worldview in which sacred actions—performed with the right knowledge and intention—could bridge the gap between the material and divine realms. Even though much about these rituals remains mysterious, they highlight the diversity of early Christian practice and the importance many groups placed on esoteric rites as a means of salvation and enlightenment.

  • Ophite Diagrams (Wiki)
  • Books of Jeu (Wiki)

The Apocryphal Acts

Introduction to the Apocryphal Acts

The Apocryphal Acts are a major body of early Christian literature focused on the lives, journeys, miracles, and martyrdoms of the apostles. Written primarily in the 2nd to 4th centuries CE, these texts expand far beyond the canonical Acts of the Apostles, offering dramatic, and often highly imaginative, portraits of figures like Peter, Paul, John, Thomas, and others as they spread the Christian message across the ancient world.

These writings blend historical memory, theological teaching, and legendary storytelling. They frequently depict the apostles performing miraculous healings, confrontations with pagan authorities, exorcisms, and even resurrections, demonstrating divine power and authority. Many of the narratives follow a distinctive literary pattern: an apostle travels to a distant land, preaches the gospel, converts individuals and communities (often through miracles), clashes with local rulers or religious systems, and ultimately faces martyrdom.

Texts such as the Acts of Paul and Thecla highlight the role of women in early Christian communities, portraying Thecla as a devoted follower who defies social norms to spread the faith. Others, like the Acts of Thomas, mix missionary narratives with mystical theology, portraying the apostle as both evangelist and revealer of hidden truths. While not part of the biblical canon, these writings provide valuable insights into how early Christians imagined the spread of their faith and the character of its earliest leaders.

The Apocryphal Acts also reveal a more diverse and dynamic early Christianity than the New Testament alone suggests. They reflect theological debates, regional traditions, and evolving ideas about apostleship, authority, and witness. Though their historical reliability varies, these texts deeply influenced Christian art, hagiography, and liturgy, shaping how generations of believers understood the apostles and their enduring legacy.

The Apocryphal Epistles

Introduction to the Apocryphal Epistles

The Apocryphal Epistles are a collection of early Christian letters attributed to apostles, church fathers, or communities but not included in the canonical New Testament. Written between the late 1st and 4th centuries CE, these texts mirror the style and purpose of the Pauline and general epistles but often serve different theological, pastoral, or polemical aims. Some were composed to encourage and instruct early Christian communities, while others sought to address doctrinal disputes or reinforce apostolic authority.

Many of these writings were highly influential in the early church and circulated widely among believers. The Epistle of Barnabas, for example, offers a striking allegorical interpretation of the Old Testament, emphasizing a spiritual rather than literal reading of the law. The Epistle to Diognetus stands out as a sophisticated defense of Christianity, presenting the faith as both rational and transformative. Letters attributed to figures like Clement, Ignatius, and Polycarp provide valuable insight into church leadership, discipline, and community life in the generations immediately following the apostles.

Some apocryphal epistles, such as the Epistle to the Laodiceans or the Epistle to Seneca the Younger, were written in the names of well-known figures to lend authority to particular teachings or traditions. Though pseudonymous authorship was not unusual in the ancient world, these letters reflect ongoing efforts to interpret and apply apostolic teaching in new contexts.

While they never achieved universal canonical status, the Apocryphal Epistles were deeply respected in many early Christian circles. They illuminate the evolving theology, ethics, and ecclesiology of the post-apostolic church and demonstrate how early believers continued to wrestle with questions of faith, doctrine, and practice long after the New Testament was formed.

  • Epistle of Barnabas (Wiki)
  • Epistles of Clement (Wiki)
  • Epistle of the Corinthians to Paul (Wiki)
  • Epistle of Ignatius to the Smyrnaeans (Wiki)
  • Epistle of Ignatius to the Trallians (Wiki)
  • Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians (Wiki)
  • Epistle to Diognetus (Wiki)
  • Epistle to the Laodiceans (Wiki) (an epistle in the name of Paul)
  • Epistle to Seneca the Younger (Wiki) (an epistle in the name of Paul)
  • Third Epistle to the Corinthians (Wiki) - accepted in the past by some in the Armenian Orthodox church.

Apocryphal apocalyptic writings

Introduction to apocryphal apocalyptic writings

The apocalyptic apocryphal writings represent one of the most dramatic and imaginative branches of early Christian literature. These texts focus on revelations of the end times, divine judgment, the afterlife, and the cosmic battle between good and evil. Written primarily between the 2nd and 5th centuries CE, they build on the tradition of Jewish apocalyptic literature (like Daniel and 1 Enoch) and expand it with explicitly Christian visions of heaven, hell, resurrection, and the final destiny of humanity.

Central to these writings is the use of visions, symbolic language, and angelic guides to reveal hidden truths about God’s plan for creation and the unfolding of history. Works such as the Apocalypse of Paul and the Apocalypse of Peter describe vivid journeys through the afterlife, detailing both the rewards of the righteous and the punishments of the wicked. These texts not only sought to inspire hope and perseverance among believers but also to warn against sin and encourage repentance through their often terrifying depictions of divine justice.

Some apocalyptic writings, like the Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius, reflect the social and political anxieties of their time, interpreting historical events through an eschatological lens and portraying the rise and fall of empires as part of God’s unfolding plan. Others, such as the First and Second Apocalypse of James, combine visionary material with deeper mystical and Gnostic elements, portraying salvation as a journey of the soul through hostile cosmic powers toward ultimate union with the divine.

Although these works were never included in the biblical canon, they were immensely popular and influential in early Christianity. They shaped medieval conceptions of heaven and hell, inspired countless works of art and literature, and influenced theological reflection on judgment, resurrection, and the world to come. Today, they remain a powerful window into how early Christians understood the hope of redemption and the awe-inspiring mystery of God’s final purposes.

