Books Of The Ethiopian Bible: Missing From The Protestant Canon

Have you ever wondered about the books of the Ethiopian Bible that are missing from the Protestant canon? In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and its unique collection of scripture. Discover the hidden gems and ancient texts that offer a different perspective on biblical history and theology. Join us on this journey as we delve into the benefits of exploring these lesser-known books and gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of the Bible.

Ethiopian Bible Books: The Hidden Gems of the Protestant Canon

The Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Canon, differs from the Protestant canon in that it includes several additional books that are not found in the traditional Protestant Bible. These books, referred to as the “missing” books from the Protestant canon, hold significant religious and historical value within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

One of the notable books missing from the Protestant canon is the Book of Enoch. This ancient text is considered a treasure among Ethiopian Christians and holds a prominent place in their religious teachings. The Book of Enoch is attributed to the biblical figure Enoch, who was said to have been taken up to heaven and shown various visions of the future. It contains detailed descriptions of angels, prophecies, and apocalyptic visions. The Book of Enoch is highly regarded for its rich imagery and profound theological insights.

Another book included in the Ethiopian Bible but absent from the Protestant canon is the Book of Jubilees. This ancient text presents a chronological account of history, beginning with the creation of the world and extending to the time of Moses. The Book of Jubilees provides additional details and explanations on various biblical events, including the fall of Adam and Eve, the story of Noah and the flood, and the giving of the Ten Commandments. It also emphasizes the importance of observing religious festivals and rituals.

The Ethiopian Bible also includes the First and Second Books of Maccabees, which document the struggles of the Jewish people against Greek oppression during the Hellenistic period. These books provide essential historical context and shed light on the events leading up to the Hanukkah celebration. The inclusion of these books in the Ethiopian Bible highlights the significance of the Maccabean revolt in Ethiopian religious and cultural traditions.

Other books missing from the Protestant canon but present in the Ethiopian Bible include the Wisdom of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, and the Prayer of Manasseh. The Wisdom of Sirach is a collection of ethical teachings and practical advice, similar in nature to the Book of Proverbs. It addresses various aspects of life, such as family, friendship, wealth, and wisdom. The Prayer of Manasseh is a penitential prayer attributed to the biblical king Manasseh, who repented for his sins after being taken captive by the Assyrians.

The inclusion of these additional books in the Ethiopian Bible provides a broader perspective on religious teachings and traditions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. These texts offer unique insights into biblical history, theology, and spiritual practices that are valued by Ethiopian Christians. The Ethiopian Bible stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and spiritual devotion of the Ethiopian people.

What books are missing from the Protestant Bible?

In the context of the Bible, there are several books that are missing from the Protestant Bible compared to the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. These books, commonly referred to as the “Deuterocanonical” or “Apocryphal” books, are considered canonical by Catholic and Orthodox traditions but not by Protestant traditions.

The missing books are:

1. Tobit
2. Judith
3. Wisdom of Solomon
4. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
5. Baruch
6. First and Second Maccabees
7. additions to the Book of Esther
8. additions to the Book of Daniel (including the Prayer of Azariah, the Song of the Three Holy Children, Susanna, and Bel and the Dragon)

It is important to note that while these books are not included in the Protestant Bible, they are still considered valuable historical and religious texts by many scholars and religious communities.

Is the Apocrypha the Ethiopian Bible?

No, the Apocrypha is not exclusive to the Ethiopian Bible. The Apocrypha refers to a collection of ancient texts that are considered non-canonical by some Christian denominations. These texts include books such as Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and others. While these books are included in the canon of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, they are also found in the Catholic Bible and some Eastern Orthodox Bibles. However, most Protestant denominations do not consider the Apocrypha as part of their biblical canon.

How many books are in the Ethiopian canon?

The Ethiopian canon consists of 81 books, which is significantly larger than the commonly recognized biblical canon. This includes the books found in the Septuagint and the traditional Hebrew Bible, as well as several additional writings. Some of the notable books in the Ethiopian canon include the Book of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, and the Ascension of Isaiah. It is important to note that the inclusion of these extra books is unique to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and differs from other Christian denominations.

What is the canon of the Ethiopian Bible?

The canon of the Ethiopian Bible, also known as the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church Canon, includes several books that are not found in the canons of other Christian denominations. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church considers these additional books to be part of their sacred scripture.

The Ethiopian Bible contains the same books of the Old Testament as the Western Christian canon, including the books of the Torah, the historical books, the wisdom literature, and the prophetic books. However, it also includes several books that are not found in the Hebrew Bible or most other Christian canons.

One of the most notable additions is the Book of Enoch, which is considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. This book is an ancient Jewish text that discusses various apocalyptic visions and prophetic revelations. It is highly regarded for its teachings on angelology, eschatology, and the coming of the Messiah.

Another significant book included in the Ethiopian Bible is the Book of Jubilees. This book narrates biblical events from the creation of the world to the time of Moses, providing additional details and perspectives on familiar stories.

The Ethiopian Bible also contains other books such as 1 Enoch, 4 Baruch, and the Book of Joseph ben Gurion, among others. These texts provide insights into Ethiopian religious traditions and beliefs.

It is important to note that while these additional books are considered canonical by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, they are not universally accepted as such by other Christian denominations. The inclusion of these books in the Ethiopian Bible reflects the unique religious traditions and practices of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

FAQs

What are the books of the Ethiopian Bible that are missing from the Protestant Canon?

The books of the Ethiopian Bible that are missing from the Protestant Canon include 1 Enoch, Jubilees, 1-3 Meqabyan, and the Book of Jubilees.

Why are these books not included in the Protestant Canon?

These books are not included in the Protestant Canon because they were not considered inspired or authoritative by the early Protestant reformers. The Protestant Canon includes only the books that were universally accepted by the early Christian church as divinely inspired.

Are the books missing from the Protestant Canon still considered sacred texts in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church?

Yes, the books missing from the Protestant Canon are still considered sacred texts in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.