The Hidden Truth: Why the Ethiopian Bible Was Banned

Have you ever heard of the Ethiopian Bible? Chances are, you haven't. This isn't just another version of the Holy Book—it's a collection of scriptures that challenge everything we thought we knew about Christianity, biblical history, and even the way faith has been shaped by political and religious authorities. It is one of the most mysterious, controversial, and powerful texts ever to exist.

While most of us are familiar with the 66 books found in the King James Bible, the Ethiopian Bible contains 88 books, including texts that were deliberately excluded from Western Christian traditions. Some of these books, such as the Book of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, and various other apocryphal and pseudepigraphal works, contain knowledge that church authorities deemed too dangerous for the general public.

But why? What was so threatening about these books that they were erased from mainstream Christianity? To answer that, we must dive deep into history, theological politics, and the hidden truths that have been kept from us for centuries

Chapter 1: The Bible That Predates the King James Version

When most Christians think of the Bible, they picture the familiar 66 books found in the King James Version or other modern translations. However, long before King James commissioned his famous English translation in 1611, another version of the Bible had already existed—one that contained 88 books instead of 66. This ancient text, still in use today, is the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible, and it preserves scriptures that were removed, banned, or deemed too controversial by Western church leaders.

The Ethiopian Bible is one of the oldest and most complete biblical canons in existence. While the Catholic and Protestant Bibles underwent centuries of revisions, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church maintained a broader and more ancient collection of scriptures. Many of the books found in this Bible—such as the Book of Enoch, the Book of Jubilees, and the Apocalypse of Peter—were once widely read by early Christians but were later excluded from Western traditions.

The significance of this Bible extends beyond its contents. It provides insight into a Christian tradition that developed independently from Rome, offering a glimpse into early Christian beliefs before they were reshaped by European influences.

Ethiopia's connection to Christianity is far older than most people realize. While many European nations did not adopt Christianity until centuries after Christ, Ethiopia was among the first nations in the world to embrace the faith. 

By the 4th century AD, the Kingdom of Aksum had already declared Christianity its state religion—long before many parts of Europe.

Historical records suggest that Ethiopia was a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church traces its origins to Philip’s conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in the Book of Acts (Acts 8:26-39), an event that predates the spread of Christianity in much of the Roman Empire.

Unlike the Catholic and Protestant traditions, which were heavily influenced by Roman and Greek theological debates, Ethiopian Christianity developed on its own terms, preserving texts and traditions that the Western Church later abandoned.

By the time King James I of England ordered a new translation of the Bible in the early 17th century, there were already multiple versions in circulation, each with varying numbers of books. To unify religious practice and strengthen his authority, King James authorized a translation that would settle doctrinal differences. However, this version omitted many books that had been part of earlier biblical collections.

The Ethiopian Bible, in contrast, never underwent these revisions. It retains scriptures that were excluded from the Western canon, offering a more expansive and ancient view of Christian history. The books removed from the King James Bible, such as Enoch and Jubilees, contain detailed accounts of angels, divine judgment, and hidden prophecies—topics that were considered too controversial by European church leaders.

The Ethiopian Bible challenges the notion that the King James Version is the ultimate or most complete representation of Christianity. Its existence proves that Christianity was diverse from the beginning, with different regions preserving different collections of sacred texts. It also reveals how political and theological decisions shaped the Bible as we know it today, raising questions about what was lost in the process.

As we explore the Ethiopian Bible and the books that were removed, we must ask: Why were these texts erased from Western Christianity? What truths did they contain that made them so dangerous to those in power? And most importantly, what does this mean for how we understand the Bible today?

Chapter 2: The Books They Didn’t Want You to Read

The Ethiopian Bible preserves entire books that were erased from Western Christianity, offering a glimpse into a version of faith that was once widely accepted but later suppressed. These lost texts contain prophecies, angelic revelations, and supernatural events that challenge the traditional narrative taught in most churches today. Their removal was no accident—these books held too much power, too much truth, and too many secrets that could have changed the way Christianity developed.

Each of these lost books provides valuable insight into the spiritual battles, hidden laws, and cosmic forces at work throughout biblical history. Below are some of the most significant omissions.

One of the most famous lost books, the Book of Enoch, was once widely read and even quoted in the New Testament (Jude 1:14-15). However, it was later removed because of its radical depictions of angels, the Nephilim, and divine judgment.

This book describes the Watchers—fallen angels who descended to Earth, taught humans forbidden knowledge, and fathered a race of giants known as the Nephilim. Their corruption led to divine wrath, resulting in the Great Flood.

Beyond these supernatural events, the Book of Enoch prophesies the coming of the Messiah, the final judgment, and the ultimate fate of both righteous believers and the wicked. The fact that it was removed despite being referenced in the New Testament suggests that early church leaders feared its influence on Christian doctrine.

