John Wycliffe - WYC Books

Apocrypha: Historical Context

The term "Apocrypha" generally refers to ancient texts not included in the canonical Bible for most Christian denominations, though what is considered “apocryphal” varies across traditions. Derived from the Greek "apokryphos ", meaning "hidden" or "secret," these writings encompass narratives, wisdom literature, and prophecies attributed to inspired figures or early disciples. ^{www.blueletterbible.com - Lexicon: Strongs}

Matthew 13:35 that it should be fulfilled, that is said by the prophet, saying, I shall open my mouth in parables; I shall tell out hid  ^G2928  things from the making of the world. WYC 1382  

Mark 4:11 And he said to them, To you it is given to know the private  ^G3466 of the kingdom of God. But to them that be withoutforth, all things be made in parables, WYC 1382

Mark 4:22 [Forsooth] There is nothing hid, ^G2927 G5100 that shall not be made open; neither any thing is privy ^G614, that shall not come into open. WYC 1382

Colossian 2:3 in whom all the treasures of wisdom and of science  ^G1108 be hid. ^G614 WYC 1382

Colossian l 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ^G1108 KJV 

Apocrypha: Significance

In Judaism and early Christianity, these writings were widely read and considered significant. However, debates over which books were divinely inspired and carried Christ’s authority as the "Word" led early church councils to create a standardized biblical canon, excluding the Apocrypha from some traditions. The Protestant Reformation further distinguished these books from the Protestant Bible, with reformers like Martin Luther advocating their exclusion while acknowledging their value for moral teaching.

Books often classified as Apocrypha include 1 and 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus (Sirach), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. Though not universally canonical, these texts explore themes like divine wisdom, justice, and the trials of Israel, reflecting divine interactions and moral teachings attributed to "The Most High." Some Christian traditions, including Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, incorporate parts of the Apocrypha in their Old Testaments, while others regard it as non-canonical but valuable for insights into faith and early interpretations of God’s message.

These texts hold spiritual wisdom and principles often associated with Christ’s teachings. Many early Christians and theologians interpreted the Apocrypha as bearing moral and prophetic significance that complements the canonical scriptures.

John Wycliffe and the Apocrypha

John Wycliffe was an early translator and reformer who championed making the Bible accessible to all, especially through his English translation of the Latin Vulgate. His translation, completed in the late 14th century, included both canonical books and the Apocrypha, as was customary for the Vulgate Bible.

Wycliffe viewed all of Scripture—including the Apocrypha—as valuable for study and spiritual growth. His inclusion of these texts reflects a medieval perspective that the Apocrypha could offer moral and theological insights beneficial to believers.

Wycliffe’s work involved translating and circulating the entire Bible, which, in his time, included both canonical and apocryphal books. Wycliffe’s commitment to translating everything in the Latin Vulgate likely stemmed from his desire to offer people access to all of Scripture as it was traditionally read and understood. In this mission, he simply translated the texts as part of his larger goal to make Scripture accessible to the laypeople.

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