This volume examines ancient texts in the Jewish-Christian tradition, especially so-called 'non-canonical' texts, by focusing on how they were used or functioned in early societies. Over the past four decades, many scholars have focused on the expanding collection of alleged 'extra-canonical' documents that were deemed inspired by God in numerous early Jewish and Christian groups. Eventually, these texts ceased to have an authoritative role in Judaism and Christianity and were branded 'extra-canonical'. Now, these documents, once considered sacred, are recognized as fundamental in understanding antiquity, and the development of the canon. Many scholars are now according an authority to some of these texts. This series focuses on early Jewish and Christian texts and their formative contexts; it also includes sourcebooks that help clarify the ancient world.