Thank you for the question on the “Epistle of Laodicea,” “What has happened to the “Epistle of Laodicea” mentioned in the Book of Colossians? If it was found, would it be added to the Bible? ”
Based on the comments from other respondents, it is unlikely that the “Epistle of Laodicea” would be added to the New Testament Canon.
Two thoughts for one’s further consideration:
- The primary reason is that Jesus reveals the core spiritual problem of the Church of Laodicea in Revelation 3:14–22. It can be debated whether the issues at the time of Paul’s writings and of John’s writings would be the same or different. Heresy was being taught by some believers as legalism or the early form of Gnosticism.
- The secondary reason is that in many of Paul’s letters, he addresses the nature of Jesus Christ, the return of Jesus Christ, and or the believer’s conduct. Depending on the content of this epistle, there may or may not be justification to include this letter as canonical.
I am not personal aware of Old Testament scholars suggesting or designating any findings of the Dead Sea Scroll as canonical. Granted the content of the “Epistle of Laodicea” would be scrutinized by New Testament critics and Bible scholars as to its authenticity and contribution to the New Testament canon It is still highly doubtful that it will be accepted as canonical. That just my opinion.
Summary: If such an epistle was be authenticated, perhaps scholars would place an asterisk to the canonicity of “Epistle of Laodicea.”
-Kingston