Select Works of Apocrypha (40 Books)

Apocrypha is a Greek word that means "something hidden". The term is often used for writings of the church that are not generally accepted as authentic or inspired.

It is unclear what the motivation was for writing many of these works. But often they fill in gaps of information where the Bible is silent, such as the lives of Mary and Joseph (Protoevangelium of James); the early childhood of Jesus (Gospel of Thomas); and the ministry of various disciples (Acts). The dates of these works is uncertain, but a rough estimated is provided by scholars. The following works are included:

1. Apocalypse of Peter (c. 130)
2. Protoevangelium of James (c. 150).
3. Acts of Paul and Thecla (c. 180)
4. Gospel of Peter (c. 190)
5. The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs (c. 192)
6. Acts of Peter and Paul (c. 200)
7. Gospel of Thomas (c. 200)
8. Acts of Thomas (c. 240)
9. Acts of Thaddaeus (c. 250)
10. Acts of Andrew (c. 260)
11. Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena (c. 270)
12. Acts of John
13. Acts of Philip (c. 350)
14. Apocalypse of Paul (c. 380)
15. Gospel of Nicodemus
16. The Doctrine of Addai (c. 400)
17. Assumption of Mary (c. 400)
18. History of Joseph the Carpenter (c. 400)
19. Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew (c. 400)
20. Acts of Barnabas (c. 500)
21. Acts of Bartholomew (c. 500)
22. Acts and Martyrdom of St. Matthew the Apostle (c. 550)
23. Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (c. 600)
24. Avenging of the Saviour (c. 700)
25. Apocalypse of John
26. Apocalypse of Moses
27. Apocalypse of Esdras
28. Testament of Abraham
29. Narrative of Zosimus
30. Gospel of the Nativity of Mary
31. Narrative of Joseph of Arimathea
32. Report of Pontius Pilate
33. Letter of Pontius Pilate
34. Giving Up of Pontius Pilate
35. Death of Pilate
36. Apocalypse of the Virgin
37. Apocalypse of Sedrach
38. Acts of Andrew and Matthias
39. Acts of Peter and Andrew
40. Consummation of Thomas the Apostle