Bible (DRV) Apocrypha/Deuterocanon: 1 & 2 Maccabees

The "Bible (DRV) Apocrypha/Deuterocanon: 1 & 2 Maccabees" are historical books that recount the story of the people of God under the leadership of Judas Machabeus and his brothers. These books get their name from Judas, who was sometimes called Machabeus because he carried in his flags the words "Who is like to thee among the strong, O Lord" from Exodus 15:11. The initial letters of these words in Hebrew are M. C. B. E. I. The author of these books is unknown, but they are considered authoritative by the Church, even though they are not accepted by the Jews. St. Augustine, a respected theologian, confirmed the acceptance of these books by the Church. The Church, while deciding which books to include in the Bible, valued the tradition passed down from the apostles more than that of the Jewish scribes and Pharisees. The canonicity