Dear Dr Craig,

Craig, I hope this message finds you well. I have been reflecting on the issue of the

biblical canon, specifically regarding the status of the Deuterokinonical books, often referred to as

the apocrypha by Protestants, in light of Paul's use of the septuogen.

My question centers on whether Paul himself honestly considered

these books to be divinely inspired. If he did, this would provide Christians

with good grounds for also considering them inspired scripture.

Here is my argument.

1. All scripture, i.e. the Bible, is inspired by God, 2nd and Timothy 316.

2.

Whatever scripture Paul actively used or referred to is inspired by God given his apostolic authority and guidance by the

Holy Spirit. Three, Paul used and referred to the Septuigent version of the Old Testament, which was widely recognized

among Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.

Four, the Septuigent version includes certain books such as First and Second Maccabees,

Judith, Tobit, and others, which are not part of the Hebrew canon but are found in the Greek

Old Testament.

5.

Therefore, if Paul considered the entire septuagint to be scripture, it would logically

follow that the books within the septuagint, including those now called

the Apocrypha, are inspired by God.

I understand that Paul did not directly quote from or allude to every book of the Old Testament, such

as Hagai, even though all Christians universally consider these books to be divinely inspired them from being considered scripture. Paul's statement in 2 Timothy 316 says,

...