  • Apocalypse of Paul (Wiki) (distinct from the Coptic Apocalypse of Paul)
  • Apocalypse of Peter (Wiki) (distinct from the Gnostic Apocalypse of Peter)
  • Apocalypse of Pseudo-Methodius (Wiki)
  • Apocalypse of Thomas (Wiki) (also called the Revelation of Thomas)
  • Apocalypse of Stephen (Wiki) (also called the Revelation of Stephen)
  • First Apocalypse of James (Wiki) (also called the First Revelation of James)
  • Second Apocalypse of James (Wiki) (also called the Second Revelation of James)
  • The Shepherd of Hermas (Wiki)

Apocryphal writings on the fate of Mary

Introduction to the apocryphal writings on the fate of Mary

The apocryphal writings concerning the fate of Mary explore the final chapter of Mary's life— the mother of Jesus —offering theological reflections, devotional insights, and narrative expansions not found in the canonical New Testament. Emerging primarily between the 4th and 7th centuries CE, these texts attempt to fill a significant gap in the biblical story: what happened to Mary after the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

Among the most notable themes is the “Dormition” (falling asleep) and assumption of Mary—beliefs that became central to Christian tradition, particularly in the Eastern and later Western churches. Texts such as The Home Going of Mary and The Falling Asleep of the Mother of God describe how Mary’s earthly life came to a peaceful close, often surrounded by apostles who miraculously returned from distant lands to be present at her passing. These accounts frequently include visions of angels, hymns of praise, and depictions of Christ personally receiving Mary’s soul.

Another significant text, The Descent of Mary, presents a more mystical narrative, emphasizing Mary’s continued role in salvation history and her connection to the divine plan even beyond her earthly life. While these writings vary in detail and theological emphasis, they consistently portray Mary as a holy and exalted figure, chosen not only as the mother of Jesus but also as a participant in God’s redemptive work until the end.

Though not canonical, these works profoundly influenced Christian devotion, liturgy, and art, shaping doctrines about Mary’s death and assumption that remain central in many Christian traditions today. They also reflect the deep love and reverence early believers held for Mary, portraying her as both a model of faith and a continuing presence in the spiritual life of the Church.

  • The Home Going of Mary
  • The Falling Asleep of the Mother of God
  • The Descent of Mary (Wiki)

Miscellaneous Apocryphal writings

Introduction to miscellaneous apocryphal writings

The miscellaneous apocryphal writings form a diverse and wide-ranging collection of early Christian texts that don’t neatly fit into the more defined categories of gospels, acts, epistles, or apocalypses. Despite their variety, these works share a common purpose: to instruct, inspire, and shape the faith and practice of early Christian communities. Some focus on theology and doctrine, others on liturgy, ethics, or spiritual formation, and many preserve traditions and teachings that illuminate the breadth of early Christian thought.

Several texts in this group played significant roles in the development of church order and worship. The Apostolic Constitutions and Canons of the Apostles present detailed guidelines for church governance, liturgical practices, and moral conduct, often claiming apostolic authority to bolster their credibility. The Didache, possibly the earliest known Christian catechism, offers instructions on baptism, prayer, fasting, and the Eucharist, providing a unique window into the life of first- and second-century Christian communities.

Other writings are more devotional or theological. The Prayer of Paul and the Sentences of Sextus offer collections of prayers and moral aphorisms, while the Cave of Treasures retells biblical history with rich symbolic interpretation. Texts like the Physiologus blend theology with natural philosophy, interpreting animals and nature allegorically to teach spiritual truths. Some works, like the Clementine literature, weave narrative, theology, and apologetics into dramatic dialogues exploring faith and reason.

Although these writings vary widely in tone, purpose, and content, together they reveal the creativity, diversity, and depth of early Christian literature. They reflect a period when the boundaries of Christian thought were still forming and when believers were actively exploring how to live out their faith, organize their communities, and understand the mysteries of God. Many of these works continued to influence theology, worship, and moral teaching for centuries, even as they remained outside the biblical canon.

  • Apostolic Constitutions (Wiki) (church regulations supposedly asserted by the apostles)
  • Book of Nepos (Wiki)
  • Canons of the Apostles (Wiki)
  • Cave of Treasures (Wiki) (also called The Treasure)
  • Clementine literature (Wiki)
  • Didache (Wiki) (possibly the first written catechism)
  • Liturgy of St James (Wiki)
  • Penitence of Origen (Wiki)
  • Prayer of Paul (Wiki)
  • Sentences of Sextus (Wiki)
  • Physiologus (Wiki)

Reported fragmentary apocryphal works

Introduction to fragmentary apocryphal works

The fragmentary apocryphal works represent some of the most tantalizing glimpses into the lost literature of early Christianity. Unlike more complete apocryphal gospels, acts, or epistles, these texts survive only in brief quotations, papyrus scraps, or passing references in other writings. Yet even in fragmentary form, they offer valuable insight into the theological diversity, narrative creativity, and evolving beliefs of the early Christian world.

Texts like the Unknown Berlin Gospel (also called the Gospel of the Saviour), the Fayyum Fragment, and the Naassene Fragment provide glimpses of alternative gospel traditions and early Gnostic cosmologies. Though often only a few sentences or passages remain, they sometimes present strikingly different portrayals of Jesus’ teachings, identity, or mission, hinting at the broader range of early Christian thought that existed beyond the canonical tradition.

Other fragments, such as the Secret Gospel of Mark and the Oxyrhynchus Gospels, suggest that additional gospel narratives once circulated widely but were later lost or suppressed. These pieces, discovered in ancient manuscripts or referenced by early church fathers, may preserve echoes of texts that shaped local communities or reflected distinctive theological emphases now largely forgotten.