Also known as "Little Genesis," the Book of Jubilees provides a detailed retelling of Genesis and Exodus, but with additional insights that are missing from traditional Bibles.

This book introduces angelic laws, divine secrets, and the concept of a cosmic war between heavenly forces and demons. It describes how angels passed down laws directly from God, emphasizing the spiritual structure of the universe.

It also provides a divinely structured timeline of biblical events, suggesting that human history follows a predetermined plan governed by celestial beings. Such ideas were seen as too mystical by church authorities, leading to its exclusion from Western Christianity.

While Western Christianity recognizes the Maccabees in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, the Ethiopian Bible includes a different version known as the Book of Meqabyan.

This book focuses on martyrs, divine intervention, and spiritual warfare, depicting stories of believers who stood firm in their faith despite persecution. It presents a more spiritually intense version of the Maccabean struggle, emphasizing how God actively fights on behalf of His people.

Unlike most books in the modern Bible, The Ascension of Isaiah provides a detailed vision of the heavenly realms, describing how spiritual forces interact with the physical world.

This book reveals insights into angels, demons, and the layers of heaven, giving a broader perspective on the unseen dimensions of existence.

Additionally, it contains prophecies about the birth and mission of Jesus Christ, offering descriptions that differ from the accounts found in the New Testament. Its exclusion suggests that certain details about Christ’s divine role were considered too complex or controversial for mainstream Christian teachings.

The Apocalypse of Peter provides a striking vision of heaven and hell, with vivid descriptions of punishments for the wicked. Unlike the mainstream Christian understanding of the afterlife, this book suggests a broader range of divine justice, showing how souls are judged and purified.

It was likely removed because it offered an alternative view of salvation and eternal punishment, one that did not fully align with the doctrines later established by the Roman Church.

The removal of these books was not simply a matter of theology—it was a deliberate act of control. Many of these texts contained mystical knowledge, apocalyptic warnings, and teachings that empowered individuals rather than institutionalized religion.

By eliminating these books, church and political leaders shaped a version of Christianity that aligned with their interests. The Ethiopian Bible, however, remains a testament to the faith’s lost diversity, preserving the texts that others sought to erase.

As we explore these hidden scriptures, we must ask ourselves: What truths were lost? And how would Christianity look today if these books had never been removed?

Chapter 3: How the Bible Was Censored and Rewritten

The Bible, as we know it today, is the result of centuries of careful selection, translation, and revision—a process driven not only by faith but also by political and theological agendas. Many assume that the Bible has remained unchanged since its inception, but historical evidence reveals that numerous books were removed, altered, or rewritten to shape Christianity into a more controlled and unified religion.

One of the most significant moments in biblical history occurred in 325 AD, when Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea. At this time, Christianity was fragmented, with various sects holding different beliefs and using different texts. The council sought to standardize Christian doctrine, determining which beliefs were “correct” and which were heretical.

Though the Council of Nicaea did not finalize the biblical canon, it laid the foundation for the removal of books that contradicted official doctrine. Many texts that contained mystical knowledge, angelic visions, or alternative accounts of Jesus’ life were labeled as dangerous and removed over the following centuries.

As Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, the church gained unprecedented power. Religious leaders had the authority to determine which scriptures were considered divinely inspired and which were to be rejected. Books that presented conflicting narratives, alternative teachings, or apocalyptic warnings were systematically excluded.

The Book of Enoch, for example, was widely read by early Christians and even quoted in the New Testament (Jude 1:14-15). Yet, because it described fallen angels, the Nephilim, and supernatural revelations, it was later removed from the Western Bible. Similarly, other texts, such as Jubilees, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the Ascension of Isaiah, were omitted because they contained knowledge that church authorities deemed too controversial.

By the time of King James I of England in the early 17th century, Christianity had already splintered into multiple denominations, each using different translations of the Bible. To unify religious practice and reinforce his own authority, King James commissioned a new English translation in 1611.

The King James Bible became one of the most influential versions in history, but it was far from a neutral translation. Several books from earlier biblical collections were excluded, and translations were adjusted to reflect theological and political priorities. This version solidified a Eurocentric view of Christianity, reinforcing a carefully curated canon that continues to shape modern Christian beliefs.

The removal and rewriting of biblical texts transformed Christianity, shaping it into a more institutionalized faith. The Ethiopian Bible, however, remained untouched, preserving books that were lost to Western believers. This raises an important question: If these scriptures had remained in the Bible, how different would Christianity look today?

Chapter 4: The African Roots of Christianity and Black Jesus

For centuries, Western Christianity has depicted Jesus as a European figure, shaping religious imagery and doctrine to fit colonial and racial narratives. This portrayal has been so deeply embedded in Christian tradition that many overlook the African influence on Christianity and Jesus’ direct connections to the continent. However, historical and biblical evidence tells a different story—one that places Africa at the very heart of the Christian faith.

