Apostolic Life in the 21st Century
How Do We Know What Books Should Be Included in the Bible?
Jun 3, 2024
Dr. David K. Bernard, an expert on the canonization of the Bible, unpacks the intriguing history behind the books included in our modern Bible. Discover why texts like Enoch and the Gospel of Thomas were excluded, and who played a pivotal role in this selection process. He sheds light on the criteria for the New Testament canon, emphasizing the significance of apostolic authority and divine inspiration. This conversation offers deep insights into the foundational texts of Christian doctrine!
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Quick takeaways
- The selection of the New Testament canon was significantly influenced by apostolic authority and early Christian recognition of the texts.
- Disputed writings like the Gospel of Thomas failed to align with established Christian beliefs, leading to their exclusion from the Bible.
Deep dives
Understanding the Canon of Scripture
The canon of Scripture refers to the list of books accepted as inspired and authoritative for the faith. The selection process for the Old Testament books was primarily based on their acceptance by ancient Israel, which recognized them as divinely inspired. In contrast, the New Testament canon is determined mainly by apostolic authority, meaning the texts were either written by the apostles or closely associated with them. This historical process has led to a widely accepted canon, reinforcing the belief that these scriptures have been preserved by divine guidance.
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