THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE 2 Pet. 3:1-2 [By Ron Halbrook]

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Introduction 1. 2 Pet. 3:1-2 God gave 66 books of Scripture to be remembered & obeyed

1. 2 Pet. 3:1-2 God gave 66 books of Scripture to be remembered & obeyed 1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye 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 and Saviour:

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Introduction 2. The canon of Scripture means the true books Canon: rule, standard 2 Tim. 3:16-17 If a book is inspired of God, it is canonical (part of the canon)

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, 2 Tim. 3:16-17 If a book is inspired of God, it is canonical (part of the canon) 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Introduction 3. How God produced 66 inspired books God produced 39 Old Testament books Old Testament complete before 1st century God produced 27 New Testament books New Testament complete by end of 1st century

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books A. God Sent True Prophets to Reveal His Word Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true

Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true 9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. [NIV]

Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true 12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. 13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. 14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true 15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17 And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.

Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true 18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

Deut. 18:9-22 Only God’s prophets are true 20 But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 21 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? 22 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books A. God Sent True Prophets to Reveal His Word God’s Word was confirmed by miracles Ex. 8:22 God’s prophets foretold the future: plague of flies in Egypt not Goshen Ex. 4:1-5 God’s prophets performed many miracles

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books B. Moses Wrote the Pentateuch Gen.-Deut.: foundation of all true revelation, ¼ of the Old Testament Ex. 24:4 The 1st giving of the Law: Moses spoke & wrote “all the words of the Lord”

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books B. Moses Wrote the Pentateuch Ex. 31:18; 34:1, 27-28 The covenant written by God’s hand because He guided Moses: “I will write” (34:1), “Write…these words” (34:27)

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books C. God’s Written Word Was Preserved Deut. 17:18 Kings were to make copies Josh. 1:7-8 Joshua had the Pentateuch Josh. 24:26-27 Joshua wrote as a prophet

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books C. God’s Written Word Was Preserved 2 Kgs. 22-23 King Josiah (640-609 BC) found the Law in the temple 22:10-13 Found book (scrolls) 22:16-17 Idolatry cursed (Lev. 26; Deut. 28) 23:21 Passover (Ex. 23:15-17; 34:23-24; Lev. 23:4-14; Deut. 16:1-8) 23:24 Mediums cursed (Lev. 19:32; Deut.18:11)

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books D. History Books Based on Prophets’ Word 1 Chron. 29:29 Kings’ history from records of Samuel, Nathan, & Gad 2 Chron. 9:29; 12:15; 13:22; 20:34; 26:22; 32:32 Records of 6 prophets (Isa.)

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books E. Books of Wisdom & Worship from God Job Author unknown, but record recognized in Old & New Testaments (Ezek. 14:14; Ja. 5:11) 2 Sam. 23:1-2 David wrote half the Psalms

2 Sam. 23:1-2 David wrote half the Psalms 1 Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books E. Books of Wisdom & Worship from God 1 Kgs. 4:29-32 God gave Solomon wisdom: wrote Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, & Song of Solomon

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE I. God Produced 39 Old Testament Books F. God Raised Up Prophets, Isaiah to Malachi, to Expose Sin & Promise the Savior “Thus saith the Lord” 413 times in O.T., 157 in Jer. Jer. 7:25 God sent prophets again & again 25 Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE II. Old Testament Complete Before 1st Century A. 39 Canonical Books Story of Israel leading to the Messiah

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE II. Old Testament Complete Before 1st Century A. 39 Canonical Books Ezra 7:10-11 Ezra a scribe about 450 BC organized Old Testament books

[How We Got the Bible, Rose Publ.:2005]

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE II. Old Testament Complete Before 1st Century A. 39 Canonical Books 250 BC Hebrew Bible of 24 books translated into 39 books in Greek (Septuagint, LXX) 200-100 BC Dead Sea scrolls: Hebrew copies of all books except Esther Lk. 24:44 Threefold division of 24 books (combining some of the 39)

Luke 24:44 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms [also called the writings], concerning me. -

