The timing of the inclusion of specific texts, now often referred to as Deuterocanonical books by some traditions or Apocrypha by others, within collections recognized as authoritative scripture varies significantly across different religious groups. The books in question, which include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, and additions to Daniel and Esther, held different statuses in various Jewish and early Christian communities.
The acceptance and usage of these texts were widespread among early Christians, evidenced by their presence in the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) which was widely used by Greek-speaking Christians. However, a formal, universally accepted canon of scripture, including or excluding these writings, did not exist in the earliest centuries of Christianity. Different regional churches and influential theologians held varying views on their canonicity. The Latin Vulgate, translated by Jerome in the late 4th century, included these books, though Jerome himself expressed reservations about their authority.
