A few preliminary thoughts:A few preliminary thoughts:

1. Bible remains the world’s best seller.1. Bible remains the world’s best seller.

2. Bible remains most neglected book.2. Bible remains most neglected book.

3. Bible remains the piece of literature to be most trusted.3. Bible remains the piece of literature to be most trusted.

4. Bible is constantly under attack.4. Bible is constantly under attack.

“the books”“the books”

CodexCodexPapyrusPapyrus

Marzeah PapyrusMarzeah Papyrus

Biblical LanguagesBiblical Languages

1. Hebrew1. Hebrew 2. Aramaic2. Aramaic 3. Greek3. Greek

UncialsUncials

MinisculesMiniscules

thussaithglenitishightimewetookourbiblesliterallyandseriously

thussaithglenitishightimewetookourbiblesliterallyandseriously

Where does the authority originate?1.“Authority for the Canon comes from man.”Where does the authority originate?1.“Authority for the Canon comes from man.”2. “Authority for the Canon comes from the Church.”2. “Authority for the Canon comes from the Church.”3. “Authority for the Canon comes from God.”3. “Authority for the Canon comes from God.”

“A measuring stick”“A measuring stick”

OT CanonOT Canon

Begins with the written words of God (Ex 31:18)

Grew in size throughout the time of Israel’s history, written by those who fulfilled the office of prophet (Deut 31:24-26; 1 Sam 10:25; Jer 30:2)

Continued until about 435 BC

Accepted by Jesus and his contemporaries

Confirmed by the church as early as AD 170

Begins with the written words of God (Ex 31:18)

Grew in size throughout the time of Israel’s history, written by those who fulfilled the office of prophet (Deut 31:24-26; 1 Sam 10:25; Jer 30:2)

Continued until about 435 BC

Accepted by Jesus and his contemporaries

Confirmed by the church as early as AD 170

OT CanonOT Canon

God’s 1st communication was oral.

Moses Exodus 17:14 Exodus 24:4 Exodus 34:27-28 Numbers 33:2 Deut. 31:9, 24 Deut. 31:22

Moses wrote the Torah

God’s 1st communication was oral.

Moses Exodus 17:14 Exodus 24:4 Exodus 34:27-28 Numbers 33:2 Deut. 31:9, 24 Deut. 31:22

Moses wrote the Torah

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

Proto-Sinaitic InscriptionsProto-Sinaitic Inscriptions

1. Stone1. Stone

Gezer CalendarGezer Calendar Moabite StoneMoabite Stone

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

2. Clay2. Clay

A Babylonian tablet from 87 B.C. reports the arrival of the comet now known as Halley.

A Babylonian tablet from 87 B.C. reports the arrival of the comet now known as Halley. Fragment of a clay tablet from

the library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, with an Assyrian account of the Flood

Fragment of a clay tablet from the library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, with an Assyrian account of the Flood

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

3. Wood & Wax3. Wood & Wax

Wooden tablets often had an inlay of wax to write upon. The Assyrians used these tablets and bind them together like a modern day book and call it a “Codex.”

Wooden tablets often had an inlay of wax to write upon. The Assyrians used these tablets and bind them together like a modern day book and call it a “Codex.”

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

4. Metal4. Metal

“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” Numbers 6:24-25

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

5. Ostraca5. Ostraca

Broken pottery was often used as scratch paper Broken pottery was often used as scratch paper

The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings

Why did Moses write Scripture?Why did Moses write Scripture?

