New Testament Canon

Biblical Literature RELG 201

Codex Siniticus Callaway Museum Photos

Definition of Canon Review

The canon is an anthology of works that are considered divinely inspired and the authoritative source for all belief and practice.

Recognition of the New Testament Canon

Marcion of Sinope (c. 80 c. 160) Review

Came to Rome in 140 seeking the office of Bishop. Taught that the God of the Old Testament was a lesser being than God the Father and Jesus. Completely rejected the Old Testament Canon The Church excommunicated him in 144.

Recognition of the New Testament Canon

Marcion of Sinope (c. 80 c. 160)

Marcions New Testament Canon.

Only a highly redacted (edited) edition of Luke. Only ten of Pauls epistles (letters).

He rejected:
Three of the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and John) General Epistles The Shepherd of Hermas

The Church rejected his canon.

Recognition of the New Testament Canon

Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260-339)

Father of Church History, Ecclesiastical History Lists of Books the New Testament (Book III. 24-25)

Recognized Books Questioned Books Rejected Books

Eusebius of Caesarea

Recognized Books
Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Acts Pauline Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. General Epistles: 1 Peter and 1 John

Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260-339)

Questioned Books
Hebrews James Second Peter Second and Third John Jude Revelation

Eusebius of Caesarea Rejected Books

Pseudonymous (spurious) Books
Acts of Paul The Revelation of Peter

Epistle of Barnabas Institutions of the Apostles

Recognition of the New Testament Canon

By the end of the fourth century the New Testament Canon was settled. Athanasius (c. 298-373) Easter Letter (367) Council of Carthage (397) Jerome (347-420) Some in the West questioned Hebrews Some in the East questioned Revelation

Recognition of the New Testament Canon

Three justifications for recognizing particular books as part of the the New Testament Canon.
Apostolic origins Common usage Theological coherence
This parallels Josephus description of the Old Testament as works having been written by divinely inspired prophets and having theological coherence.

Writing of the Apostolic Fathers not included in the Canon First Clement (c. 100) The Epistles of Ignatius (c. 108) The Epistle of Polycarp (c. 156) There is a clear distinction between inspired Scripture (The Canon) and other writings.

Other Works Not Included Pauls missing letter (1 Cor. 5:9-11). Citied works within the canon excluded.
Jude cites Enoch Paul cites pagan poets.