Book Recommendations on the Canon of Scripture
- The Canon of Scripture by F.F. Bruce
- The Formation of the Christian Biblical Canon by Lee Martin McDonald
- From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible by Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix
- The Question of Canon by Michael J. Kruger
- The Story of the Old Testament by Eugene H. Merrill
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The Canon: A Foundation of Faith
The development of the canon of Scripture is one of the most important chapters in church history. It is the story of how the sacred texts, inspired by God, were recognized, preserved, and organized into the Bible we know today.
This article examines the development of the canon of Scripture, exploring its origins, the criteria for inclusion, and the process by which the Old and New Testaments took shape.
The Old Testament Canon
Roots in Ancient Israel
The Old Testament canon emerged within the context of ancient Israel, encompassing the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Ketuvim), collectively known as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh.
Key points in its development:
- The Torah: The first five books, traditionally attributed to Moses, were foundational and recognized as authoritative from the earliest times.
- The Prophets: Books like Isaiah and Jeremiah gained recognition as God’s Word through their role in guiding Israel’s spiritual life.
- The Writings: Poetic and wisdom literature, such as Psalms and Proverbs, were included over time.
The Septuagint
In the 3rd century BC, Jewish scholars translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, producing the Septuagint. This version became widely used in the Hellenistic world and later influenced the Christian Old Testament.
The New Testament Canon
The Apostolic Witness
The New Testament began with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, recorded by His apostles and their close associates. The writings included:
- The Gospels: Eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry (e.g., Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
- The Epistles: Letters written by Paul and other apostles to guide the early church in faith and practice.
- Revelation: A prophetic vision of the culmination of God’s redemptive plan.
Early Circulation
These writings were shared widely among Christian communities, becoming central to worship, teaching, and spiritual growth. By the end of the 1st century, most of the New Testament texts were recognized as authoritative.
Criteria for Inclusion
As the church grew, it became necessary to formally recognize the canon of Scripture, especially in response to heretical movements that challenged orthodoxy.
Key criteria for inclusion:
- Apostolic Authority: Written by an apostle or their close associate.
- Orthodoxy: Consistent with the teaching of Christ and the apostles.
- Universal Acceptance: Recognized by the majority of Christian communities.
- Liturgical Use: Used in public worship and instruction.
The Role of Councils
The Council of Hippo (393 AD) and the Council of Carthage (397 AD)
These councils played a significant role in affirming the canon, listing the 27 books of the New Testament as authoritative. While not creating the canon, these councils reflected the consensus of the broader church.
Challenges and Controversies
Apocryphal Writings
Books such as the Gospel of Thomas and the Shepherd of Hermas, while valuable historically, were excluded for failing to meet the criteria of apostolic authority and orthodoxy.
The Deuterocanonical Books
The inclusion of certain books, like Tobit and Maccabees, varies between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, reflecting differences in the Old Testament canon.
The Canon as We Know It
By the 4th century, the canon of Scripture was largely settled, forming the foundation for Christian faith and practice. The final recognition of the canon affirmed the texts as divinely inspired and authoritative for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
A Divinely Orchestrated Process
The development of the canon of Scripture reflects God’s providence in preserving His Word for His people. Through careful discernment and divine guidance, the church recognized the texts that reveal God’s redemptive plan and provide the foundation for faith and life.