1. God’s method of preservation of canon1. God’s method of preservation of canon2. Delivery to other places

Jeremiah 29:1

Jeremiah 36:1-8

2. Delivery to other placesJeremiah 29:1

Jeremiah 36:1-83. Future memorial to Israel

Exodus 17:14

3. Future memorial to IsraelExodus 17:14

4. A witnessDeuteronomy 31:24-26

4. A witnessDeuteronomy 31:24-26

OT CanonOT Canon

TaNaKh

T – Torah (The Law)

N – Neviim (The Prophets)

K – Kethubim (The Writings)

TaNaKh

T – Torah (The Law)

N – Neviim (The Prophets)

K – Kethubim (The Writings)

OT CanonOT Canon

Closing of the Torah (Law)

•Canonical by times of Ezra & Nehemiah

•5th Century BC

Closing of the Torah (Law)

•Canonical by times of Ezra & Nehemiah

•5th Century BC

Closing the Neviim & KethubimClosing the Neviim & Kethubim

•3rd Cent. BC: Translated into Greek (LXX)

OT CanonOT Canon

(Apocrypha)," And also that he [Judas Maccabaeus] founded a library and collected the books about the kings and prophets, and the writings of David, and letters of kings about votive offerings. In the same way Judas [Maccabaeus] also collected all the books that had been lost on account of the war which had come upon us, and they are in our possession. So if you have need of them, send people to get them for you.”

2 Maccabees 2:13b-15 (RSV)

(Apocrypha)," And also that he [Judas Maccabaeus] founded a library and collected the books about the kings and prophets, and the writings of David, and letters of kings about votive offerings. In the same way Judas [Maccabaeus] also collected all the books that had been lost on account of the war which had come upon us, and they are in our possession. So if you have need of them, send people to get them for you.”

2 Maccabees 2:13b-15 (RSV)

OT CanonOT Canon

Law Law

Difference between Jewish OT and Canonical OT

Difference between Jewish OT and Canonical OT

Jewish (22 Books)Jewish (22 Books)

ProphetsProphetsFormer Prophets – Joshua, Judges, Samuel & KingsFormer Prophets – Joshua, Judges, Samuel & Kings

Latter Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel Latter Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel

The “Twelve”The “Twelve”WritingsWritings

Note: Ends with 2 ChroniclesNote: Ends with 2 Chronicles

OT CanonOT Canon

“‘And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.’” Matthew 23:35

“‘From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.’” Luke 11:51

“‘And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.’” Matthew 23:35

“‘From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.’” Luke 11:51

What About Jamnia?

AD 90: Council of Jamnia•Not a major council

•Limited discussion on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

Canon fixed prior to birth of Christ•Matthew 4:1-4 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. '’”

What About Jamnia?

AD 90: Council of Jamnia•Not a major council

•Limited discussion on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs

Canon fixed prior to birth of Christ•Matthew 4:1-4 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. '’”

Principles & Factors Determining the OT Canon

Principles & Factors Determining the OT Canon

1. Prophetic Authorship (Hag 1:3; Zech. 1:1)1. Prophetic Authorship (Hag 1:3; Zech. 1:1)

2. Testimony of the Holy Spirit 2. Testimony of the Holy Spirit

3. Providential Care3. Providential Care

4. Validation By Christ (Matt 21:42; 26:54)4. Validation By Christ (Matt 21:42; 26:54)

4 Categories of Religious Writings4 Categories of Religious Writings

1. Homolegomera1. Homolegomera

2. Antilegomera2. Antilegomera

3. Apocryphal3. Apocryphal

4. Pseudepigrapha4. Pseudepigrapha

The ApocryphaThe Apocrypha

The Intertestament PeriodThe Intertestament Period

•Alexander the Great died in 323 BC•Alexander the Great died in 323 BC

•Palestine under severe pressure•Palestine under severe pressure

•Hellenization of culture•Hellenization of culture

•Constant revolts•Constant revolts

4. No evidence of inspiration4. No evidence of inspiration

1.Never included in Old Testament canon1.Never included in Old Testament canon

2. Never accepted by Jesus/Apostles2. Never accepted by Jesus/Apostles

3. Never accepted by early Jewish writers3. Never accepted by early Jewish writers

The Apocrypha

Why not canonized?

The Apocrypha

Why not canonized?