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE II. Old Testament Complete Before 1st Century A. 39 Canonical Books Josephus (AD 33-100), Jewish historian, mentions all books except Job N.T. quotes 30 O.T. books in 278 specific quotations & direct allusions, with indirect references in all 39 (Roger Nicole, “N.T. Use of O.T.,” in Revelation & the Bible, ed. Carl F.H. Henry [Grand Rapids: Baker, 1958]:137-151)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/pnt/pnt08.cfm

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books A. The N.T. Was Written by Christ’s Authority Matt. 28:18-20 Apostles preached & wrote under the direct authority of Jesus

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, Matt. 28:18-20 Apostles preached & wrote under the direct authority of Jesus 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books B. God Verified the Truth with Miracles Mk. 16:15-20 Apostles given miraculous powers to confirm their message

Mk. 16:15-20 Apostles given miraculous powers to confirm their message 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

with signs following. Amen. Mk. 16:15-20 Apostles given miraculous powers to confirm their message 19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books B. God Verified the Truth with Miracles 2 Cor. 12:12 False teachers could not perform these miracles 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books C. The Apostles’ Word Was Proclaimed, Received, & Circulated as God’s Word Acts 15:19-32; 16:4-5 Letter settles doctrinal dispute (vv. 28, 30-31) 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 4:6, 17; 14:37 Paul’s teaching authoritative in all churches

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 4:6, 17; 14:37 Paul’s teaching authoritative in all churches 17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books C. The Apostles’ Word Was Proclaimed, Received, & Circulated as God’s Word Col. 4:16 Letters circulated among churches

Col. 4:16 Letters circulated among churches 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books D. N.T. Books Were Recognized as Scripture Immediately 1 Tim. 5:18 Paul cites Deut. 25:4; Matt. 10:10; & Lk. 10:7 as Scripture

Deut. 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. 1 Tim. 5:18 Paul cites Deut. 25:4; Matt. 10:10; & Lk. 10:7 as Scripture 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Deut. 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Matt. 10:10…for the workman is worthy of his meat. Lk. 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books D. N.T. Books Were Recognized as Scripture Immediately 2 Pet. 3:1-2, 15-16 Peter includes teaching of Apostles with “other scriptures” Jude 17-18 Jude cites Peter’s teaching as authoritative with all Apostles (2 Pet. 3:3)

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books E. Apostolic Word Warns Against All Other Claims of Revelation as False 2 Cor. 11:13-15 False apostles Gal. 1:8-9 Not even an angel can reveal any change of the original gospel

Gal. 1:8-9 Not even an angel can reveal any change of the original gospel 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE III. God Produced 27 New Testament Books E. Apostolic Word Warns Against All Other Claims of Revelation as False Rev. 22:18-19 Do not add or subtract

Rev. 22:18-19 Do not add or subtract 18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE IV. New Testament Complete by End of 1st Century A. 27 Books Circulated & Recognized Justin Martyr (100-147): 4 Gospels, several of Paul’s epistles, Revelation Irenaeus (135-200): quoted 23 books Turtullian (160-240): mentions 24 books Clement of Alexandria (165-220): names 23 books but used all 27

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE IV. New Testament Complete by End of 1st Century A. 27 Books Circulated & Recognized Muratorian Canon (170): lists 22-23 books (2-3 John possibly combined)

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE IV. New Testament Complete by End of 1st Century A. 27 Books Circulated & Recognized Eusebius (260-340): lists all 27 books; 331 Emperor Constantine ordered 50 copies Codex Sinaiticus

27 Books Circulated & Recognized

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Conclusion 1. 2 Pet. 3:1-2 God gave 66 books of Scripture to be remembered & obeyed

1. 2 Pet. 3:1-2 God gave 66 books of Scripture to be remembered & obeyed 1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye 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 and Saviour:

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Conclusion 2. How God produced 66 inspired books God produced 39 Old Testament books Old Testament complete before 1st century God produced 27 New Testament books New Testament complete by end of 1st century

THE WRITING & CANON OF SCRIPTURE Conclusion 3. God gave His Word for us to hear & obey: sinful life empty, miserable! 4. Matt. 28:19 God offers forgiveness in Christ! 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: