CANON of the BIBLE

1. CANON of the BIBLE • A Greek term which means “rule” or “norm”, “ a measuring rod” • The Fathers of the Church used the word “canon” for the “rule of faith” ..thus, the canon of Scripture was regarded as the “rule of faith” • Is a list of books that the Church has declared to be inspired by God

2. Today, we understand the Canon of Scripture as……. The collection of divinely-inspired books received by the Church and recognized by her as the infallible rule of faith and morals in virtue of their divine origin.

3. How many books are in the Bible ? 46 Old Testament 27 New Testament 73 Books

4. 7 out of the 46 OT Books are called “ Deuterocanonical ” These are the books whose Scripturalcharacterwas contested in some quarters, but which long ago gained a secure footing in the Bibleof the CatholicChurch

5. Deuterocanonical Books • Letter of Jeremiah • Song of the Three Young Men • Susanna • Bel and the Dragon • 1st Esdras • 2nd Esdras • Prayer of Manasseh

6. In the Catholic Bible, the Divisions are: • Pentateuch • Historical Books • Prophetical Books • Wisdom Books

7. PENTATEUCH : Also called Torah ( The Law ) • Genesis • Exodus • Leviticus • Numbers • Deuteronomy

8. Added to these 5 Books are 3 others: • Joshua • Judges • Ruth

9. Genesis In this book of beginnings the stories are about creation, early relationships between God and His people, and God’s promise to bless Abraham and his descendants. It presents the divine origin of the world in various ways, accompanied by deep insight into human nature.

10. It tells us of Creation, sin and God’s promises of salvation for mankind, whom He created in His “own image and likeness” • This book provides, not only a logical introduction to the Book of Exodus , but also an inspired introduction to the whole of the biblical literature.

11. Author of Genesis • We do not know…. • It does not record the name of its author, but by the time of Jesus, the rabbis had come to agree that Moses wrote Genesis and the four books which follow it (Pentateuch)

12. Exodus • This name means “departure” and this book tells how God led the Israelites our of a life of hardship and slavery in Egypt. • God made a covenant with them and gave Moses in Mt. Sinai their Law (Decalogue), to put order their lives

13. it is the most important Book of the Pentateuch because it contains the two most basic experiences which the Jewish people had which made them into a nation: - God saved them from the Egyptians - He made them “His own”

14. Author of Exodus • like Genesis, Moses is the “hero” and central figure of this Book. • The inspired author recorded the memories people cherished about Moses, the escape from Egypt, and the covenant by which they became God’s special nation

15. Leviticus • This book is named for the priestly tribe of Levi and is made up of laws concerning rituals and ceremonies. • The authorship is attributed to Moses, the first and greatest of the prophets

16. Numbers • the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before entering Canaan, the promised land. • The name of the book comes from two censuses taken during the journey • No explicit author, but still attributed to Moses

17. Deuteronomy • These are the three farewell speeches of Moses shortly before he died. • He reminds them the importance of obedience , an adaptation of the law on Mt. Sinai

18. Joshua • The history of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land • Written for the new generation of Israelites

19. Judges • A book about heroes - 12 men and women who delivered Israel from her oppressors.; they were not perfect but were submissive to God • Records Israel’s first civil war , oppressions and deliverance

20. Ruth • Story about a mother and daughter - in - law • God’s grace in the midst of difficult circumstances, • how three people remained strong in character amidst the collapse of the society • around them