Agrapha comes from the Greek word meaning "unwritten". The term refers to the sayings of the Lord Jesus that are not recorded in the four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). However, they are found in other sources such as the text of the New Testament, ancient manuscripts, Apocryphal (non-canonical) writings, Jewish rabbinical literature, and even Arabic literature.

One famous example of agrapha is the words of the Lord Jesus recorded by Paul in Acts 20:35: "In everything I have set before you an example that by working hard we should help those who are weak and should remember the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive" This saying is not found in any of the Gospels, but was recognized by the early Christian community. In the text the apostle Paul clearly asks the congregation to remember Jesus' own words: makarion estin mallon didonai e lambanein. Some scholars argue that this text has a similarity or parallel meaning with Matthew 10:8, “Heal the sick; raise the dead; cleanse the skin-sore; cast out demons. You have received freely, give freely."

What are the benefits and relevance for the life of faith today? You can find out more in the program Bincang Alkitab which has been aired on Youtube of Indonesian Bible Institute.