While their incomplete state limits what scholars can say with certainty, these fragmentary writings are crucial for understanding the fluid, dynamic, and contested landscape of early Christian literature. They remind us that the process of canon formation was neither instantaneous nor uniform, and that many voices and traditions once thrived alongside the texts that ultimately became the New Testament. Each fragment is a small but significant piece of a much larger historical puzzle—one that continues to shed light on the richness and complexity of early Christianity.

  • The Unknown Berlin Gospel (Wiki) (also called the Gospel of the Saviour)
  • The Naassene Fragment (Wiki)
  • The Fayyum Fragment (Wiki)
  • The Secret Gospel of Mark (Wiki)
  • The Oxyrhynchus Gospels (Wiki)
  • The Egerton Gospel (Wiki)

Lost works

Introduction to lost works

The lost works are among the most intriguing elements of early Christian literature. These are texts that once existed and were known in antiquity but have not survived to the present day—at least not in any complete or identifiable form. We know of their existence primarily through references, quotations, or summaries preserved by early church fathers and other ancient writers. Although their contents are largely unknown, even brief mentions offer valuable clues about their themes, teachings, and influence.

Some of these works, like the Gospel of Eve or the Gospel of Perfection, are mentioned in the writings of early heresiologists such as Epiphanius, who often quoted or described them while critiquing the theological views they contained. Others, like the Gospel of Matthias and the Gospel of the Twelve, are cited by early theologians and historians but without any surviving text. These references hint at a vibrant and diverse literary landscape in which numerous communities produced and circulated writings about Jesus, the apostles, and the nature of God—many of which ultimately fell out of use and disappeared.

In some cases, lost works may overlap with or refer to texts known by other names. For example, the Gospel of Thaddaeus is sometimes thought to be another name for the Gospel of Judas, while the Gospel of Perfection may correspond to quotations attributed to Gnostic groups like the Basilideans. Even when little more than the title survives, these lost texts testify to the breadth of early Christian thought and the many competing ideas about theology, cosmology, and scripture that circulated in the first centuries of the faith.

The existence of so many lost works also underscores how fragile and selective the historical record can be. Many writings were lost through neglect, suppression, or the ravages of time, while others may yet lie undiscovered in ancient libraries or archaeological sites. Together, they remind us that our understanding of early Christianity is partial—and that the canonized New Testament represents only a portion of a much larger and more complex literary world.

  • Gospel of Eve (Wiki) (a quotation from this gospel is given by Epiphanius (Haer. xxvi. 2, 3). It is possible that this is the Gospel of Perfection he alludes to in xxvi. 2. The quotation shows that this gospel was the expression of complete pantheism)
  • Gospel of the Four Heavenly Realms (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Matthias (Wiki) (probably different from the Gospel of Matthew)
  • Gospel of Perfection (Wiki) (used by the followers of Basilides and other Gnostics. See Epiphanius, Haer. xxvi. 2)
  • Gospel of the Seventy (Wiki)
  • Gospel of Thaddaeus (Wiki) (may be a synonym for the Gospel of Judas)
  • Gospel of the Twelve (Wiki)
  • Memoria Apostolorum (Wiki)
  • 1 and 2 Clement (Wiki)
  • Shepherd of Hermas (Wiki)
  • Didache (Wiki)
  • Epistle of Barnabas (Wiki)
  • Apocalypse of Peter (Wiki)
  • The Protevangelium of James (Wiki)
  • Third Epistle to the Corinthians (Wiki)

Old Testament Apocrypha

The Old Testament Apocrypha is a collection of ancient Jewish writings composed between roughly 200 B.C. and 100 A.D., bridging the historical and theological gap between the Old and New Testaments. These books were widely read and valued in many Jewish and early Christian communities, offering insight into faith, history, wisdom, and devotion during the Second Temple period. Although not part of the Hebrew Bible, they were included in many early versions of the Septuagint and remain part of the biblical canon in several Christian traditions today, including Catholicism.

Thomas Nelson and Sons published the most widely used English edition of these writings in a special Revised Standard Version (1957), which organizes the books in the order below. Depending on how they’re counted, the Apocrypha consists of fourteen or fifteen books:

  1. The First Book of Esdras – A historical narrative retelling parts of 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah, emphasizing temple worship and covenant renewal.
  2. The Second Book of Esdras – An apocalyptic work addressing divine justice and the problem of suffering, offering visions of the end times.
  3. Tobit – A devotional story about faithfulness, divine guidance, and family, centered on Tobit and his son Tobias.
  4. Judith – A dramatic tale of courage and faith in which the widow Judith saves her people by defeating the Assyrian general Holofernes.
  5. The Additions to the Book of Esther – Expands the canonical book with prayers and speeches that emphasize God’s providence and deliverance.
  6. The Wisdom of Solomon – A philosophical reflection on wisdom, righteousness, and immortality, written in the voice of King Solomon.
  7. Ecclesiasticus (The Wisdom of Jesus, Son of Sirach) – A wide-ranging collection of ethical teachings and practical wisdom on living a righteous life.
  8. Baruch – A text attributed to Jeremiah’s scribe that calls for repentance, recalls Israel’s exile, and praises divine wisdom.
  9. The Letter of Jeremiah – A polemic against idolatry, often included as the final chapter of Baruch; when combined, the total number of books is fourteen.
  10. The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men – A liturgical addition to Daniel, celebrating God’s deliverance in the fiery furnace.
  11. Susanna – A short narrative about virtue and justice, telling how the prophet Daniel saves an innocent woman from false accusation.
  12. Bel and the Dragon – Two stories attached to Daniel that critique idolatry and demonstrate God’s power through Daniel’s wisdom.
  13. The Prayer of Manasseh – A penitential prayer attributed to King Manasseh, expressing deep repentance and God’s mercy.
  14. The First Book of Maccabees – A historical account of the Maccabean revolt, celebrating the struggle for Jewish independence and faithfulness to the law.
  15. The Second Book of Maccabees – A theological retelling of the same events as 1 Maccabees, emphasizing martyrdom, resurrection, and divine justice.

