how were the 66 books of the bible chosen

How did early Christian scholars determine which books to include in the biblical canon?

The Development of Biblical Canon

The process of determining which books belong in the Bible was a gradual and complex one, influenced by various factors such as geographical location, cultural context, and ecclesiastical authority. The Old Testament and New Testament were not written simultaneously; rather, they developed over centuries. Early Christians had a collection of writings that they considered authoritative, but these were not formally recognized as part of the canon until later.

Criteria for Selection

Several criteria were used to select the books of the Bible. One of the most significant was apostolic authorship, meaning that the book must have been written by an apostle or someone closely associated with them. Another criterion was the content’s authenticity and relevance to the Christian faith. Additionally, the church fathers often relied on the consensus of the early Christian community, considering what texts were commonly accepted and read in worship services.

The Council of Nicaea (325 AD)

One pivotal moment in the formation of the biblical canon came at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. This council established a list of twenty-seven books that would eventually form the New Testament. However, it did not explicitly decide which books belonged in the Old Testament. Over time, the Jewish scriptures and the Christian gospels, epistles, and other writings were gradually included, leading to the final canon we know today.

The Alexandrian and Syrian Canons

In addition to the Council of Nicaea, the Alexandrian and Syrian canons also played crucial roles in shaping the biblical canon. The Alexandrian canon, composed around 150 AD, included forty-six books, while the Syrian canon, known as the Sinaitic canon, contained fifty-five books. These canons provided additional perspectives and helped refine the final selection of biblical books.

The Protestant Perspective

Protestant scholars argue that the canon should be based solely on apostolic authority and the consensus of the early Christian church. They believe that any additions or deletions made after the initial canonization were unnecessary and potentially heretical. On the other hand, Catholic and Orthodox scholars maintain that the canon is not fixed but rather evolves over time through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the decisions of the church.

The Modern Debate

In modern times, debates continue about whether certain books should be included in the canon, such as the Epistle of Barnabas, the Didache, or even some of the Gnostic texts. While these works may contain valuable insights into early Christianity, they lack the direct apostolic connection required for inclusion in the canonical Bible.

Conclusion

The process of choosing the books of the Bible was a multifaceted endeavor involving historical, theological, and ecclesiastical considerations. While the core texts of the Old and New Testaments have remained constant, the specific order and inclusion of certain books have evolved over centuries. Ultimately, the canon reflects the collective wisdom and faith of the early Christian community, serving as a cornerstone of Christian theology and scripture.

Q&A

1. What was the significance of the Council of Nicaea in the development of the biblical canon?

   • The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD established a list of twenty-seven books that would eventually form the New Testament. Although it did not explicitly decide which books belonged in the Old Testament, this event marked a significant step in the process of canonization.

2. How do Protestants and Catholics view the biblical canon differently?

   • Protestants generally adhere to the principle of apostolic authority and the consensus of the early Christian church when selecting books for the canon. They believe that any additions or deletions made after the initial canonization are unnecessary and potentially heretical. In contrast, Catholic and Orthodox scholars maintain that the canon is not fixed but evolves over time through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the decisions of the church.

3. Are there any ongoing debates about the biblical canon?

   • Yes, there are ongoing debates about whether certain books should be included in the canon, such as the Epistle of Barnabas, the Didache, or even some of the Gnostic texts. These works may offer valuable insights into early Christianity but lack the direct apostolic connection required for inclusion in the canonical Bible.