Maccabees faq
The books of Maccabees were Jewish writings on the history of the Maccabees persecution and revolt, but it wasnt written at the time of the events, nor the end of the events, 🤔 very odd. It was written later, over 200 yrs later in 1st century, and... the Apostles also did not mention this book. Therefore, it is not Scripture but just a bit of history as the Jews recorded to preserve and celebrate over the success of the rebellion. Which also means it was not inspired, and so of course it is full of sinful things humans do. None of it was commanded by God nor directed by Him, nor things they did, such as prayers to the dead approved by him. Israel was an apostate religion, they were doing all kinds of unbiblical things. Jesus called them out on it.
Macabees tells the story of persecution of the Jews under Ptolemy IV Philopator (222–205 BC) prior to the Maccabean uprising.
And again of Jewish leaders who led a rebellion of the Jews against the Seleucid Dynasty from 175 BC to 134 BC. 👉Before Christ.
Note that Jesus quoted from all the OT books (except Sos and Esther), if it was viewed as Scripture he wouldve quoted from it or any other "apocraphal" books. He did not, nor did the Apostles from AD 30 to AD 96. Jesus did attend the Jewish man made celebration of the revolt at the Festival of Lights, but he never once taught about it, instead He taught about Himself as the true Light of the world.
regarding praying for the dead
...just cuz some sinful fallen humans decided to pray to or for dead people, doesnt mean it is something God said to do. Not 1 single time in all of Scripture does God say to do that from Gen to Rev. Nor do we see anyone doing so, not even the prophets.
We do see someone involved in demonic witchcraft summoning Samuel and had God condemned & forbid that practice. So speaking to the dead is forbidden, as the dead are living their best life in Heaven and have nothing to do with earthly things anymore.
Scripture clearly states the fate of a soul is sealed upon death, there is no point in praying for the dead. It won't matter. There is no purgatory. God was clear. "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after death is only the judgment" Heb 9:27. Salvation is only offered to the living.
Are you saved? Are you going to Heaven?
Be sure, today
Related resources
https://www.gotquestions.org/first-second-Maccabees.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/third-fourth-Maccabees.html
Things for Catholics to consider
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