Apocrypha in Catholicism and Orthodox

These are the apocryphal books in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles that are not in Protestant Bibles.2

 = the book is not included in that Bible

 = the book is included in that Bible

BookProtestant BibleRoman Catholic BibleGreek Orthodox Bible
1 Esdras
Tobit 
Judith 
Additions to Esther 
Wisdom of Solomon 
Ecclesiasticus 
Baruch 
Epistle of Jeremiah 
Song of the Three Children 
Story of Susanna 
Bel and the Dragon 
Prayer of Manasseh 
1 Maccabees 
2 Maccabees 
3 Maccabees  
4 Maccabees  
Psalm 151  

Comprehensive List of Apocryphal Works

This is a massive list of apocryphal and "pseudepigrapha"3 writings curated by Todd Tyszka. Unfortunately, it looks like his website has changed or someone else bought it, so it no longer has this list there, but I wanted to give him credit. Todd defines the as "writings not included in the Bible for various reasons."

  1. 1 Baruch
  2. 1 Clement
  3. 1 Enoch (Ethiopic Apocalypse of Enoch) (aka Hanokh)
  4. 1 Enoch (General Info) (aka Hanokh)
  5. 1 Enoch Composit (inc. Charles, Lawrence & others) (aka Hanokh)
  6. 1 Esdras [more info]
  7. 1 Maccabees [more info]
  8. 2 Baruch (The Book of the Apocalypse of Baruch)
  9. 2 Clement 2 Enoch (General Info)
  10. 2 Enoch (Slavonic Book of the Secrets of Enoch)
  11. 2 Esdras [more info]
  12. 2 Maccabees [more info]
  13. 3 Baruch (The Greek Apocalypse of Baruch)
  14. 3 Corinthians
  15. 3 Enoch (Hebrew Apocalypse of Enoch)
  16. 3 Kings
  17. 3 Maccabees [more info] [RSV]
  18. 4 Baruch (Paraleipomena Jeremiou)
  19. 4 Kings
  20. 4 Maccabees [more info] [RSV]
  21. 5 Esra
  22. 5 Maccabees
  23. 6 Esra
  24. Abdias, The Prophecy of
  25. Abercius, Inscription of [Quasten]
  26. Abgarus, King of Edessa and the Epistle of Jesus Christ [mirror] [mirror]
  27. Abraham, The Apocalypse of
  28. Abraham, The Book of
  29. Abraham, The Testament of [mirror]
  30. Asclepius 21-29
  31. Acts 29
  32. Acts of A King (4Q248) [mirror]
  33. Adam and Eve, Life of -- Translation of the Greek version (aka The Apocalypse of Moses)
  34. Adam and Eve, Life of -- Translation of the Slavonic version
  35. Adam and Eve, Life of (Multiple Versions)
  36. Adam and Eve, The Books of -- Translation of the Latin version
  37. Adam, Apocalypse of (Parrott /MacRae) [MacRae]
  38. Adam, The Book of
  39. Addeus the Apostle, The Teachings of [mirror]
  40. Adrian in behalf of Christians [mirror]
  41. Ages of The World (4Q180-181) [mirror]
  42. Aggeus
  43. Ahikar [mirror] [mirror]
  44. Alexandrians
  45. Allogenes [mirror] [mirror]
  46. Amram, Vision of [Not Online]
  47. Andrew and Matthias, Acts of [mirror] [mirror]
  48. Andrew, Acts of [mirror]
  49. Annointing, On The
  50. Antoninus to the Common Assembly of Asia, Epistle of [mirror]
  51. Antoninus, Epistle of
  52. Apelles [mirror]
  53. Apollonius [Roberts-Donaldson]
  54. Apollonius, Acts of [Eusebius' Summary]
  55. Apostles' Creed
  56. Apostles, The Epistle of the [mirror] [mirror]
  57. Apostles, The Teachings of the
  58. Apostolic Constitutions (Didascalia Apostolorum)
  59. Apostrophe to Zion
  60. Arabic Infancy Gospel
  61. Archons, The Hypostasis of the
  62. Aristeas the Exegete
  63. Aristeas the Exegete
  64. Aristeas, The Letter of [mirror] [mirror]
  65. Aristides, Apology of
  66. Aristo of Pella
  67. Aristobulus [mirror] [more info]
  68. Artapanus [more info] [Greek]
  69. Asclepius
  70. Assorted Manuscripts
  71. Athanasius: On the Incarnation
  72. Athenagoras of Athens
  73. Athenagoras of Athens, A Plea For the Christians
  74. Athenagoras of Athens, On The Resurrection of the Dead
  75. Augustine, The Writings of
  76. Authoritative Teaching
  77. Avenging of the Saviour
  78. Azariah, The Prayer of
  79. Baptism A, On the
  80. Baptism B, On the
  81. Baptismal Ligurgy, A
  82. Baralâm Yewâsef (Barlaam and Josaphat) [Wiki]
  83. Bardesanes
  84. Barnabas, Acts of [mirror]
  85. Barnabas, Gospel of
  86. Barnabas, The Epistle of [mirror]
  87. Bartholomew, Gospel of
  88. Bartholomew, Martyrdom of
  89. Bartholomew, the Apostle
  90. Basilides, The Gospel of
  91. Bel and the Dragon
  92. Blessing, A Formulary of
  93. Bountiful Tree, The Parable of the [mirror]
  94. Caius
  95. Calendrical Document (Mishmarot)
  96. Carpus, Acts of
  97. Cathar Texts
  98. Cathar Texts (More)
  99. Celsus
  100. Celsus on Christianity Cernithus, Gospel of
  101. Celsus' View of Christians and Christianity
  102. Celsus: Fragments from Origen
  103. Cernithus, Revelation of [Missing]
  104. Chosen One, The
  105. Christ and Abgarus, The Letters of
  106. Christ Hymn Taught to Disciples
  107. Christian Sibyllines
  108. City of God, The
  109. Claudius Apollinaris
  110. Clement
  111. Clement I
  112. Clement II
  113. Clement of Alexandria
  114. Clement to James, The Epistle of
  115. Clement to the Corinthians, The First Epistle of
  116. Clement to the Corinthians, The Second Epistle of
  117. Clement, Letters to Corinth
  118. Clement, The Recognitions of
  119. Clementine, The Homilies
  120. Cleodemus Malchus
  121. Cleodemus Malchus
  122. Colossians, Epistle from Laodicea to the [Missing]
  123. Community Rule [mirror] [mirror] (aka The Manual of Discipline/Serekh ha-Yahad)
  124. Concept of Our Great Power, The [mirror]
  125. Consumation of Thomas
  126. Copper Scroll, The
  127. Corinth, Epistle to
  128. Corpus Hermeticum
  129. Criapos, Books of [Missing]
  130. Cyprian, The Writings of
  131. Damascus Document, The [mirror] [more info] (aka Zadokite Work, Fragments of a)
  132. Daniel and Susanna
  133. Daniel, Apocalypse of [paper]
  134. Daniel, The Vision of
  135. David, Apocryphal Psalms of
  136. David, The Annals of King [Missing]
  137. Demetrius the Chronographer
  138. Diatessaron [Diatession]
  139. Didache [mirror] [Wiki] [mirror] [more info] (aka The Teaching of the Twelve Disciples/Apostles)
  140. Didascalia
  141. Dionysius of Corinth
  142. Discourse on the Eighth and Ninth [mirror]
  143. Divine-Throne Chariot, The [mirror]
  144. Dura-Europos Gospel Harmony
  145. Ebionites, Gospel of the [mirror] [more info]
  146. Egerton Gospel
  147. Egerton Gospel (Egerton Papyrus 2)
  148. Egyptians, Gospel of the [mirror] [mirror]
  149. Elchasai, Book of
  150. Eldad and Modad [Greek text] [paper]
  151. Elijah, The Apocalypse of
  152. Enoch (Another version)
  153. Enoch (Slavonic Book of the Secrets of Enoch)
  154. Enoch And The Watchers
  155. Enoch, Secrets of
  156. Ephraim of Syria`s Hymn Against Bar-Daisan
  157. Ephraim of Syria`s The Pearl: Seven Hymns on the Faith
  158. Epiphanes On Righteousness
  159. Epistula Apostolorum
  160. Esdras, Revelation of (1st Esdras)
  161. Esdras, Revelation of (2nd Esdras)
  162. Esdras, Revelation of (diff)
  163. Esdras, The Revelation of [mirror] [mirror]
  164. Esther, Additions to
  165. Esther, The Remaning Chapters of
  166. Eucharist A, On the
  167. Eucharist B, On the
  168. Eugnostos the Blessed [mirror]
  169. Eupolemus
  170. Eupolemus, Pseudo-
  171. Eve, Gospel of [Wiki]
  172. Exhortation Based On The Flood
  173. Exodus
  174. Ezekiel the Tragedian
  175. Ezekiel, Apocryphon of
  176. Ezra, Greek Apocalypse of
  177. Ezra, Questions of
  178. Ezra, Revelation of
  179. Ezra, Vision of
  180. Fayyum Fragment
  181. Fronto
  182. Galen
  183. Genesis and Exodus, A Reworking of
  184. Genesis, Commentaries on
  185. Giants, The Book of [mirror] (aka The Writing to the Parthians)
  186. Gilgamesh, Epic of (Wiki) [Wiki2] [translation] [another]
  187. Gospel of Truth
  188. Great Power, The Concept of Our [mirror]
  189. Greek Poets, Fragments of Pseudo-
  190. Hebrews, Gospel of (Hebrews 2) [mirror]
  191. Hegesippus
  192. Hellenistic Synagogal Prayers
  193. Heracleon
  194. Hermas, Shepherd of [mirror]
  195. Herod and Pilate, Letters Of
  196. Hesychius, False Gospels of the [missing]
  197. Hippolytus of Rome
  198. History of Joseph the Carpenter
  199. Hosea Commentary
  200. Hymn Of The Initiants, A
  201. Hymns of Triumph
  202. Hymns, The Book of
  203. Hypsiphrone [mirror]
  204. Ignatius of Antioch
  205. Ignatius to Polycarp, The Epistle of
  206. Ignatius to the Ephesians, The Epistle of
  207. Ignatius to the Magnesians, The Epistle of
  208. Ignatius to the Philadelphians, The Epistle of
  209. Ignatius to the Philippians, The Epistle of
  210. Ignatius to the Romans, The Epistle of
  211. Ignatius to the Smyraeans, The Epistle of
  212. Ignatius to the Trallians, The Epistle of
  213. Ignatius, The Epistles of
  214. Ignatius, The Martyrdom of
  215. In Praise of Wisdom
  216. Infancy Compilation (all)
  217. Infancy Gospel, Arabic
  218. Inheritance of The Firstborn, The Messiah of David, The
  219. Invitation to Grace After Meals
  220. Irenaeus of Lyons
  221. Isaac, Testament of
  222. Isaiah, The Ascension of [more info]
  223. Isaiah, The Martyrdom of [mirror]
  224. Isidore
  225. Israel And The Holy Land
  226. Jacob, Ladder of [more info]
  227. Jacob, Prayer of Jacob, Testament of [more info]
  228. Jacob, The Vision of
  229. James, Apocryphon of [mirror] [mirror] [Cameron]
  230. James, Book of (protevangelium)
  231. James, The Gospel of, Infancy [Wiki] [mirror] [more info] (aka The Protevangelion/Protevangelium)
