How Did We Get Our Bible?

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Jan 8, 2025

Dive into the intriguing history of the New Testament canon and discover who first listed its 27 books. Uncover the differences between canonical gospels and apocryphal texts, highlighting the self-authenticating nature of scripture. Explore the early church's criteria, such as apostolicity and orthodoxy, and how these influenced the recognition of sacred texts. This discussion sheds light on how early Christians identified inspired writings, revealing a fascinating journey of faith and textual integrity.

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INSIGHT

Defining Canon

The term "canon" refers to the collection of sacred books accepted as genuine and inspired by God.
It's a standard by which religious texts are judged.

INSIGHT

Theories of Canon Formation

Two main theories exist about the Bible's formation: one claims it was determined by man, the other by criteria within the text itself.
Some scholars believe the canon resulted from political and religious conflicts, with one dominant Christian group establishing their preferred texts.

ANECDOTE

Gospel of Thomas Example

The Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal text, ends with Jesus saying he'll make Mary male to enter heaven.
This starkly contrasts with the canonical gospels, highlighting the differences recognized by early Christians.

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Jude

Kate Morgenroth

In this gripping thriller, Jude, a 15-year-old boy, faces a tumultuous life after his abusive and drug-dealing father is murdered. He is reunited with his mother, Anna Grady, a district attorney and mayoral candidate, who he believed was dead. As Jude navigates his new life in an elite private school, he becomes embroiled in a scheme to protect his mother's political future, which leads to his wrongful conviction and imprisonment. The story unfolds with twists and turns, revealing buried secrets and Jude's struggle for justice and recognition from his mother.

Philemon

Timothy

Apostle Paul

The Book of Philemon is one of the shortest letters written by Paul and is part of the New Testament. It was written during Paul's first Roman imprisonment, around AD 60-62. The letter addresses Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae, regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had fled to Rome, where he encountered Paul and became a Christian. Paul writes to Philemon to appeal for Onesimus's return, asking him to treat Onesimus not just as a slave but as a brother in Christ. The letter emphasizes the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the equal status of believers in Christ, regardless of their social positions. Paul offers to take on any debt or wrongdoing attributed to Onesimus, demonstrating the principles of Christian love and grace[2][3][4].

Gospel of Thomas

Richard Valantasis

The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical gospel, meaning it's not included in the Bible. It's a collection of sayings attributed to Jesus, differing significantly in style and content from the canonical gospels. It's considered Gnostic in origin, emphasizing secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. Scholars debate its historical accuracy and relationship to the canonical gospels. Its unique perspective offers insights into early Christian thought and diversity. The Gospel of Thomas's focus on spiritual understanding rather than historical narrative sets it apart from the canonical texts.

Letter to the Romans

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St. Paul

St. Paul's Letter to the Romans is a foundational text in Christian theology, exploring themes such as justification by faith, the nature of the law, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles.