Formation of the NT canon Group 8 96121138陳長陞 96121154沈怡婷 96121172潘慧德

Identification The second section of the Holy Bible Being written in the years following the resurrection of Jesus Christ Not every book is made into the New Testament canon 2

Significance The word “canon”, a Greek word for “a straight rod” Being considered inspired by God in the same way as the Old Testament books of law Setting the standard for Christian teaching and practice. 3

A Natural Delivery The New Testament was NOT dropped from heaven. The New Testament was NOT delivered by an angel. The New Testament was NOT found in a farmer’s field like the Book of Mormon. The New Testament was NOT suddenly “discovered” in a clay jar with 27 “books” intact like the Dea Sea Scrolls or the Nag Hammadi texts.

Criteria's used to decide on the formation of the New Testament canon 1. The author must have either been an apostle or the close associate of an apostle. 2. The document cannot contradict other “inspired” writings with respect to doctrinal teaching. 3. The document must share the overall “feel” and “character” of other inspired writings. 4. Must have been cited by early Christian writers and be accepted by the majority of churches.

Timeline AD 140 – Marcion eliminated the Old Testament. AD 367 – Athanasius wrote the earliest extant list of the books of the New Testament. AD 1442 – The entire Church recognizes the 27 books. AD 1536 – 4 New Testament books were removed from their normal order and placed at the end. AD 1546 – 27 books are traditionally accepted.

The role of the church the Church does not control the Canon, but the Canon controls the Church? The Church cannot 'make' or 'lay down' its own standard. All that the Church can lay down is that it has received the Canon as a standard and rule for faith and life, handed down to it with absolute authority.

Persecution/politics Significance of history -Why did people want to canonize? Heretical stimulus Missionary stimulus Persecution/politics