Almost in the Bible

25 Lost and Forbidden Books that didn't make the Canon

De: Kevin McKinney

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

What belongs in the Bible? The answer is far more complex than it appears.

There is a common assumption that the New Testament was universally accepted from the moment the ink dried on the original manuscripts. In reality, the early Church navigated a landscape filled with competing letters, gospels, and apocalypses—many claiming apostolic authority. Some were adopted into the final canon; others were scrutinized, debated, and eventually set aside by early Christian leadership.

Almost in the Bible is a clear, factual historical survey of 25 specific books that sat on the fringe of the New Testament. From the hidden sayings of the Gospel of Thomas to the apocalyptic visions of First Enoch and the pseudo-legal trial records of the Gospel of Nicodemus, author Kevin McKinney explores the texts that early Christian leaders read, argued over, and occasionally championed before falling outside the formal list of scripture.

This comprehensive reference guide does not challenge the biblical canon. Instead, it provides a fascinating, objective look at the "lived religion" of late antiquity for the curious layperson and serious student alike.

Inside this definitive guide, you will explore:

• The Texts: A detailed look at 25 "lost" books, including the Didache, the Shepherd of Hermas, the Gospel of Mary, and the Apocalypse of Paul.
• The Context: Why these alternative gospels, acts, and letters were written, who actually authored them, and how they influenced the early Christian world.
• The Forensic Verdict: The exact historical, theological, and institutional arguments that led the early Church to exclude these works from the New Testament canon.
• Bonus Material: An investigative look at the "biblical cliffhanger" of Acts 28 and the compelling theories surrounding a missing sequel to the Acts of the Apostles.

Uncover the ultimate "banned books" list of the ancient world and discover how the Bible truly became the Bible.