5. Errors5. Errors6. Uncertainty6. Uncertainty

7. Objections not overcome7. Objections not overcome

8. Unorthodox Doctrine8. Unorthodox Doctrine

Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’” Jude 1:9, 14-15

Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’” Jude 1:9, 14-15

“(v. 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’…

“(v. 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’…

Problem: Doesn’t Jude quote non-canonical literature?Problem: Doesn’t Jude quote non-canonical literature?

QumranQumran

Dead Sea ScrollsDead Sea Scrolls

NT CanonNT Canon

Begins with the writings of the apostles (Jn 14:26; 16:13-14)

Claims authority (2 Pet 3:2; 1 Cor 2:6-10)

Apostles treat the writings of other apostles as part of Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Tim 5:17-18 with Luke 10:7)

Begins with the writings of the apostles (Jn 14:26; 16:13-14)

Claims authority (2 Pet 3:2; 1 Cor 2:6-10)

Apostles treat the writings of other apostles as part of Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Tim 5:17-18 with Luke 10:7)

NT CanonNT Canon

Includes some writings of those very close to the apostles (Mark, Luke, Acts, Jude)

The author of Hebrews is not known, but the church accepted this book early on as self-attesting

Completed with the death of the apostles; no further revelation awaits (Heb 1:1-2; Rev 22:18-19)

Confirmed by the church as early as AD 367

Includes some writings of those very close to the apostles (Mark, Luke, Acts, Jude)

The author of Hebrews is not known, but the church accepted this book early on as self-attesting

Completed with the death of the apostles; no further revelation awaits (Heb 1:1-2; Rev 22:18-19)

Confirmed by the church as early as AD 367

NT CanonNT Canon

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

John 14:26; 16:13

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

John 14:26; 16:13

5 Periods of NT Canonization

5 Periods of NT Canonization

1. First Century1. First Century

•Scriptures were to be publicly read.1 Thessalonians 5:27

•Scriptures were to be publicly read.1 Thessalonians 5:27

•Paul commends their acceptance1 Thessalonians 2:13

•Paul commends their acceptance1 Thessalonians 2:13

•Paul insists his writings are from God.Colossians 4:16

•Paul insists his writings are from God.Colossians 4:16

•Paul’s letters included with “other Scriptures”

2 Peter 3:15-16

•Paul’s letters included with “other Scriptures”

2 Peter 3:15-16

AD 95 Clement of

Rome

AD 95 Clement of

Rome

•Scriptures were written.•Scriptures were written.

2. First half of second century2. First half of second century

Ryland Fragment Ryland Fragment

PolycarpPolycarpIgnatiusIgnatius MarcionMarcion

5 Periods of NT Canonization

5 Periods of NT Canonization

3. Second half of second century3. Second half of second century

4. Third century4. Third century

OrigenOrigen

IrenaeusIrenaeus

“The Word gave us the Gospel in fourfold shape, but held together by one Spirit.”

~ Irenaeus

ClementClement

TertullianTertullian

Muratorian Fragment AD 170

Muratorian Fragment AD 170

5 Periods of NT Canonization

5 Periods of NT Canonization

5. Fourth century5. Fourth century

AthanasiusAthanasius

ConstantineConstantine

EusebiusEusebius

The Big 3 CodicesThe Big 3 Codices

Codex Alexandrinus

Codex Alexandrinus

Codex Sinaiticus

Codex Sinaiticus

Codex Vaticanus

Codex Vaticanus

British LibraryBritish Library British LibraryBritish Library

Vatican LibraryVatican Library

Summary

100 AD:•All 27 books of the New Testament were in circulation and all but Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation were universally accepted

100-400 AD:•6 “disputed” books accepted. •A number of other books were read in a few churches at various times: Shepherd of Hermes, 1 Clement, Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, Wisdom of Solomon, Apocalypse of Peter

Summary

100 AD:•All 27 books of the New Testament were in circulation and all but Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation were universally accepted

100-400 AD:•6 “disputed” books accepted. •A number of other books were read in a few churches at various times: Shepherd of Hermes, 1 Clement, Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, Wisdom of Solomon, Apocalypse of Peter

