How was the canon of the Bible gathered?

The process of gathering the canon of the Bible involves the recognition and acceptance of certain writings as inspired Scripture. The process of canonization was not a single event but rather a gradual development over several centuries. Understanding how the canon of the Bible was gathered involves examining historical, theological, and practical factors that influenced the recognition of inspired Scripture. Let’s explore this process in detail.

Historical Context:

The development of the canon occurred over a significant period in both Jewish and Christian history. For the Old Testament, the canonization process largely took place within the Jewish community, while the New Testament canonization occurred within the early Christian church.

• Old Testament Canon: The Jewish canonization process began with the recognition of certain authoritative writings, including the Torah (Law), Prophets, and Writings. The process of finalizing the Old Testament canon continued over centuries, with Jewish leaders gradually affirming the books considered inspired and authoritative.
• New Testament Canon: In the early Christian church, various writings circulated among believers, including Gospels, Epistles, and other texts. The process of canonization involved evaluating these writings based on apostolic authority, orthodox doctrine, and widespread acceptance within the Christian community.
• The books of the Old Testament were selected by Jewish scholars by 250 AD without much debate except for the books of the Apocrypha, which were written during the era between the Old and New Testaments, as well as additions to the books of Esther and Daniel. These books were excluded because they contained information that contradicts the rest of Scriptures and are not historically based. The Roman Catholic Church officially added the Apocrypha to their Bible at the Council of Trent in the mid 1500’s because these books supported its unbiblical beliefs.

Apostolic Authority and Inspiration:

One of the primary criteria for inclusion in the New Testament canon was apostolic authority. Early Christians recognized writings that were authored by apostles or closely associated with apostolic figures as inspired Scripture.

• 2 Peter 3:15-16 (NKJV): “and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.” Peter’s affirmation of Paul’s writings as Scripture highlights the recognition of apostolic authority within the early Christian community.

Widespread Acceptance and Usage:

The recognition of certain writings as Scripture was also influenced by their widespread acceptance and usage within the Christian community. Books that were read, copied, and circulated among churches were more likely to be included in the canon.

• Colossians 4:16 (NKJV): “Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.” Paul’s instruction to share his epistles among different churches reflects the widespread circulation and usage of his writings within the early Christian community.

Biblical Doctrine and Consistency:

The content of the writings also played a significant role in their inclusion in the canon. Books that aligned with orthodox Christian doctrine, teaching sound theology, and consistency with other Scriptures were more likely to be accepted as inspired.

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This passage emphasizes the divine inspiration and authority of Scripture, highlighting its role in teaching, reproving, correcting, and instructing believers in righteousness. The vitality of the Scriptures is due to the life breathed into them by God Himself.

Recognition by Early Church Fathers:

The writings of early church fathers and leaders also played a role in the recognition of the canon. Their quotations, references, and discussions of certain texts helped establish the authoritative status of those writings within the Christian community.

• Irenaeus (c. 130–202 AD): Irenaeus, an early church father, provided a list of canonical books in his work “Against Heresies,” affirming the authority of the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline Epistles, among others.

Councils and Synods:

While the canonization process was largely decentralized and organic, certain church councils and synods played a role in affirming and formalizing the canon. These gatherings helped clarify disputed issues and reaffirm the consensus of the Christian community regarding the canon.

At the Council of Laodicea, a regional synod of approximately thirty clerics from Asia Minor assembled in Laodicea, Phrygia Pacatiana, in 363–364 AD. The council decreed that only the Old Testament and 26 books of the New Testament (not Revelation) were canonical and to be read in the churches. Later on, the Council of Hippo (AD 393) and the Council of Carthage (AD 397) confirmed that all of the 27 books of the New Testament (including Revelation) are inspired by God.

The godly criteria that these councils used to determine which books were inspired included the following principles:

1. Was the author an apostle or did he have a close relationship with an apostle?
2. Was the book consistent in doctrine and in harmony with the rest of the books in the Canon?
3. Did the book have high moral and spiritual standards that represent the character of God?
4. Is the book accepted by the Christian body?

Holy Spirit’s Guidance:

The truth is that it was God Himself that led His Holy people to select the books that were inspired, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Therefore, we can be very sure that God Himself was the guiding force that all of His saving truths be included in His holy book, the Bible.

For in John 16:13 (NKJV), Jesus Himself promised: “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”

In conclusion, the gathering of the canon of the Bible involved a multifaceted process influenced by historical and theological factors. The recognition of apostolic authority, widespread acceptance and usage, Biblical doctrine, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit were key considerations in determining which writings were included in the canon. While the process of canonization was gradual, it ultimately led to the canonization of the Old and New Testament as the inspired and authoritative Word of God.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team