[2] 6 Maccabees is a conventional title based on the theory that it is an Old Testament pseudepigraphal work of Jewish origin.
[2] Sigrid Peterson, on the other hand, argues that the earliest, unembellished form of the text must be earlier than 4 Maccabees (1st–2nd century).
[2] The genre of the piece, mēmrē, is that of a homily in narrative verse,[5] with characteristics of a dramatic dialogue and perhaps even of Jewish piyyutim.
There is an emphasis on keeping the Jewish law,[5] but also references to Jesus, Paul and Stephen, to the intercession of saints and to the construction of churches commemorating the Maccabean martyrs.
[2] Although forceful arguments have been made for a Jewish original in Syriac, there is no clear evidence of the use of that literary language among Jews.