Peter Gurry, Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and director of the Text & Canon Institute, dives into the fascinating history of the Bible's canon. He tackles common misconceptions about how the Bible was formed and discusses the significant role of canonicity in interpreting scripture. Gurry explains the differences between Protestant and Catholic Bibles, the historical importance of the Septuagint, and the criteria early Christians used to determine canon status. He emphasizes the communal nature of establishing scriptural authority, encouraging deeper engagement with the Bible.
Understanding the doctrine of canonicity is essential for evaluating the authority and inspiration of biblical texts in Christianity.
The historical formation of the New Testament canon was primarily based on the apostolic connection of texts, ensuring their authoritative nature.
Differences between Protestant and Catholic Bibles concerning deuterocanonical books illustrate the complexities of biblical authority and tradition in the church.
Deep dives
Understanding Canonicity
The term 'canon' originates from the Greek word meaning 'measuring rod,' which denotes a set of texts that are authoritative for Christians. In discussing canonicity, the focus is on identifying which ancient texts hold that authority within the Bible. This matters deeply to the faith because questions about the qualities of scripture, such as inspiration and authority, can only apply to texts designated as canonical. Therefore, understanding the doctrine of canonicity is foundational, as it establishes the basis upon which other attributes of scripture can be evaluated.
The Role of Providence
A proper understanding of the doctrine of canonicity can reinforce confidence in the integrity of the Bible rather than cause anxiety. Recognizing how the church historically recognized and affirmed the books that belong in the Bible showcases divine providence working through the church community. Much of the biblical formation involved non-miraculous processes, which indicate that God's involvement in the canon is apparent even in ordinary circumstances, such as Bible translation and scholarly work. This reassurance can support believers in their faith, allowing them to acknowledge the history of the canon as part of God's overarching plan.
Differences in Canonical Texts
The differences between Protestant and Catholic Bibles primarily emerge in the Old Testament, where Catholics include several deuterocanonical books, often referred to as the Apocrypha. Notably, Protestant Bibles do not contain these texts, stemming from a historical reliance on the Jewish scriptures which do not include these additional books. The inclusion or exclusion of texts like Tobit and 1 and 2 Maccabees raises important questions about the authority and use of scripture in the church. Understanding these distinctions helps Christians to engage thoughtfully with differing biblical traditions while recognizing their common foundations.
Assessing the New Testament Canon
The formation of the New Testament canon hinges on the early church's criteria, primarily the apostolic connection of texts. Books included in the New Testament had to be linked to the apostles or their close associates to ensure their authoritative nature. While various other criteria may come into play, the prominence of apostolicity as a determining factor remains significant throughout church history. This framework provides a basis for distinguishing between scripture and apocryphal writings, which may not possess the same level of authority.
The Closed Canon and Its Assurance
The question of whether the canon is closed leads to the conclusion that it is, based on the death of the apostles and the absence of new authoritative writings subsequent to their era. Theoretically, while hypothetical discoveries of lost texts could arise, the church has been guided for centuries by the current canon, which has proven sufficient for teaching and faith. This closure allows Christians to confidently engage with scripture without fear of missing out on additional revelations, fostering trust in God's providence. Ultimately, the settled nature of the canon invites believers to focus on the rich teachings and transformative power of the existing biblical texts.
In this episode, Caleb is joined by Peter Gurry (PhD, University of Cambridge) professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary and Text & Canon Institute Director to discuss the canonicity of Scripture. Together they discuss common questions and misconceptions surrounding the formation and history of the Bible in an accessible and apologetic manner.
