
Light + Truth
What Books Make Up the New Testament?
Nov 26, 2024
Join theologian John Piper as he dives into the fascinating process behind recognizing the New Testament as Scripture. He discusses the pivotal role of Jesus' teachings and the authoritative influence of the apostles like Timothy, Peter, and John. Piper also sheds light on the challenges faced by the early church in Ephesus amid competing doctrines. The conversation explores how complex theological ideas were communicated to early Christians, connecting historical struggles to contemporary faith experiences.
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Quick takeaways
- The necessity of documenting Jesus' teachings emerged from his unparalleled authority, prompting the early church to recognize these writings as scripture.
- The canonization process was centered on the concept of apostolicity, requiring texts to be linked to apostles for scriptural validation.
Deep dives
The Expansion of Canon in the Early Church
The advent of Jesus necessitated the expansion of the Old Testament canon, as early believers recognized his teachings and actions as authoritative. This created a crucial debate for the early church regarding which texts would be classified as scripture amidst the emergence of new revelations. The teachings of Jesus were considered an essential source for understanding faith, and thus the question shifted from whether to add to the Old Testament to discerning which new writings held genuine authority. This led to the understanding that the New Testament canon was not just an addition but a necessary component to fully grasp the revolutionary message of Christ.
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