  232. James, Secret Book of
  233. James, The Apocryphon of
  234. James, The First Apocalypse of [mirror] [mirror]
  235. James, The Second Apocalypse of [mirror] [mirror]
  236. Jannes and Jambres [more info] [paper]
  237. Jasher, Book of [mirror] [mirror] [Wiki]
  238. Jeremiah, Letter of [mirror]
  239. Jesus Christ and Abgarus King of Edessa, The Epistles of (Another version)
  240. Jesus Christ, First Infancy Gospel of
  241. Jesus Christ, The First Gospel of the Infancy of
  242. Jesus Christ, The Sophia of [mirror]
  243. Jesus, Hymn of (Mead)
  244. Jesus to Abgarus, The Epistles of
  245. Jeu, Books of
  246. Job, Targum of
  247. Job, Testament of [more info] [original Greek]
  248. John concerning the dormition of Mary (transitus mariæ), Book of
  249. John the Evangelist
  250. John the Evangelist, Book of
  251. John the Theologian Revelation of
  252. John the Theologian, Acts of
  253. John the Theologian, The Revelation of
  254. John, The Acts of [mirror]
  255. John, The Acts of, Excerpt from the Mystery of Cross
  256. John, The Apocryphon of [mirror] [mirror]
  257. John, The Book of, Concerning the Death of Mary
  258. Jonathan, Prayer for King (Alexander Jannaeus)
  259. Joseph and Aseneth
  260. Joseph of Arimathaea, The Narrative of [mirror]
  261. Joseph of Arimathaea and Aseneth [more info] [Wiki]
  262. Joseph the Carpenter, The History of
  263. Joseph, History of
  264. Joseph, Prayer of
  265. Josephus, Flavius [mirror] [mirror] [mirror] [Wiki] [more info] [more info]
  266. Joshua, Psalms of [Not Online]
  267. Jubilees, Book of [mirror]
  268. Judas Iscariot, Gospel of
  269. Judith
  270. Julius Cassianus
  271. Justin Martyr
  272. Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho
  273. Justin Martyr, Discourse to the Greeks
  274. Justin Martyr, First Apology
  275. Justin Martyr, First Apology of
  276. Justin Martyr, Fragments from the Lost Writings of Justin
  277. Justin Martyr, Hortatory Address to the Greeks
  278. Justin Martyr, On the Resurrection
  279. Justin Martyr, On the Sole Government of God
  280. Justin Martyr, Second Apology
  281. Justin’s Discourse to the Greeks
  282. Justin’s Hortatory Address to Greeks
  283. Justin’s writings, Fragments of
  284. Justin-sole government of God
  285. Justin-the Resurrection
  286. Kerygmata Petrou
  287. Knowledge, The Interpretation of [mirror]
  288. Laodiceans, Epistle to the
  289. Laodiceans, The Epistle to
  290. Last Days: A Commentary on Selected Verses
  291. Legends of the Jews (Ginzberg) - This is a massive collation of the Haggada--the traditions which have grown up surrounding the Biblical narrative. These stories and bits of layered detail are scattered throughout the Talmud and the Midrash, and other sources, including oral. In the 19th century Ginzberg undertook the task of arranging the Haggada into chronological order, and this series of volumes was the result.
  292. Letter of the Law : Ordinances, The
  293. Litany Of The Angels
  294. Liturgical Calendar, A
  295. Liturgy, A
  296. Lord, Gospel of the [mirror] (Marcion)
  297. Lucian of Samosata
  298. Lucian of Samosata, Alexander the False Prophet
  299. Lucian of Samosata, The Passing of Peregrinus
  300. Magnesians
  301. Manasseh, The Prayer of
  302. Manichaeans, Fundamental Epistle by the (Wiki) [Other Manichaean Writings]
  303. Mara Bar Serapion
  304. Marcion, Book of
  305. Marcion, Gospel of the Lord [mirror]
  306. Marcionite, Anti-Prologues
  307. Marcus Aurelius to the Senate
  308. Marcus Aurelius to the Senate, Epistle of
  309. Marcus Aurelius
  310. Mark, Secret Gospel of [more info]
  311. Marsanes [mirror]
  312. Martyrdom of Bartholomew
  313. Martyrdom of the Holy Martyrs
  314. Mary of Bethany, (Magdalene), The Gospel of
  315. Mary, Excerpts from the Gospel of
  316. Mary, Gospel According To
  317. Mary, Gospel of
  318. Mary, Gospel of the Nativity of
  319. Mary, The Gospel of the Birth Of
  320. Mary, The Gospel of the Nativity of
  321. Mary, The Passing of
  322. Mathetes to Diognetus, Epistle of
  323. Mathetes to Diognetus, The Epistle of
  324. Matthew the Apostle, Acts and Martyrdom of St.
  325. Matthew, Infancy Gospel of Pseudo
  326. Matthew, Infancy Gospel of Pseudo- [mirror] [mirror] [mirror] (aka Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew)
  327. Matthew, The Acts and Martyrdom of
  328. Matthew, The Gospel of Pseudo
  329. Matthew, The Martyrdom of
  330. Matthew, The Martyrdom of
  331. Matthias, Gospel of
  332. Matthias, Traditions of
  333. Mattias, Traditions of
