Fact:
The Bible authors of the New Testament used the Septuagint (LXX) — and the Septuagint included the Deuterocanonical Books (Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1–2 Maccabees, and parts of Daniel & Esther).
Because of this, the ideas, vocabulary, and theology of these books appear inside the New Testament, even when the quotes are not formally introduced with “as it is written.”
Below are the clearest and strongest connections.
⭐ 1. The Book of Wisdom (Wisdom of Solomon)
This is the MOST used Deuterocanonical book in the New Testament.
Used by Jesus?
Yes, strongly. The description of the “Righteous One” in Wisdom 2:12–20 matches Jesus’ Passion almost word for word:
Wisdom 2:12–20
-
"Let us kill the righteous man… he calls himself God's son… if he is God's son, God will save him."
Fulfilled in Jesus
-
The chief priests mock Jesus on the cross:
“He trusts in God; let God deliver him if He wants him” (Matt 27:43).
Matthew’s wording is almost identical to Wisdom 2.
This is one of the most compelling parallels.
Used by the Apostles?
Yes.
Paul echoes Wisdom many times.
-
Romans 1:18–32 → parallels Wisdom 13–14 on idolatry and immorality.
-
Ephesians 6:13–17 (Armor of God) → parallels Wisdom 5:17–23.
⭐ 2. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)
Used by Jesus?
Jesus’ teachings match Sirach’s themes and sayings, especially about humility, almsgiving, and the fear of God.
Strong parallels:
-
Sirach 28:2 → “Forgive your neighbor’s injustice, and God will forgive you.”
Jesus teaches the same in Matthew 6:14–15 and the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. -
Sirach 7:32 → “Do not turn away your face from the poor.”
Very close to Jesus’ teachings on charity in Luke 14:13–14.
Used by the Apostles?
-
James heavily reflects Sirach (scholars call James “the New Testament Sirach”).
Topics: speech, wisdom from above, humility, control of the tongue.
Example:
-
Sirach 5:11 → “Be quick to hear, slow to answer.”
James 1:19 → “Be quick to hear, slow to speak.”
⭐ 3. Tobit
Used by Jesus?
The Golden Rule appears in Tobit before it appears in Jesus’ teaching:
-
Tobit 4:15 → “What you hate, do not do to anyone.”
-
Matthew 7:12 → “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
The structure is similar, though Jesus expresses it positively instead of negatively.
Used by the Apostles?
-
Tobit 12:8–9 teaches almsgiving saves from death.
Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 4:8: “Love covers a multitude of sins.”
Also:
-
Marriage teachings in Tobit match NT teaching on holy marriage.
⭐ 4. Judith
Used by Jesus or Apostles?
Not directly quoted, but Judith as a heroic type influenced Jewish teaching about deliverance.
The theme “God saves Israel through a chosen woman” forms background for:
-
Mary as the new heroine of salvation (Luke 1 echoes themes of Judith 13–16).
Luke’s Magnificat has theological echoes similar to Judith’s prayer.
⭐ 5. Baruch
Used by Apostles?
Several NT concepts match Baruch, especially in Paul.
-
Baruch 4:30–37 → restoration of Jerusalem and exiles returning
Similar to themes in Galatians 4:26 and Revelation 21. -
Baruch 3:9–38 describes God’s Wisdom descending to earth
This is very close to John 1:1–14 (The Word became flesh).
The Church Fathers often noted this parallel.
⭐ 6. 1 Maccabees & 2 Maccabees
Used by Jesus?
Yes, in background.
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication), which comes directly from 2 Maccabees 10.
-
John 10:22: “It was the Feast of Dedication, and Jesus was in the Temple.”
Without Maccabees, the feast does not exist.
Used by the Apostles?
-
Hebrews 11:35 directly references the martyrdom story in 2 Maccabees 7 (“women received their dead raised to life again; others were tortured, refusing to accept deliverance”).
This is maybe the most explicit Deuterocanonical reference in the New Testament.
⭐ 7. Additions to Daniel (Susanna, Bel & the Dragon, Song of the Three Young Men)
Used by Jesus and Apostles?
While not directly quoted, these were widely used among early Jews and Christians.
Themes that appear in NT:
-
Judgment of elders (Susanna) parallels Jesus’ criticism of corrupt leaders.
-
“Son of Man” imagery in LXX Daniel strongly influences Jesus’ self-title.
Early Church Fathers treat these additions as Scripture.
⭐ SUMMARY TABLE
| Deuterocanonical Book | Used by Jesus? | Used by Apostles? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisdom | Yes | Yes | Strongest NT echoes (Wisdom 2; Romans 1). |
| Sirach | Yes | Yes | Parallels with Jesus and James. |
| Tobit | Yes | Yes | Golden Rule connection, charity teachings. |
| Judith | Indirect | Yes (themes) | Mary’s Magnificat parallels. |
| Baruch | Indirect | Yes | Themes in Paul and John. |
| 1 & 2 Maccabees | Yes (Hanukkah) | Yes (Heb. 11:35) | Historical background used by NT. |
| Additions to Daniel | Indirect | Yes | Theology used in NT language. |
⭐ Final Conclusion
Even though the New Testament does not always say “as it is written” before quoting the Deuterocanonical books, the teachings, themes, and wording of these books appear throughout the NT, and sometimes the connections are unmistakable.
The most influential Deuterocanonical books for Jesus and the Apostles were:
-
Wisdom of Solomon
-
Sirach
-
Tobit
-
2 Maccabees
These played a major role in shaping early Christian teaching.
IF YOU ARE A DEVOTED CATHOLIC AND HAPPY TO DEFEND YOUR CATHOLIC FAITH, YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE OUR MISSION TO DEFEND THE CATHOLIC FAITH, REALLY MATTERS AND WILL ALWAYS BE VALUED AND REMEMBERED!
(Even though this blog comes with Free Domain and Free Hosting plans, there are still costs involve to sustain it, like the reliable internet connection that comes with premium plan, so your support for this endeavor means a lot to me. Thank you very much. God Bless).READ ALSO:
- Did Marcion Compile the Bible? A Catholic Response to SDA Pastor's Claim;
- Why Do Catholics Have 73 Books in the Bible While Protestants Have Only 66? Facts You Need to Know
- How the Church of Christ Continued Its Mission 400 Years Before the Bible Was Compiled
- Is the bible ready made from heaven? If not who compiled the bible that we are using today?
No comments:
Post a Comment