Ellen White's Perspective on the Apocrypha

Ellen White identifies the Apocrypha as a "hidden book" that was cast out, yet she indicates that it contains truths that the wise should understand in these last days15MR 66.2+2. While she did not include the Apocrypha in the biblical canon, which she considered the closed and standard rule of faith, her early visions provide specific guidance on how to regard itGP 74.5+1.

🌟 The Nature of the "Hidden Book"

• A Call to Understanding: In a vision given in 1850, it was revealed that the Apocrypha is the hidden book and that the wise of these last days should understand its significance15MR 66.2+2.

• Binding Truth to the Heart: During a vision where she held a large family Bible, she spoke of the hidden book being cast out and instructed believers to take the straight truth and bind it to their hearts1LtMs, Ms 5, 1849, par. 7.

• Pure and Unadulterated Truth: She described the Word of God as pure and unadulterated, noting that while a part of the hidden book had been "burned" or cast out, there remained a necessity to read it carefully and not let its pages be closed1LtMs, Ms 5, 1849, par. 7+1.

⚖️ Relationship to the Biblical Canon

• The Bible as the Standard: The Bible remains the standard book by which all experiences and doctrines must be judged at the last day15MR 66.2+2.

• Authority Beyond the Canon: The authority of a prophet's writing is based on divine inspiration rather than its inclusion in the biblical canonGP 74.5. Even if inspired books like those of Nathan or the lost letters of Paul were found today, they would be authoritative and inspired despite being outside the canonGP 74.5.

• Distinct from New Testament Apocrypha: She distinguished the Old Testament Apocrypha from the "apocrypha of the New Testament," which she characterized as a collection of fictitious tales and "frivolous miracles" that falsify the character of ChristYI April 1, 1872, par. 1.

📚 Historical Use and Practice

• Early References: In the early years of the movement, James White included references to the Apocrypha, such as 2 Esdras 15:11, in his published works alongside Ellen White's visions15MR 65.1+1.

• Practical Guidance: Parents and children are encouraged to seek a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, keeping all other books secondary to the Word of GodCSW 52.3+1.

• Minimal Later Attention: After her early visions, Ellen White did not frequently urge the church to read the Apocrypha or explain its significance in her later published writings15MR 66.2.

It is essential to remember that all doctrine must be brought to the law and to the testimony to see if it aligns with God's Word Isaiah 8:205T 574.2+1. Every student of the Word should search the Scriptures diligently to discover the rich treasures of truth hidden withinPM 68.2+1.