The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha: A Comprehensive Guide to Extrabiblical Jewish Writings

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha, Revised Edition, is a comprehensive guide to the extrabiblical Jewish writings known as the Apocrypha. These writings were composed primarily in the centuries leading up to the birth of Jesus and provide valuable insights into the religious, social, and cultural landscape of Second Temple Judaism. The Apocrypha includes a diverse range of genres, including historical narratives, poetic compositions, sapiential literature, and apocalyptic visions.

The term "apocrypha" comes from the Greek word meaning "hidden" and was used to describe writings that were not included in the Hebrew Bible or the Christian canon. These texts were often considered to be sacred by certain Jewish and Christian communities but were ultimately excluded from the official canon due to disputes over their authenticity and authority.

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version

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Language	:	English
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Content and Structure

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha contains 15 books of the Apocrypha, along with 5 related texts. These writings are arranged in chronological order, beginning with the historical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees and ending with the apocalyptic book of 2 Esdras. The volume is organized into three main sections:

1. Historical Writings: This section includes the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which provide a detailed account of the Maccabean Revolt and the Jewish struggle for independence from Greek rule. These books provide valuable historical insights into the period of Jewish history known as the Second Temple Period.

2. Wisdom Literature and Poetry: This section contains a diverse collection of sapiential and poetic writings, including the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Sirach, and the Prayer of Manasseh. These texts explore themes of wisdom, morality, and the nature of God.

3. Apocalyptic Literature: This section includes a number of apocalyptic texts, such as the Book of Daniel, the Book of Enoch, and 2 Esdras. These writings are characterized by their visions of the end times, judgments, and the coming of a messianic figure.

Annotations and Commentary

One of the most valuable features of The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha is its extensive annotations and commentary. These annotations provide historical and cultural background information, explain complex passages, and offer insights into the theological and ethical themes of the texts. The commentary is written by a team of leading scholars in the field of Second Temple Judaism and provides a comprehensive understanding of the Apocrypha.

Historical s

Each book of the Apocrypha is preceded by a historical that provides information about the author, date of composition, and historical context of the text. These s provide essential background knowledge for understanding the significance and meaning of the writings.

Bibliography

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha includes a comprehensive bibliography that lists a wide range of resources for further study. This bibliography is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and general readers who are interested in exploring the Apocrypha in greater depth.

Significance and Value

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of Second Temple Judaism and the development of Christianity. It provides a comprehensive guide to the extrabiblical Jewish writings that are crucial for understanding the religious, social, and cultural landscape of the period. The annotations and commentary offer valuable insights into the texts, while the historical s and bibliography provide a solid foundation for further research.

The Apocrypha has played a significant role in the history of Christianity. Many of the ideas and themes found in the Apocrypha were later adopted by Christian writers and became part of the Christian tradition. By providing a comprehensive guide to these writings, The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha makes an important contribution to the understanding of both Judaism and Christianity.

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha, Revised Edition, is the definitive guide to the extrabiblical Jewish writings known as the Apocrypha. Its comprehensive annotations, historical s, and extensive bibliography make it an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and general readers alike. By providing access to these important writings, The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha enhances our understanding of the religious, social, and cultural landscape of Second Temple Judaism and the development of Christianity.

The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version

by Antipodean Writer

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2381 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE