Even JEROME did not want to include those disputed OT books. The Pope said to include them so he did.
I am reading them now, I like the Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus books but Judith and Tobit are a hoot! Pious fiction best considered tall tails!
I’m working on Baruch now, in the old 1611 KJV version as I like trying to get my mind around the ancient English languages.
I believe all People should read them to see why they are not relevant, mostly redundant of things already taught in the OT.
Maccabees coming up soon. Let’s see, Josephus’ version or OT version. Decisions, decisions.
As for Martin Luther wanting to remove some NT books. the only books that all Christians considered without doubt, were..
The four Gospels, Acts, all Paul’s letters (except Hebrews one of my favorite books), 1John and 1 peter.
It was centuries later that HEBREWS, James, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude and Revelation were added. As no one knew exactly where in the Scriptures they should be placed, so they were just stuck in the back.
There was a problem with accepting two books. Hebrews and Revelation.
The Latin church wanted Rev but not Hebrews. The Greek church wanted Hebrews but not Rev.
Finally they compromised and both were added.
“Even JEROME did not want to include those disputed OT books. The Pope said to include them so he did.”
That is what the Holy Spirit does, the Paraclete guides His Church.