What Is The Canon of Scripture?
The canon of scripture refers to the collection of books recognized by the Christian church as authoritative and inspired by God. These writings serve as the standard (or “canon”) for faith, doctrine, and practice. The term “canon” comes from the Greek word kanon, meaning “rule” or “measuring rod.”
Development of the Canon
The process of canonization was gradual, influenced by theological, historical, and practical considerations. Here’s an overview of how the canon of scripture came to be:
1. Old Testament Canon
• Hebrew Bible: The Old Testament canon was largely established by Jewish communities by the 1st century CE. This includes the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings), often referred to as the Tanakh.
• Greek Septuagint: In the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE, the Hebrew scriptures were translated into Greek (the Septuagint). This version included additional writings, later called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, which were included in some Christian Old Testaments (e.g., Catholic and Orthodox traditions).
• Christian Use: Early Christians adopted the Septuagint, viewing it as authoritative due to its widespread use in the Greek-speaking world and its alignment with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
2. New Testament Canon
• Apostolic Writings: The New Testament canon emerged as the early church recognized the writings of the apostles and their close associates as authoritative. These included:
• Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• Pauline Epistles: Letters attributed to the Apostle Paul.
• Other Epistles: Writings from apostles like Peter, John, and James.
• Apocalyptic Literature: The book of Revelation.
• Criteria for Inclusion:
• Apostolic Origin: Written by an apostle or their close associate.
• Orthodoxy: Consistent with the church’s teaching about Christ.
• Widespread Use: Accepted by various Christian communities.
• Divine Inspiration: Viewed as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
3. Formal Recognition
• Early Lists:
• The Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd century) lists most of the New Testament books.
• Church Fathers like Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen referenced a majority of the New Testament books in their writings.
• Councils and Consensus:
• The Council of Hippo (393 CE) and the Council of Carthage (397 CE) affirmed the current canon of the New Testament.
• St. Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 CE) listed all 27 New Testament books, matching the modern canon.
Differences in Canons
Different Christian traditions recognize slightly different canons:
• Protestants: Accept the 39 books of the Hebrew Bible as the Old Testament and 27 New Testament books.
• Catholics: Include the Deuterocanonical books in their Old Testament.
• Orthodox Christians: Recognize a larger Old Testament canon, including additional writings like 1 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh.
Key Themes in Canon Formation
1. Preservation of Apostolic Teaching: The canon was shaped by the desire to preserve and transmit the teachings of Jesus and his apostles.
2. Response to Heresies: Groups like the Gnostics prompted the church to define authoritative texts.
3. Unity in Worship: A shared canon ensured consistency in Christian teaching and liturgy across diverse communities.
Conclusion
The canon of scripture reflects the church’s discernment of writings that authentically convey God’s revelation and guidance. It is the product of a complex historical process, informed by theological reflection and the needs of the Christian community.
Development of the Canon
The process of canonization was gradual, influenced by theological, historical, and practical considerations. Here’s an overview of how the canon of scripture came to be:
1. Old Testament Canon
• Hebrew Bible: The Old Testament canon was largely established by Jewish communities by the 1st century CE. This includes the Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings), often referred to as the Tanakh.
• Greek Septuagint: In the 3rd–2nd centuries BCE, the Hebrew scriptures were translated into Greek (the Septuagint). This version included additional writings, later called the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, which were included in some Christian Old Testaments (e.g., Catholic and Orthodox traditions).
• Christian Use: Early Christians adopted the Septuagint, viewing it as authoritative due to its widespread use in the Greek-speaking world and its alignment with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
2. New Testament Canon
• Apostolic Writings: The New Testament canon emerged as the early church recognized the writings of the apostles and their close associates as authoritative. These included:
• Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
• Pauline Epistles: Letters attributed to the Apostle Paul.
• Other Epistles: Writings from apostles like Peter, John, and James.
• Apocalyptic Literature: The book of Revelation.
• Criteria for Inclusion:
• Apostolic Origin: Written by an apostle or their close associate.
• Orthodoxy: Consistent with the church’s teaching about Christ.
• Widespread Use: Accepted by various Christian communities.
• Divine Inspiration: Viewed as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
3. Formal Recognition
• Early Lists:
• The Muratorian Fragment (late 2nd century) lists most of the New Testament books.
• Church Fathers like Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Origen referenced a majority of the New Testament books in their writings.
• Councils and Consensus:
• The Council of Hippo (393 CE) and the Council of Carthage (397 CE) affirmed the current canon of the New Testament.
• St. Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 CE) listed all 27 New Testament books, matching the modern canon.
Differences in Canons
Different Christian traditions recognize slightly different canons:
• Protestants: Accept the 39 books of the Hebrew Bible as the Old Testament and 27 New Testament books.
• Catholics: Include the Deuterocanonical books in their Old Testament.
• Orthodox Christians: Recognize a larger Old Testament canon, including additional writings like 1 Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh.
Key Themes in Canon Formation
1. Preservation of Apostolic Teaching: The canon was shaped by the desire to preserve and transmit the teachings of Jesus and his apostles.
2. Response to Heresies: Groups like the Gnostics prompted the church to define authoritative texts.
3. Unity in Worship: A shared canon ensured consistency in Christian teaching and liturgy across diverse communities.
Conclusion
The canon of scripture reflects the church’s discernment of writings that authentically convey God’s revelation and guidance. It is the product of a complex historical process, informed by theological reflection and the needs of the Christian community.
