If you love reading about faith, you’ve probably come across books, devotionals, or even ancient texts that claim to give deeper insight into Scripture. These are known as extrabiblical writings — anything written about faith, spirituality, or the Bible that isn’t part of the divinely inspired Word of God. But how should we handle them? Are they helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between? How do we guard our hearts and minds while continuing to learn and grow? In this post, we’ll walk through five biblical truths to guide you when you encounter extrabiblical writings. We’ll see how Scripture itself shows us how to keep the Bible first, discern truth from error, and use godly wisdom as we read.
1. Test Everything by Scripture
The Bible is very clear: not every teaching that sounds spiritual is trustworthy. In fact, the enemy loves to twist truth and package lies with enough religious language to confuse even mature believers.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 tells us: “But test everything; hold fast what is good.”
How do we test everything? By using the Bible as the measuring stick. If a devotional, book, or podcast teaches something that directly contradicts the Bible — no matter how popular or eloquent the teacher — it must be rejected. Paul commended the Bereans because they examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:11). If the Bereans checked the words of the apostle Paul, how much more should we test the words of any modern teacher, influencer, or extra book?
God’s Word is the standard. It’s our plumb line for truth.
2. Scripture is Sufficient and Complete
One reason believers sometimes get swept up in questionable writings is because they doubt whether the Bible is enough. But God tells us that Scripture is fully sufficient for everything we need to know about salvation, life, and godliness.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 says: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
When we don’t allow the Bible to govern our lives — when we don’t read it, study it, memorize it, and understand it — it will be easy to be carried away by every wind of doctrine. Be careful that you don’t spend more time reading extrabiblical writings than you do the Bible, because it can tempt you to become doubtful. James 1:6 says, “the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” The Bible itself says that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The Word we have today is the same Word that has led millions to salvation for generations. Jesus Himself believed the Bible was God’s Word and often quoted the Old Testament.
If what we have has allowed us to get saved, then it is sufficient — not deficient! Let’s not discount or discredit the Word that has brought us from death to life. The Gospel is mighty unto salvation.
3. Beware of Adding to God’s Word
It may be tempting to chase after “new revelations” or secret teachings that promise what the Bible “doesn’t tell you.” But God’s Word gives stern warnings about adding anything to what He has already revealed.
Proverbs 30:5–6 says: “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18–19 echoes the same caution: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book…”
When we give extrabiblical writings the same weight as Scripture — or worse, let them override Scripture — we are in dangerous territory. God’s Word is final. He is not silent today — He still speaks through His Word and by His Spirit — we need to be diligent to test every word from outside sources and make sure they align with the revealed truth of the Bible.
4. Wisdom and Discernment Are Needed
Scripture tells us that false teachers will always be present, so we must walk in wisdom and discernment as we interact with any writing outside the Bible.
1 Timothy 4:1–4 warns: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…”
2 Peter 2:1–3 says: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies…”
1 Timothy 6:3–5 describes people who teach doctrines that do not agree with the words of Jesus: “…he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words…”
2 Timothy 4:3–4 warns us that, “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but… will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”
And Deuteronomy 18:20 says: “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak… that same prophet shall die.”
These passages remind us that discernment isn’t optional — it’s vital. The enemy loves to use half-truths to lead people astray. Our hearts can be easily deceived when we drift from the anchor of God’s Word.
5. God Can Use History and Culture as Tools
This may surprise you — but not all extrabiblical writings are bad. History, cultural background, and scholarly research can be tools to help us understand Scripture more deeply.
When we read ancient writings, we gain valuable insight into the world in which the Bible was written. For example:
- Writings of early church fathers show give us historical accounts of the happenings of the first centuries.
- Historical documents help us see the customs, language, and daily life of biblical times.
- Archaeology and cultural studies can illuminate things that the original audience would have understood without explanation.
Even Paul in the New Testament quotes from pagan poets to connect with his audience (Acts 17:28). He used cultural touchpoints to point people to truth. However, these tools should serve the Bible — not replace it. Culture and history are not inspired; they are context. They can deepen our understanding of God’s Word, but they must never become our final authority.
Putting It All Together: What Should You Do?
- Read your Bible first and most.
- Weigh every other source against Scripture.
- Don’t chase “secret revelations” — trust the all-sufficient Word God has given.
- Use historical and cultural resources as helpful tools, but don’t let them overshadow the plain meaning of the text.
- Walk in wisdom, testing every teaching by the truth of Scripture.
A Final Encouragement
Friend, God hasn’t left you to figure it out on your own. He has given you His Word, and it’s alive and active today. He has given you His Spirit, who leads you into all truth (John 16:13). And He has given you a faith community to help you grow in discernment. When you feel confused by what you read outside of Scripture, run back to the Bible. Let its words shape your thoughts, anchor your beliefs, and guide you in all wisdom. When we keep God’s Word at the center, we can approach every other writing with healthy caution and confidence — knowing that the Truth will stand firm forever.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8