Principles & Factors Determining the NT Canon

Principles & Factors Determining the NT Canon

Inspiration is not…Inspiration is not…

1.Human achievement1.Human achievement

2. Human thoughts and ideas2. Human thoughts and ideas

3. Human responses to God’s leading3. Human responses to God’s leading

4. Divine dictation4. Divine dictation

1. Divine Inspiration1. Divine Inspiration

Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…

1. Divine Inspiration

Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…

1. Divine Inspiration

2. Authorship2. Authorship

3. Orthodoxy3. Orthodoxy

5. Cohesiveness5. Cohesiveness

4. Obedience4. Obedience

Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…

6. Acceptance6. Acceptance

7. Relevance7. Relevance

8. Universality8. Universality

9. Sacred Objects9. Sacred Objects

Bottom LineThe believers (the church) DID NOT establish the canon, but simply bore witness of God’s leading by recognizing their authority!

Bottom LineThe believers (the church) DID NOT establish the canon, but simply bore witness of God’s leading by recognizing their authority!

The Nag Hammadi Collection

The Nag Hammadi Collection

Gospel of ThomasGospel of ThomasSupposedly written by the Apostle ThomasUnanimously rejectedConfusion

Supposedly written by the Apostle ThomasUnanimously rejectedConfusion

The Nag Hammadi Collection

The Nag Hammadi Collection

Gospel of PhilipGospel of Philip

The Nag Hammadi Collection

The Nag Hammadi Collection

“All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” ~Dan Brown

“All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” ~Dan Brown

What People Say About the BibleWhat People Say About the Bible

1. The Bible is just a bunch of stories.1. The Bible is just a bunch of stories.

2. The Bible is filled with contradictions.2. The Bible is filled with contradictions.

3. The Bible is outdated.3. The Bible is outdated.

4. The Bible is not scientific.4. The Bible is not scientific.

5. The Bible is a man-made book.5. The Bible is a man-made book.

Evidence for Reliability of the BibleEvidence for Reliability of the Bible

1. External Evidence1. External Evidence

•Preeminence Among Literature•Preeminence Among Literature

1) Preeminent in circulation1) Preeminent in circulation

2) Preeminent in influence2) Preeminent in influence

3) Preeminent among religious writings3) Preeminent among religious writings

•Preservation Under Attack•Preservation Under Attack

1) Attack of man1) Attack of man

2) Attack of time2) Attack of time

A. Number of ManuscriptsA. Number of Manuscripts

B. Number of VariantsB. Number of Variants

C. Time gap between originals and earliest copiesC. Time gap between originals and earliest copies

•Proof From Archeology•Proof From Archeology

•Amazing Agreement•Amazing Agreement

1) Supposed contradictions of message1) Supposed contradictions of message

2) Supposed contradictions of numbers2) Supposed contradictions of numbers

4) Supposed historical contradictions4) Supposed historical contradictions

3) Supposed parallel story contradictions3) Supposed parallel story contradictions

5) Supposed scientific contradictions5) Supposed scientific contradictions

2. Internal Evidence2. Internal Evidence

•Total Consistency•Total Consistency

•Fulfilled Prophecy•Fulfilled Prophecy

•The Bible is gripping.•The Bible is gripping.

3. Experiential Evidence3. Experiential Evidence

•The Bible is comforting.•The Bible is comforting.

•The Bible is convicting.•The Bible is convicting.

•The Bible is freeing.•The Bible is freeing.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Mark 13:31

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Mark 13:31

“I came that you might have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b

ManMan GodGod

Sin separates

man from God

Sin separates

man from God

(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 

ManMan GodGod

Good WorksGood Works

ReligionReligion

PhilosophyPhilosophy

MoralityMorality

(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

ManMan GodGodJesus ChristJesus Christ

(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)

"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12

ManMan GodGodJesus ChristJesus Christ

(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)

Special Terms

• Apocrypha

• apostle

• canon

• canonical

• covenant

• God-breathed

• history of redemption

• self-attesting