We sent out review copies of the Apocrypha: Lutheran Study Edition, in rough galley proof form, to international Bible scholars and are receiving simply stunning reviews from truly world-class scholars who recognize the value of this unique, one-of-a-kind edition of the Apocryphal books of the Bible. We will be releasing the book next Fall, and at present the content is all complete and we are putting it through layout and detailed copy editing and proofing, etc.

Well known Jewish scholar, Emanuel Tov, has kindly complimented our forthcoming work, The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes. He wrote:

This book provides a well-balanced blend of sound scholarship and religious beliefs on the Apocrypha, especially those of Luther and the Lutherans. The reader will find all the necessary background information on the Apocrypha, in an attractive presentation, as well as religious guidance for instruction and preaching. A wealth of introductory essays and appendixes make this a very useful compendium.

—Prof. Emanuel Tov
J. L. Magnes Professor of Bible
Hebrew University, Jerusalem

We are greatly honored to receive the endorsement of evangelical scholar Craig Evans, an expert on the New Testament:

Concordia Publishing House, General editor Edward Engelbrecht, and the several contributing editors have placed Bible scholars and students into their debt by bringing out a new and updated version of The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes. The Introduction includes explanation of what the books of the apocrypha are and their value and a concise overview of history from Persian rule to Roman rule. Next come judicious commentaries on the several books of the apocrypha, followed by ten appendices that provide readers with additional related information concerning such things as the Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of Josephus, rabbinic literature, and New Testament apocrypha and pseudepigrapha. What a treasure trove! This marvelous commentary belongs in the study of every student and scholar of the Bible.

Here is the menu of the feast that awaits you…..
Front Matter
Contributors
Acknowledgements
Foreword
The Engravings
Editor’s Preface
Preface to ESV Apocrypha
Features of The Apocrypha: The Lutheran Edition with Notes
An Introduction to the Apocrypha and the Time Between the Testaments

Getting Started
The Holy Scripture and Other Ancient Writings
The Apocrypha in Modern Bible Publications by Edwin Cone Bissel
The Historical Setting of the Apocrypha by Raymond F. Surburg

Introduction
The Judeans under Persian Rule (538–330 BC)
The Persian Empire [TLSB map, p. 1396]
Diagram of Zerubbabel’s temple [TLSB, p. 730]
The Judeans and Alexander the Great (330–323 BC)
The Empire of Alexander [TLSB map, p. 1554]
Divided Rule: The Judeans under the Ptolemies (323–181 BC)
Map of the Jewish Diaspora [Charles]
Divided Rule: The Judeans under the Seleucids (312–164 BC)
The Ptolemies and the Seleucids [TLSB p. 1421]
The Judeans under the Maccabees (164–134 BC)
The Judeans under the Hasmoneans (134–63 BC)
The Hasmonean Conquest [TLSB map, p. 1555]
The Judeans under the Romans (63 BC–AD 135)
The Kingdom of Herod [TLSB Map, p. 1576]
The Roman Empire [TLSB Map, p. 1895]
Diagram of Herodian Dynasty [Edersheim, p. 701]
Herod’s Temple [TLSB diagram, p. 1710]
Theological Teachings of the Time Between the Testaments
Chart of references to explicit prayers in the Apocrypha
Chart of references regarding the Messiah
Reading Guide
Reference Guide [Banding]
Abbreviations
Transliteration Guidelines
Articles and Charts List
Map List
Place Names of the Apocrypha and Ancient Empires
Apocrypha Topics
Apocrypha Chronology and World History
Measures
Persons and Groups in the Apocrypha and Early Judaism
Key Terms and Phrases in the Apocrypha
The Offerings [Article/Chart]
OT and Jewish Feasts [chart]
Names for God in the Apocrypha [Article/Chart]
The Apocrypha in Lutheran Worship
The Apocrypha [Arabic Numeration; TLSB style notes on these books]

Intro page
The Arrangement of Books [Article]
Title Variations for Apocryphal Books
Judith

Introduction
The Wisdom of Solomon

Introduction
Tobit

Introduction
Ecclesiasticus [aka Sirach]

Introduction
Baruch

Introduction
The Letter of Jeremiah

Introduction
1 Maccabees

Introduction
Josephus and 1 and 2 Maccabees Compared [chart]
1 and 2 Maccabees: A Detailed Comparison [chart]
2 Maccabees

Introduction
Old Greek Esther

Introduction
Susanna

Introduction
Bel and the Dragon

Introduction
The Prayer of Azariah

Introduction
The Song of the Three Holy Children

Introduction
The Prayer of Manasseh

Introduction
The Apocryphal Books in Other Christian Traditions

Introduction [Other Books of the Apocrypha – article]
Canonicity and Use of the Apocrypha [Article]
The Apocrypha and the Old Testament Scriptures [deSilva Article]
The Apocrypha and the New Testament [deSilva Article]
1 Esdras

Introduction
2 Esdras

Introduction
3 Maccabees or Ptolemaika

Introduction
4 Maccabees

Introduction
Psalm 151

Introduction
Assumed Settings for Apocryphal Books [chart]

Appendices
Appendix 1: The Elephantine Papyri
Appendix 2: The Cairo Geniza Documents
Appendix 3: The Dead Sea Scrolls
Appendix 4: Discoveries of Other Early Jewish Manuscripts
Appendix 5: Philo and His Writings
Appendix 6: Josephus and His Writings
Appendix 7: Pseudepigrapha of the OT
Appendix 8: Rabbinic Literature
Appendix 9: New Testament Apocrypha or Pseudepigrapha
Appendix 10: The Nag Hammadi Codices