Christian History Almanac Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
Athanasius's 367 Festal Letter marked a pivotal moment in Christianity, asserting which texts belong in the New Testament. Discover his role as Alexandria's bishop and the significance of episcopal letters in shaping scripture. Delve into the controversies surrounding biblical books, including Marcion's reductions and the debates over other early writings. This letter is the oldest record of the 27 books, influencing future councils and the canon's establishment. The discussion also highlights the ongoing relevance of these texts today.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mailbag Hook Leads To Canon History
- Dan van Voorhis references answering a mailbag question about Greek Orthodox and Protestant Bibles.
- He uses that hook to introduce Athanasius' festal letter and the history of the canon.
Athanasius' Canonic Milestone
- Athanasius' 39th Festal Letter (Jan 7, 367) is the earliest surviving list of the 27 New Testament books.
- The letter marked a major step toward a consensus New Testament canon used by many churches.
Authority Of The Festal Letter
- Athanasius was bishop of Alexandria by 367 and held authority among the five major churches.
- His episcopal (festal) letters set Easter dates and included important doctrinal and canonical guidance.