4 Maccabees
About this date: Dates are broad scholarly estimates of composition or final editing, not dates of the events narrated. Traditional attributions and scholarly assessments can differ.
4 Maccabees argues that devout reason can govern the passions, illustrating its thesis through Eleazar, seven brothers, and their mother. Its philosophical framing distinguishes it from a fourth installment of a military history.
Historical context
The work retells martyr traditions also found in 2 Maccabees. Earlier attribution to Josephus is not accepted as an established authorial identification; its placement in some Orthodox appendices does not imply universal canonical reception.
Key points
- The opening defines the thesis before presenting the martyr examples.
- The narrator distinguishes resisting passions from simply abolishing them.
- The shared martyr figures invite comparison with 2 Maccabees without making the works identical.
Scripture
- 4 Maccabees 1:1-19 — The opening sets out the philosophical thesis and names the exemplary martyrs.
- 4 Maccabees 6:1-35 — Eleazar's endurance illustrates the discourse's account of fidelity.
- 2 Maccabees 6:18-31 — Compare the earlier Eleazar narrative and the different purposes of each work.
Sources and further reading
- 4 Maccabees: complete public-domain WEB text
- Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles: canonical books and Apocrypha
- Catholic Catechism §120: canon and book list
- Orthodox Church in America: canon of Scripture
- Orthodox Church in America: Old Testament historical books
- USCCB Bible introductions: historical and literary notes