The Apocrypha in the History of Early Christianity

Abstract Whereas the New Testament never actually quotes from any of the Apocrypha, we can, however, find evidence that at least some of the Apocrypha were indeed of impact for several New Testament writings. The same can be said about the Apostolic Fathers, some pieces of early Christian Apocrypha and, of course, many later authors. Whereas it is clear that neither Judith nor the books of the Maccabees were used only as historical sources—and that a text like 4 Maccabees never referred to by any writer—a full and detailed overview of the use and impact of the Old Testament Apocrypha remains a desideratum.