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The New Testament Canon

ow We Got the ible. The New Testament Canon. ow We Got the ible. Outline of Study: What is the Canon? Why Study the Canon? Did the Catholic Church Give us the Bible? Stages of Canonization Evidence for a Closed Canon. ow We Got the ible. What is the Canon?.

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The New Testament Canon

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  1. ow We Got the ible The New Testament Canon

  2. ow We Got the ible • Outline of Study: • What is the Canon? • Why Study the Canon? • Did the Catholic Church Give us the Bible? • Stages of Canonization • Evidence for a Closed Canon

  3. ow We Got the ible • What is the Canon?

  4. What is the Canon? Greek: κανών- Reed or Measuring Rod “The list of books contained in scripture, the list of books recognized as worthy to be included in the sacred writings of a worshipping community. . .list of the writings acknowledged by the Church as documents of Divine revelation.” (F.F. Bruce, The Canon of Scripture p. 17) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  5. What is the Canon? Greek: κανών– List of Accepted Books In reference to a set list of books the term first appears in the writings of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria around A.D. 367. Previously it referred to the summary of Christian Teaching and Doctrine 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  6. ow We Got the ible • Why Study the Canon?

  7. Why Study the Canon? • Reason 1: • Not everyone accepts the same Canon • Samaritans = 5 books (Pentateuch only) Nestorian Church (Syrian Church) = 22 books Ethiopian Orthodox Church = 81 books Catholic Canon = 66 plus Apocrypha Mormons = Bible plus Book of Mormon, Doc & Cov 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  8. Why Study the Canon? Reason 2: To Determine The Limits of Divine Revelation • Does God Still Speak today? • Does the Holy Spirit lead and guide in extra-Canonical ways today? 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  9. ow We Got the ible • Did the Catholic ChurchGive us the Bible?

  10. Canonization Did the Catholic Church Give us the Bible? J.I. Packer – Noted Scholar The church no more “gave us” the canon than Sir Isaac Newton “gave us” the force of gravity. God gave us gravity by the work of His creation, and similarly, He gave us the New Testament canon by inspiring the original books that make it up. (God Speaks To Man, p. 81) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  11. Canonization Did Scripture Mold the church? Did the “Church” Mold Scripture? F.F. Bruce – Noted Scholar The books did not become authoritative for the church because they were formally included in a canonical list – but on the contrary, the church included them in her canon because she already regarded them as divinely inspired. (The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable, p. 27) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  12. Canonization Did Scripture Mold the church? Did the “Church” Mold Scripture? And they continued steadfastly in the APOSTLE’S DOCTRINE and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42 NKJV) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  13. ow We Got the ible • Stages of Canonization

  14. Stages of Canonization • Composition – gospel preached and epistles written • Community– writings read and circulated by the church • Compilation– letters collected and bound in codices • Canonization– ex post facto authority given to books • Criteria– determination of what writings were legitimate