Jesus was born in the Middle East, a region with strong African and Semitic influences, making it unlikely that he resembled the European depictions seen in Western art. The Bible itself highlights Africa’s deep connection to his life and ministry.

As an infant, Jesus found refuge in Africa when Mary and Joseph fled with him to Egypt to escape King Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15). Later, during his crucifixion, Simon of Cyrene, an African from modern-day Libya, was chosen to carry Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21), symbolizing Africa’s direct role in his journey to redemption.

Africa also played a key role in the early spread of Christianity. An Ethiopian eunuch, a royal official, was among the first recorded Christian converts, baptized by Philip in Acts 8:26-39. This event marked Ethiopia as one of the earliest Christian nations, long before much of Europe embraced the faith.

Contrary to the myth that Christianity was brought to Africa by European missionaries, Ethiopia and Egypt were Christian strongholds long before Europe fully embraced the faith.

By the 4th century AD, Ethiopia had already declared Christianity its state religion, making it one of the first Christian nations in history. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church preserved traditions that predate many Western Christian doctrines, including sacred texts removed from the King James Bible. The Ethiopian Bible, with its 88 books, contains scriptures such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees, which were deliberately removed from Western Christianity.

If Africa played such a central role in Christianity, why has the European image of Jesus dominated religious teachings? The answer lies in colonialism and racial supremacy.

During the European expansion, Christianity was used as a tool to justify slavery and imperial rule. Depicting Jesus as a white figure reinforced the idea of European superiority, making it easier to impose cultural and religious dominance over African and indigenous peoples. By erasing Jesus’ African heritage, colonial powers created a version of Christianity that supported their control.

Recognizing the African roots of Christianity is not just about historical accuracy—it is about reclaiming a faith that has always been global. Understanding Jesus’ true heritage allows Black believers to reconnect with a version of Christianity that was never meant to be Eurocentric or exclusive.

Christianity was never a "Western religion"—it has always been deeply intertwined with Africa. Now, it is time to reclaim that truth.
Chapter 5: Why Was the Ethiopian Bible Really Banned?

The Ethiopian Bible is one of the oldest and most complete biblical canons in existence, containing 88 books, including texts that were deliberately removed from the Western Bible. These missing books reveal prophecies, angelic histories, and divine laws that offer a deeper understanding of Christianity. Yet, rather than being embraced, the Ethiopian Bible was ignored, suppressed, and even discredited. But why?

The answer lies in power, politics, and control. The removal of these texts was not simply a theological decision—it was a deliberate effort to shape Christianity into a more structured, politically useful religion.

During the early centuries of Christianity, the Roman Empire sought to unify and control the faith. The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) played a crucial role in deciding which books would be included in the biblical canon. Texts that contradicted church doctrine, emphasized mystical knowledge, or empowered individual believers were removed. The Ethiopian Church, however, was never part of this process, allowing it to preserve these banned scriptures.

Books like the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, and the Apocalypse of Peter contained teachings about fallen angels, divine judgment, and spiritual warfare—ideas that challenged the authority of church leaders and presented a more supernatural understanding of the world. These books were considered dangerous because they gave believers direct access to divine mysteries, reducing the need for institutional control.

By the time King James I of England commissioned the King James Bible (1611), Western Christianity had already undergone centuries of modifications. The removal of key texts helped solidify a more controlled, European-centered version of Christianity that aligned with the political structures of the time.

In contrast, the Ethiopian Bible remained untouched, preserving a form of Christianity that had not been altered by Western religious authorities. This made it a threat to the narrative that Europe was the heart of Christian history.

Another reason for suppressing the Ethiopian Bible was its clear connection to Africa’s role in early Christianity. Ethiopia was one of the first Christian nations, and its scriptures reflected a deep, independent Christian tradition. If widely accepted, the Ethiopian Bible would challenge the idea that Christianity was a purely Western religion and restore Africa’s rightful place in biblical history.

The banning of the Ethiopian Bible was not about faith—it was about control. These missing texts provide a richer, more complete understanding of Christianity, one that has been hidden for centuries. As believers rediscover these lost scriptures, they must ask: What else has been kept from us? And how would our faith look today if these books had never been removed?

The suppression of the Ethiopian Bible was never about faith alone—it was about power, control, and shaping history to fit a specific narrative. By removing key texts, church and political leaders ensured that Christianity evolved in a way that supported their authority, rather than empowering believers with a full understanding of their spiritual heritage.

Now that these lost books are being rediscovered, we must ask ourselves: What have we been missing? The Ethiopian Bible reveals a richer, deeper, and more complete version of Christianity, one that connects back to Africa, ancient traditions, and hidden divine truths. This is a history that was stolen from us—but now, we have the chance to reclaim it.

If this journey has opened your eyes, don’t stop here. There is still so much more to uncover. Subscribe to this channel, stay informed, and help spread the truth. Together, we can break the cycle of erased history and rediscover the real roots of our faith.

Thank you for watching—and welcome to the journey of truth.