Can We Count on the Bible? (4)

The Canon of the New Testament

How the Word of God Spread•Within a few decades gospel

was “preached to every creature under heaven” Col. 1:23• How did that happen?

How the Word of God Spread• Jesus revealed the word of God

– John 14:10, 24; 5:19, 7:16• He promised a Helper, the Holy

Spirit – John 14:25-26, 16:7-11

How the Word of God Spread• The Spirit would instill

confidence – Matt. 10:16-20 • The Holy Spirit falls upon them – Acts 2:1-4, 4:8, 13• Paul – Acts 9:17-18, 13:9

How the Word of God Spread• The Apostles spoke with authority – 1 Cor. 2:6-14, Gal. 1:12 – revelation of Jesus1 Cor. 11:23, 15:3 – “I received”Eph. 3:3-4 – written1 Cor. 14:37 – acknowledge message2 Pet. 3:1-2 – written to remind

How the Word of God Spread• The written letters were circulated

almost immediately – Col. 4:16, 1 Thess. 5:27 – Read to allGalatians 1:2 – churches of GalatiaRev. 1:11 – 7 churches of Asia1 Pet. 1:1 – “To pilgrims…”

How the Word of God Spread• Consider: IF the New Testament

is the word of God, is it unreasonable to think that He had a hand (providentially) in its preservation?

Compiling the Books of the NT• The first recorded record of all

27 books was 367 AD in a letter written by Athanasius. •WAS this the first recognition of

the books of the New Testament?

Compiling the Books of the NT• The first recorded record of all 27

books was 367 AD in a letter written by Athanasius. • WAS this the first recognition of

the books of the New Testament?• NO! Books were mentioned and

(partial) lists compiled very early!

Compiling the Books of the NT•Why the need for a NT Canon?1.As Gospel spread by circulation,

a need to verify which ones were true.

2.With end of age of miracles and prophets, true writings needed to be verified

Compiling the Books of the NT•Why the need for a NT Canon?3. The growth of heretical

movements4. As gospel spread to foreign

lands, need for translations5. Persecutions – “Who wanted to

die for just a religious book?”

Compiling the Books of the NT• Criteria for determining canonicity1.Did it have apostolic authority

Either an apostle or one with the apostles.

2.Did it agree with canon of truth? 3.Was work accepted and circulated

by early churches?

Compiling the Books of the NT• MOST books are mentioned very

early, in the 2nd century• The “church fathers” – a group of

church leaders who wrote works related to the Christian faith. They identified various works as inspired and rejected others.

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• Ignatius (martyred 110 AD) –

Quoted from a total of 8 letters• Polycarp (70-155 AD), elder in

Smyrna – identified 17 books of New Testament.

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• Marcion (144-~200 AD) – A heretic

who rejected the Old Testament, identified Luke and listed all of Paul’s epistles, except 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (though he changed many of them)

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• Valentinus (100-160 AD) – A

Gnostic, but he referenced all four gospels, Romans –Colossians, 1 Peter, 1 John & Revelation

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• Irenaeus of Lyons (120-200 AD)

– in Adversus Haereses (Against Heresies) he quotes from or alluded to all the books of the NT except Philemon, 2 Peter, 3 John, & Jude

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• The Muratorian Canon (ca. 200 AD)

– a manuscript written in 8th century was a copy of this document. Consisted of a list of books beginning with Luke – Philemon, 1 & 2 John, Jude & Revelation. Beginning of document is missing.

Compiling the Books of the NT• The “church fathers”• For a good list of works consult:

http://www.ntcanon.org Consult the TABLE tab. Each author and the books quoted are documented.

Compiling the Books of the NT• In all, 20 of the 27 books were

accepted WITHOUT question.•What about the other 7 books?

Compiling the Books of the NT• Books questioned and why:• Hebrews – because author was

unknown• James – teachings on faith and

works compared to writings of Paul• 2 Peter – different in style to 1st

Peter

Compiling the Books of the NT• Books questioned and why:• 2 & 3 John – limited circulation and

private nature• Jude – mentioned a prophecy of

Enoch not recorded• Revelation – Apocalyptic nature.

Question more about interpretation than inspiration!

Compiling the Books of the NT• Books questioned and why:• NOTE: Such scrutiny demonstrates

the high standard set for recognition as inspired and canon. In short time, all of these were accepted universally by professing Christians (except liberal theologians).

WE CAN trust the Bible we have before us

Let us seek not only to defend it, but also to apply it in our lives