  334. Maximus of Jerusalem
  335. Meditation on Israel's History
  336. Melchizedek [mirror] [mirror]
  337. Melchizedek, The Coming of [mirror]
  338. Melito of Sardis
  339. Michael And King Zedekiah, The Archangel
  340. Michael, Words of
  341. Miqsat Ma`ase ha-Torah (MMT)
  342. Mishmarot (Calendrical Document)
  343. Montanist Anonymous Anti-
  344. Morning Hymn
  345. Moses, Apocalypse of
  346. Moses, Revelation of
  347. Moses, Revelation of
  348. Moses, The Apocalypse of
  349. Moses, The Assumption of, The Testament of [mirror] [more info] (aka: The Testament of Moses)
  350. Moses, The Revelation of
  351. Moses, Sayings of [Not Online]
  352. Moses, The Seventh Book of
  353. Moses, The Sixth Book of
  354. Moses, The Words of
  355. Muratonian Canon (fragment)
  356. Muratorian Canon
  357. Mysteries, Book of [Not Online]
  358. Naassene Fragment
  359. Nabonidus, Prayer of
  360. Nabonidus, The Healing of King
  361. Nahum Commentary
  362. Narrative of Joseph of Arimathaea
  363. Nazaraeans, Gospel of the
  364. Nazarenes, Gospel According to the
  365. Nazoreans ,Gospel of the
  366. New Jerusalem
  367. Nicodemus Gospel (Acts) of (aka The Acts of Pontius Pilate)
  368. Nicodemus, The Gospel of (aka Acts of Pilate)
  369. Nicodemus, The Gospel of (or Acts of Pontius Pilate) (Another Version)
  370. Noah, Book of (Wiki) [Paper] [more info] [more info] [more info]
  371. Norea, The Thought of [mirror]
  372. Observances
  373. Octavius of Minucius Felix
  374. Ophite Diagrams
  375. Ordinances
  376. Origen
  377. Origin of the World, On the [mirror]
  378. Orphica
  379. Osee, The Prophecy of
  380. Oxyrhynchus 1224 Gospel
  381. Oxyrhynchus 840 Gospel
  382. Pantaenus
  383. Papias
  384. Paralipomenon, The First Book of
  385. Paralipomenon, The Second Book of
  386. Passion Narrative
  387. Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs
  388. Patriarchs, Lives of The
  389. Patriarchs, Tales of the
  390. Patriarchs, Tales of the
  391. Paul and Seneca
  392. Paul and Seneca, The Correspondence of
  393. Paul and Thecla, Acts of
  394. Paul and Thecla, Acts of
  395. Paul the Apostle to Seneca, The Epistles of (w/Seneca's to Paul)
  396. Paul the Apostle to the Laodiceans, The Epistle of
  397. Paul, Acts of [mirror]
  398. Paul, Apocalypse of [mirror] [MacRae] [MacRae]
  399. Paul, Coptic Apocalypse of
  400. Paul, Revelation of
  401. Paul, Revelation of
  402. Paul, The Prayer of the Apostle [mirror]
  403. Paul, The Vision of
  404. Paul, The Vision of
  405. Pentateuch, Reworked
  406. Perfect Mind, The Thunder [mirror]
  407. Perfection, Gospel of [Missing]
  408. Perpetua and Felicitas, Acts of [Shewring] [Roberts-Donaldson]
  409. Perpetua, The Story of
  410. Peter and Andrew, The Acts of [mirror]
  411. Peter and Paul, Acts of
  412. Peter and Paul, Epistle to [missing]
  413. Peter and Paul, The Acts of
  414. Peter and the Twelve Apostles, The Acts of [mirror]
  415. Peter to James, The Epistle of
  416. Peter to Philip, Letter of [mirror] [mirror] [more info]
  417. Peter, Acts of [mirror]
  418. Peter, Additional Acts of
  419. Peter, Coptic Apocalypse of
  420. Peter, Lost Gospel [mirror] [mirror] [mirror] [more info] [article]
  421. Peter, Preaching of
  422. Peter, The Apocalypse of [mirror] [mirror] [mirror] [James] [Brashler/Dullard] (aka The Revelation of Peter)
  423. Philadelphians
  424. Philip, Acts of
  425. Philip, Journeyings of the Apostle
  426. Philip, The Acts of
  427. Phillip, Additions to the Acts of
  428. Phillip, Gospel of
  429. Phillip, Secret Gospel of
  430. Philo of Alexandria The Biblical Antiquities of (James)
  431. Philo the Epic Poet (aka Philo the Elder) Philostratus
  432. Phylactery (Tefillin) Scroll
  433. Pilate the Procurator, Report of
  434. Pilate to Caesar, The Report of
  435. Pilate, Acts of
  436. Pilate, Letters of [mirror]
  437. Pilate, The Giving Up of
  438. Pistis Sophia [mirror] [more info]
  439. Plea For Deliverance (aka Psalms Scroll 11QPs)
  440. Plea For Grace
  441. Pliny the Younger
  442. Polycarp to the Philippians
  443. Polycarp to the Philippians, The Epistle of
  444. Polycarp, Martyrdom of
  445. Polycarp, The Martyrdom of
  446. Polycrates of Ephesus
  447. Pontius Pilate, Epistles of
  448. Power, The Concept of Our Great [mirror]
  449. Prayer for Intercession
  450. Prayer of Manassas
  451. Prayer of Praise
  452. Preaching of Peter
  453. Priestly Service
  454. Prophets, The Lives of the [more info]
  455. Protevangelion, The [mirror] [mirror] [more info] (aka Protevangelium of James, Gospel of James, Infancy)
  456. Proverbs, A Collection of
