66-book canon primary; Apocrypha for edification, not doctrine
The Thirty-Nine Articles (Article VI) specify the Old and New Testament books as containing 'all things necessary to salvation,' listing the 39 Old Testament books of the Hebrew canon. Article VI states that 'the other Books (as Hierome [Jerome] saith) the Church doth read for example of life and instruction of manners; but yet doth it not apply them to establish any doctrine.' The Apocrypha (Deuterocanon) is thus given a secondary status — useful for edification but not for establishing doctrines.
This position follows the broadly Protestant Reformation stance on the canon, consistent with the Hebrew canon recognized by Judaism. The Book of Common Prayer's lectionary has historically included readings from Apocryphal books for use in Morning and Evening Prayer, reflecting their status as valuable but not fully canonical. Anglican churches that have revised their prayer books have varied in how prominently they include Apocryphal readings.
Key Distinctions
- Ot canon:
- 39 books as canonical; Apocrypha listed separately
- Deuterocanonical status:
- Apocrypha read for 'example of life and instruction of manners' but not to establish doctrine (Article VI)
- Additional scripture:
- none
- Canon open:
- closed
Scripture References
Sources
- Thirty-Nine Articles, Article VI (1571)
- Book of Common Prayer, Table of Lessons (1662)