The Apocryphal Scriptures: The only scripture that explicitly mentions what could be considered apocryphal, "books for the wise," as a distinct category of writing is 2 Esdras, which does so in a positive light. These "books for the wise" are meant to be appreciated by those with greater understanding. Ironically, this very book, which values esoteric wisdom, was later labeled apocryphal by both the Pharisees and Protestants, who rejected it from their canons.
