Are There LOST Books of The Bible? Part 1 - Intro

Claiming there are “lost books” Suggests we do not have all that we should have Suggests there was some failure in the past to retain God’s word and somehow it vanished and is no longer available today

What do people mean when they say the “canon” of Scripture? Genesis --------- Revelation RULE

“CANON?” “Canon” means “rule,” “sphere,” or “line” Galatians 6:16, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God”

Process of Canonization Not by an ancient historian or council of men judging what is and is not God’s word Not the outcome of what fallible man preferred the “Bible” to consist of

Process of Canonization Jesus promised a helper (the Holy Spirit) to be given to His apostles Jn. 14:26; 16:13-15; Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:2, 4, 5, 8 Their message is inspired (Matt. 10:19, 20) Was viewed as fulfilled Acts 2:1-4, 32, 33

DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CANONIZES BOTH TESTAMENTS Old Testament Prophecy New Testament Apostles MOSES Matt. 8:4; Mk. 7:10-13; 12:26; Jn. 3:14; 7:23; etc. PROPHETS Matt. 12:39; 13:35; 21:5; etc. John 16:13 Luke 24:44-49

Process of Canonization Ezra 3:2, 4; 6:18 Isaiah 63:12 Daniel 9:11, 13 Malachi 4:4 Process of Canonization The prophets accepted the books of Moses as Holy Scripture

Process of Canonization Law of Moses Genesis Rom. 4:17 | 1 Cor. 15:45 Exodus Rom. 7:7; 9:15 | 2 Cor. 8:15 Leviticus Rom. 13:9 | 1 Pet. 1:16 Numbers Acts 13:18 | 1 Cor. 10:8-10 Deuteronomy Acts 3:22 | Rom.10:19 Process of Canonization The apostles accepted the Law of Moses as Holy Scripture John 1:17: “For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

Process of Canonization Book of Psalms Acts 1:16-20 Acts 2:25-32 Acts 13:32-37 Romans 11:9 Process of Canonization The apostles accepted the Psalms as Holy Scripture Luke 20:42, 43: “Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."’”

Process of Canonization Prophets Acts 15:15-17 Amos 9:11, 12 Romans 1:17 Habakkuk 2:4 Romans 9:13 Malachi 1:2, 3 Romans 9:25, 26 Hosea 1:10; 2:23 Galatians 4:27 Isaiah 44:1 Process of Canonization The apostles accepted the Prophets as Holy Scripture 2 Peter 3:2: “that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord…”

New Testament Canonization The early church accepted apostolic authority (Acts 2:33, 37, 42; 1 Thess. 2:13) Paul had this authority (1 Cor. 9:1, 2; 11:23; 14:37) Corinth serves as an example of seeking proof to validate such authority ( 2 Cor. 13:3; 12:11, 12; cf. Mk. 16:17, 18)

New Testament Canonization The early church accepted their preaching and written letters as inspired (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Thess. 2:15; Col. 4:16) Peter equated Paul’s writings with Scripture (2 Pet. 3:15, 16) Paul quoted from Luke’s gospel as Scripture (1 Tim. 5:18; cf. Deut. 25:4; Lk. 10:7) Jude quotes from Peter (cf. Jude 17, 18; 2 Pet. 3:3)

New Testament Canonization TESTING The early church had to: Test against false apostles and prove what is true (2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2) Test against false letters (2 Thess. 2:2) The canonization (sphere) of Scripture would be the outcome

New Testament Canonization VERIFICATION A distinguished salutation from Paul’s own hand (2 Thess. 3:17) Going to the source (cf. Acts 15:2, 25-27)

Verification & Comradery? Books that bore an apostolic stamp could be verified by others connected with an apostle’s work Romans was penned by Tertius (Rom. 16:22) Luke and Timothy worked close with Paul (2 Tim. 4:11) Silvanus (Silas) and Mark worked close with Peter and Paul (1 Pet. 5:12; 2 Cor. 1:19; Col. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:13) The apostles validated their companions and their companions could verify what was apostolic

Verification and Safeguards! The early church practiced safeguards against deceivers The practice of writing letters of commendation was in play (2 Cor. 3:1; Acts 18:27; 1 Cor. 16:10) Sending multiple choice men of reputation to be representatives (Acts 15:25-27) What was received by an apostle could not be changed by anyone not another apostle or even an angel (Gal. 1:6-9)

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Jesus Was not concerned about the Bible becoming corrupted or books being lost (Matt. 24:35) Paul Believed Timothy could be wise for salvation from reading the “copies” and “translations” of the Scriptures that existed at that time (2 Tim. 3:15, 16) 1 Pet. 1:23-25

Still To Come Consideration of the transmission of texts A word of caution regarding the use of some modern translations The allegations regarding some lost books mentioned in Scripture