Helpful Definitions
Helpful Definitions
Gospel
Originally meant the Christian message, but in the 2nd century it came to be used also for the books in which the message was set out; in this sense a "gospel" can be defined as an episodic narrative of the words and deeds of Jesus of Nazareth, culminating in his trial and death and concluding with various reports of his post-resurrection appearances.
Pseudepigrapha
Jewish religious writings ascribed to various Biblical prophets and patriarchs.
Apocrypha
Books that are "hidden, concealed, obscure". Often referring to the Jewish writings not included in the modern canonical Bible.