The Canon of Scripture.
How was it put together?
The authenticity of the Old Testament occurred in phases. The Pentateuch (the Law, or the first five books of the Bible) was identified as authoritative (canonized) as Ezra read it in 444 BC (Nehemiah 8–10). Acceptance of the prophets' writings took place between 200 and 300 BC as much of what they predicted took place. The final recognition of the Old Testament text happened at a Synod of Jewish rabbis in Jamnia in AD 90.
The New Testament authoritatively quotes or alludes to the Old Testament over 250 times, further reinforcing its authority.
The authority of all twenty-seven New Testament books were finally affirmed in AD 397 at the third Council of Carthage. Charles Ryrie states,
The New Testament authoritatively quotes or alludes to the Old Testament over 250 times, further reinforcing its authority.
The authority of all twenty-seven New Testament books were finally affirmed in AD 397 at the third Council of Carthage. Charles Ryrie states,
The Bible is self-authenticating, and the church councils have only recognized the authority already inherent in the book themselves...it is important to remember that the books of the Bible were authentic (canon) before any test of man was put to them. In the same manner, as an intelligent person is intelligent before any test of intelligence is put to him or her. The test merely confirms what is already there. The early Church used several meetings (called Councils) of learned men to verify, affirm and recognize that certain books were indeed worthy of inclusion in the Bible. They did not create the authenticity of the Bible but merely confirmed what was already present.1 |
The three tests placed upon the New Testament writings to determine their authenticity were the following:
1. Authorship.
Eyewitness evidence. All the writings had to be either written or backed by an apostle of Jesus Christ. Peter backed Mark's writings. Paul backed Luke's writings.
2. Agreement.
Internal evidence. The content of the writings had to agree with the revealed will of God. The Old Testament was a good source of comparison for this.
3. Acceptance.
External Evidence. All the writings had to receive unanimous acceptance by the early churches. The early Church was in surprising agreement among itself as to what was authentic and what was not.
Summary.
The Bible is the most fantastic body of literature in all of human history. It stands alone as a one-of-a-kind treatise. It is unique. Its self-agreement, prophetic fulfillment, and transforming power put it in a category all its own. It answers the most profound questions, addresses the most pressing needs, and solves the most critical problems of life. It humbles the prideful, softens the hardened, comforts the sorrowful, guides the lost, and saves those destined to perish. It provides peace amid turmoil, furnishes the joy of forgiveness, and gives an eager expectation (hope) for the life to come. It is Scripture. It is the Word of God.
We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV)
Footnote.
- Charles C. Ryrie, The Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago: Moody, 1978), 1961.