Consider This...
Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind
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Volume I August 2011 Issue 32
This month, our articles will center on the Bible. The English term Bible comes from the Latin word, Biblia, which comes from the Greek word, Biblos, which means a collection of writings. The Bible has two sections, the Old and New Testaments. In the English editions, the Old Testament is divided into 39 books and 4 sections:
5 Books of the Law (Pentateuch)
12 Books of History
5 Books of Poetry
17 Books of Prophecy
In the English editions, the New Testament is divided into 27 books and 4 divisions:
5 Books of History (Gospels & Acts)
14 Pauline Epistles (Assuming that Paul is the author of Hebrews)
7 General Epistles
1 Book of Revelation
The Bible was written by some 40 human authors over a span of nearly 1600 years and yet there is no contradiction among the books in the areas on which they touch. The Bible provides a steady unfolding of God’s plan of salvation starting in the book of Genesis and ending with the completion of salvation in the book of Revelation.
This month, we will discuss the uniqueness of the Scripture, the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture, as well as the verbal and plenary inspiration of Scripture.
In this article, we begin with a look at the canon of Scripture. Canonicity has to do with the authenticity (genuineness) of the individual books of the Bible. It seeks to answer the question, “How can we know which books belong in the Bible?” So, keep reading and Consider This.
The word canon comes from a Hebrew word, kaneh, which means a reed or a measuring rod. The resulting meaning is a rule or norm. Thus, as Christians, we refer to the Bible as our rule for faith (what we believe) and practice (what we do). When we talk about canonicity, it is not a question of who wrote the books of the Bible; it is a question of who made them into a collection. It is not a question of their origin and content; it is a question of their history. It is not a question of God’s part; it is a question of man’s part. In considering how our present canon of Scripture came into being, always remember that our same sovereign God who gave His men the Scriptures valued those Scriptures enough to preserve them and bring them together into THE HOLY BIBLE. We must remember that what ultimately determines the canonicity of a book is its inspiration. An inspired book was canonical the moment it was written. Canonicity is determined by God, men simply recognized what God has revealed. Here are some important Scriptures to remember when studying about canonicity.
II Timothy 3:16 – “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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
II Peter 1:19-21 – “We have also a more sure word of prophecy, unto which ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
Zechariah 7:12 – (This verse is to the Old Testament what II Tim. 3:16 is to the New.) “Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in His Spirit by the former prophets; therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.”
In regard to the canonicity of the Old Testament, the Dead Sea Scrolls provided solid evidence of a fully develop canon of the Old Testament as early as the 2nd century BC. Along with that, Christ recognized the genuineness of the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament by referencing it often in His teaching (Luke 24:44; Matthew 5:17-18; John 10:35). Paul also quoted extensively from the Old Testament, indicating his belief that it was an authoritative rule.
Likewise, the canon of the New Testament was not formed by a council but was a spontaneous coming together of the New Testament Scriptures during the first century.
1. Synoptic Gospels – Oral accounts were written down and finally gave way to the
inspired Synoptic Gospels (Jesus’ life and ministry).
2. Paul’s epistles were read often as there was a need for doctrinal interpretation.
3. Acts was needed for a historical sketch of the development of the church.
4. John’s writings came later as well as the other epistles which were added to the
collection of writings accepted and valued by the early church.
CRITERIA FOR NEW TESTAMENT CANONICITY
1. Apostolicity – written by a bona fide apostle or close associate (Mark, Luke, James, Jude)
2. Content – Subject matter pertinent to early church.
3. Universality – Church as a whole would receive book.
4. Divine inspiration – Unmistakable evidence of being God-breathed (II Timothy 3:16).
By AD 200, the canon, as we have it today, was pretty much defined.
The Bible was accepted as authoritative by Israel (Joshua 1:9; Deut. 6;6-7). It was considered authoritative by Christ (Matt. 5:17-18; Luke 24:27, 44). It was viewed as authoritative by the apostles (2 Peter 3:15-16; Acts 1:16). However, we must remember that, ultimately, the authority of the Bible is based upon the authority of God.
In the words of Dr. William Evans, “These facts, as well as others, sufficiently indicate the course of the argument by which the canonicity of the sacred Scriptures is proved. Let it be proven that these books were written by the men whose names they bear and that these men wrote under the inspiration of the divine Spirit and the canonicity of the Bible is a settled fact. We have, therefore, a right to believe that we have in our Bible a rule of faith and life--yea, the supreme and ultimate rule--by which we may govern our lives in order that they may be in accordance with the revealed will of God.”[1]
[1] The Bible Institute Colportage Association, Chicago © 1902
Other Sources: Ungers Bible Handbook
Eerdman’s International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
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