  457. Psalm 151
  458. Psalms, Commentary on
  459. Psalms:Dead Sea Scroll
  460. Pseudo-Hecataeus
  461. Pseudo-Philo
  462. Pseudo-Phocylides
  463. Psuedo-Sibylline Oracles
  464. Ptolemy
  465. Ptolemy, Commentary on The Gospel Of John Prologue [mirror]
  466. Ptolemy's Letter to Flora
  467. Q, Gospel referred to by the letter
  468. Quadratus of Athens, Asinius (Fragments) [Not Online]
  469. Rechabites, History of the [more info] [original Greek] [Wiki] [Paper] Redemption and Resurrection
  470. Resurrection, Treatise on the
  471. Rhodon
  472. Ritual Purity Laws
  473. Sapiential Work [mirror] (aka Secret of The Way Things Are, The)
  474. Savior, Dialogue of the [mirror]
  475. Savior, Gospel of the
  476. Savior, The Avenging of the
  477. Scillitan Martyrs, Passion of the
  478. Scythianus, Gospel of [Missing]
  479. Secret of The Way Things Are, The [mirror] (aka Sapiential Work)
  480. Secrets, The Book of [mirror]
  481. Sedrach, Apocalypse of [mirror]
  482. Seleucus, The Suffering of the Apostles [Missing]
  483. Sentences of the Sextus
  484. Serapion of Antioch
  485. Seth, Revelation of Adam`s Origin
  486. Seth, The Three Steles of [mirror]
  487. Seth, The Second Treatise of the Great [mirror] [mirror]
  488. Sextus, The Sentences of [mirror] [mirror]
  489. Shem, Treatise of [mirror] [Wiki] [more info] (aka Paraphrase of Shem)
  490. Shepherd of Hermas [mirror]
  491. Sibylline Oracles [mirror] [Wiki]
  492. Signs Gospel
  493. Silvanus, The Teachings of [mirror]
  494. Simon Cephas, The Teaching of
  495. Sirach, Wisdom of
  496. Smyrnaeans
  497. Solomon, Odes of [Charlesworth] [more info]
  498. Solomon, Psalms of
  499. Solomon, Testament of
  500. Solomon, The Wisdom of
  501. Solomon, Wisdom of
  502. Son of God, A Vision of the
  503. Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice
  504. Sophia of Jesus Christ
  505. Sophonias ,The Prophecy of
  506. Soul, The Exegesis on the
  507. Stephen, Revelation of
  508. Stephen, Revelations of
  509. Suetonius
  510. Supplication
  511. Susanna
  512. Syriac Menander
  513. Tacitus
  514. Talmud
  515. Tatian's Address to the Greeks
  516. Teaching, Authoritative
  517. Temple as Described In The Temple Scroll, The
  518. Tertullian
  519. Tertullian on Martyrs
  520. Tertullian on Patience
  521. Tertullian on Prayer
  522. Tertullian on Specticals
  523. Thaddaeus, The Acts of
  524. Thaddaeus, The Gospel of
  525. Thaddeus (Epistles of Pontius Pilate), Acts of
  526. Thaddeus, Teaching of
  527. Thanksgiving, The Prayer of [mirror]
  528. Theodotus, Excerpts of
  529. Theophilus of Antioch
  530. Theophilus of Antioch, Book 1
  531. Theophilus of Antioch, Book 2
  532. Theophilus of Antioch, Book 3
  533. Theophilus of Caesarea
  534. Thomas the Contender, Book of
  535. Thomas the Contender, The Book of
  536. Thomas, Acts of [mirror]
  537. Thomas, Apocalypse of [mirror]
  538. Thomas, Infancy Gospel of [more info] [more info] [Wiki]
  539. Thomas, Infancy Gospel of - Greek A
  540. Thomas, Infancy Gospel of - Greek B
  541. Thomas, Infancy Gospel of - Latin
  542. Thomas, The Consummation of
  543. Three Patriarchs, Testaments of the [Not Online]
  544. Thunder, The, Perfect Mind [mirror]
  545. Tobias
  546. Tobit
  547. Tongues of Fire [mirror]
  548. Torah Precepts
  549. Treasures, The Cave of
  550. Treatise on the Resurrection [mirror]
  551. Trimorphic Protennoia [mirror] [more info]
  552. Tripartite Tractate, The [mirror]
  553. Truth, Gospel of [mirror] [more info] [Wiki] [Attridge & MacRae]
  554. Truth, Testimony of
  555. Twelve Apostles, Teaching of the [Wiki] [mirror] [more info] (aka The Didache)
  556. Twelve Patriarchs, Testaments of the
  557. Two Ways, The
  558. Uziah, Acts of [Missing]
  559. Valentinian Exposition [mirror]
  560. Valentinus
  561. Victor I
  562. Vienna and Lyons, Letter from
  563. Virgin, Apocalypse of the [mirror] [mirror]
  564. War Rule
  565. War Scroll, The
  566. Wars of the Jews
  567. Wicked Woman, Wiles of the
  568. Wisdom Text
  569. Xanthippe and Polyxena, Acts of
  570. Zadokite work, Fragments of a (aka: The Damascus Document) [mirror] [more info]
  571. Zephaniah, Apocalypse of [more info] [Wiki]
  572. Zion, A Lament for
  573. Zion, Apostrophe to
  574. Zosimus Concerning the Life of the Blessed, The Narrative of

Footnotes

  1. Source: https://khazarzar.skeptik.net/books/protoegr.htm (Nonsecure Link) ↩︎
  2. Table created by Steve Rudd ↩︎
  3. Pseudepigrapha means "spurious or pseudonymous writings, especially Jewish writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Jesus Christ." ↩︎