  15. Composition The Word became flesh and dwelt among men(John 1:14) • Jesus’ Birth • Jesus’ Ministry – Oral Teaching • Jesus’ Death, Burial, Resurrection The Role of Jesus 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  16. Composition Holy Spirit Superintended Apostle’s Words However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. (John 16:13 NKJV) The Role of the Holy Spirit 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  17. Composition The first New Testament book was not written until perhaps 15 years after Jesus’ ascension. At first the gospel was passed on by “oral tradition.” Epistles Gospels Letters Jesus Apostles Oral Tradition The Role of Oral Tradition 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  18. Composition A.T. Robinson argued in his Redating the New Testamentthat the entire New Testament was written and in circulation between 40 and 65 A.D Such a short “Transmission Period” adds veracity to the reliability of the NT Canon. Epistles Gospels Letters Jesus Apostles Oral Tradition The Role of Time 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  19. Community Letters were Written to Address Needs Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 1:3 NKJV) Epistles Gospels Letters Jesus Apostles Oral Tradition Writings Needed 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  20. Community Laodicea Titus Paul Colosse Galatia Churches Peter Jewish Christians Matthew Gentile Christians Luke Writings Written 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  21. Community Gospel of Luke Laodicea Colosse Gospel of Matthew Titus Book of Galatians Writings Circulated 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  22. Compilation Early Church Collected Sacred Writings Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16 NKJV Writings Collected 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  23. Compilation Spiritual Gifts guided the Church until the Word could be fully Revealed and Compiled For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is complete is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. (1 Corinthians 13:9-10 KJV) Writings Compiled 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  24. Canonization “Ex Post Facto Authority” • Canonization approved books already accepted • Canonization approved books already used in worship • Canonization approved books already known to be valid Writings Approved 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  25. Canonization Over Time 27 New Testament Books Were Accepted • Clement of Rome – Recognized 8 Books (A.D. 95) • Polycarp – Recognized 15 Books (A.D. 108) • Irenaeus– Mentions 21 Books (A.D. 185) • Muratorian Canon – All but Hebrews, James, 3 John (A.D. 170) • Eusebius – Lists 22 Books (A.D. 275) Writings Recognized 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  26. Canonization Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria • First to list all 27 books of the NT (A.D. 367) • Distinguished canonical from apocryphal • Rejected “Shepherd of Hermas” Writings Standardized 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  27. Canonization The 27 books of the New Testament are formally confirmed as canonical by the Synod of Carthage in AD 397, thus recognizing three centuries of use by followers of Christ. Carthage Letters “Officialized” 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  28. Canonization By AD 400, the standard of 27 New Testament books is accepted in the East and West as confirmed by: • Athanasius • Jerome • Augustine • Three church councils Augustine Letters Canonized 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  29. Criteria • Why the Need for a Canon? • Apostasy • Heretics • Competing Writings • Persecution Gospel of Judas 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  30. Criteria • Apostasy: • Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, • (1 Timothy 4:1 NKJV) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  31. Criteria Heretics: Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.(Acts 20:30 NKJV) Marcion (c.144) Marcion’s Canon Luke Galatians 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Romans • Excommunicated in 144 A.D. • Rejected OT God and OT • Established his own church. • Established own “canon of scripture.” 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians Ephesians Colossians Philemon Philippians 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  32. Criteria Various Examples Assumption of Moses Gospel of Thomas Gospel of James Epistle of Barnabus Apocalypse of Peter Apocalypse of Paul The Didache Shepherd of Hermas 1 and 2 Clement • Competing Writings • Some produced by Heretical Groups • Some by uninspired church leaders • Some produced by Gnostics • Scores produced in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  33. Criteria • Persecution • For what “Truth” shall we die? Diocletian’s persecution of Christians from A. D. 303-306 included the confiscating and destroying of New Testament books. This persecution motivated the church to sort through and settle on which books were really Scripture and which books were worth suffering for. 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  34. Criteria Criteria for Books to be Accepted 1. Written by an Apostle (ex: Paul, Peter) 2. Written by a student of an Apostle (ex: Luke) 3. Must accord with known apostolic writings 4. Was it accepted by leading congregations 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  35. ow We Got the ible • Evidence of a Closed Canon

  36. The Apostle’s Warning Inspired Apostles The Apostles took part in setting the limits of Scripture We ask you not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:2 NKJV) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BC AD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  37. Divinely Ordained Safeguards Inspired Apostles Spiritual Gifts Pentecost c. 30 A.D. Completed Canon c. 95 A.D. “When That Which Is Complete is Come” 1 Cor 13:10 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  38. The Life of Paul Paul’s Ministry Pentecost c. 30 A.D. Paul’s Epistles 13 Book of Acts 1 Paul’s Epistles and other books about Paul written during his lifetime give evidence of a closed New Testament Canon 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  39. Peter Regards Paul as Inspired Paul’s Ministry Pentecost c. 30 A.D. Peter’s Influential Testimony Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles . . . which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:15-16 KJV) 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  40. Other Apostles Writings Apostolic Authors Pentecost c. 30 A.D. John’s Writings 4 Peter’s Writings 2 The apostolic writings of John and Peter give evidence of a closed NT Canon 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  41. Paul Quotes Matthew and/orLuke Other Inspired Authors Pentecost c. 30 A.D. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn.And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Deut 25:4 Mt 10:10 or Luke 10:7 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  42. Internal Claims and Unity Other Inspired Authors Pentecost c. 30 A.D. Apostles guided into ALL truth – Jn 14:26 Jude says The Faith is delivered – vs. 3 Peter says we have ALL for Life – 2 Pet 1:3 Paul prohibits other Revelation – Gal 1:6ff The unity that Hebrews, Jude, James, and Mark has with other known apostolic books attest to a closed canon. 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000 1500 BC 500 BCAD1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

  43. The Assumption of Scholars • The Canon process took several hundred years. • The Canon was not settled until long after Spiritual Gifts ceased. • The Canon came about via “natural means.” • The disputed books were unknown to “true believers.” • Those who disputed various books were “true believers.” Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2 Thess 2:3

  44. If the Canon Is Not Closed . . . • Then Continual Revelation is Possible • Then Additional Guidance is Probable • Then ReligiousChaos is Inevitable But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.Jas 1:25

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