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How Do We Know the Correct Books Are in the Bible?

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The Bible, as we have it today, consists of sixty-six books. The fact that these books belong as Holy Scripture is confirmed by the testimony of Jesus Christ.

First, with regard to the Old Testament we have the testimony of Jesus to the existing books. He confirmed the accepted three-fold division of our canonical books.

These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me (Luke 24:44).

The Promise of Jesus

As far as the New Testament is concerned, we have the promise of Jesus.

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you (John 14:26).

Though we do not have His guarantee after the fact, we have this promise that a New Testament would be given. Thus, we have Jesus “pre-authenticating” the New Testament.

Nature of God

Another reason we can be assured the correct books in the Bible is the nature of God. It has been estimated there are a quintillion stars in the universe and the Bible says God calls them by their names. If God is able to do this, He certainly is able to preserve intact His Word for the benefit of mankind.

Conclusion

Since we have the testimony of Jesus that God preserved the Old Testament for His people, we can also be assured that God took the same care in preserving the New Testament books. When the evidence is examined, we find it consistent and credible.

NOTE: This is just an introduction to the canonicity of Scripture. For a more thorough take, please see the class History and Authenticity of the Bible, available for free at the Blue Letter Bible Institute.

Comments

    • I think they are just using scripture to prove scripture. A 5 point argument may be too ‘man’ made.
      Would you explain it to us please?
      Thank you
      Peter

  2. I just want to say thank-you for all the help you are giving me, a guy unfriended me because he knows I’m a christian.

  3. “Nature of God

    Another reason we can be assured the correct books in the Bible is the nature of God. It has been estimated there are a quintillion stars in the universe and the Bible says God calls them by their names. If God is able to do this, He certainly is able to preserve intact His Word for the benefit of mankind.”

    I think this maybe cannot be a reason (Though true), for any religion could ‘reason’ that of their book. And say God is able to… in their book.

    • At the same time, when you read about the God of the Bible, when you read about what He says of himself, that He knows no other, that there is no other, that theres no searching of his understanding, that he knew us before we were formed in the womb, that theres no one to give him counsel, every other “deity” or religious system pales in comparison to Him. Not to sound insenstive to other people who practice other religions, but He is able to do what He says he can do and more than what we can ask of him.

  5. if this wasn’t so why would it still be undersuch attack as be an outdated book..thank you much for all the resources we have here

  6. Years ago when I learned of other “books” written that did not make the “cut” into what we know as the 66 books – the bible..I too wondered how the final compilation of book decisions were made. And while the first portion of your answer concerning the “three-fold division of canonical books” is the beginning of a great response to “knowing” if the correct books are for lack of a better word correct. It really brings to surface that christians, must as the bible says search the scripture daily – sometimes in the midst of studying the bible, I think we miss the point of experiencing G-d, knowing G-d and the power of the resurrection of King Jesus. In other words knowing that what we are reading is G-d! G-d has given man so many gifts by way of technology and the abilities to study His Word – In the times we live now biblical technology is at our finger tips. That is why websites such as BLB are absolute blessings and a testimony to G-d’s ultimate plan for us all and that NONE should perish. Martin Luther understood and challenged us all to get to know G-d, His teachings and His voice…so that when a deceiver is in the midst the power of His word would alert us. It is every believers responsibility to enter in and come to the saving knowledge of the One and only Truth! Thank you so much BLB – you are ALL truly instruments of the Most High G-d!

  7. If this is the totality of our defense for the canon of scripture then we are in trouble! Good points are made, but they (in and of themselves) will not suffice in light of the growing skepticism of our day (even within the church). On all of these points mentioned above; those who hold to a different canon of scripture could also use the same arguments to defend their position as well!

  8. We don’t need to defend the scriptures. They are Spiritually discerned and won’t make sense to those who reject Christ, no matter how much we build a case. “1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
    Part of our Faith has to be in believing the beautiful truths in the Bible and knowing, without a doubt, that they are the Word of God. We also have to believe that God perfectly preserved these books for us to give us His complete and inerrant Word, not allowing man’s corrupt communication to damn the whole world. Lastly, in James 1 we read that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God. And in Luke we read: “Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”
    God will supernaturally give wisdom and knowledge to those who respond to His call of Salvation.
    May God bless you all.

    • “we don’t need to defend the scriptures” because they are “spiritually discerned”!

      What about 1 Peter 3:15?…But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always [be] ready to [give] a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;…

      “the hope that is in us” is concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ, where is that gospel found? In the scriptures!

      The fact that the scriptures are “spiritually discerned” certainly is not a reasonable rational to sit back and say “I won’t bother giving a defense for what I believe and why I believe this book…after all, you won’t understand anyway”

      Biblical authority must be a topic in which believers are well versed and ready to defend. Sorry brother, love ya, but I think you need to rethink this.

      http://www.rforh.com
      http://www.answersingenesis.org
      http://www.icr.org

  9. I think this article is a good start to answering the question posed. However, I must agree with other posts that this answer is not complete enough to hold a “reasoning” unbeliever’s skepticism at bay. I think a more thorough answer would be that we have 66 books written by many authors over a period of 1500 years and all of these books perfectly compliment each other with no contradictions. No other books can make this claim. This is another reason we know we have the correct scriptures: Consistency. Also, there are literally THOUSANDS of ancient manuscripts used in translating our bible. No other book can claim this distinction either. Even the oldest books such as Homer’s Odyssey, or The Iilad have as few as one hundred ancient manuscripts with which to compare themselves too. Our scriptures are comparable to THOUSANDS of ancient texts. In addition to this, archeology has provided dozens of examples of the historical accurracy of God’s Word. This short post only scratches the surface of how we can know our God has mightily and perfectly preserved His precious and Holy Word.

    • I wonder if I could ask here…there is one (apparent) contradiction that I have been struggling with for a couple of years now, and am unsure how to reconcile.

      Matt 5:18,19 – (Words of Jesus) “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

      …compared to…

      Col 2:14-16 “…having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him. Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or Sabbath day…”

      ?

      • Dave,

        Great question, and something to remember whenever reading the Bible is that context is key. Here is Jesus is saying that “nothing shall pass from the Law.” Not one iota shall pass from it. Jesus was very serious about the Law being a holy collection of writings- even the minutia. But while Jesus upheld the Law completely and without error, he also fulfilled it by dying on the cross.

        At the outset it sounds like Paul is discounting the Law, saying “we don’t need to keep the law.” But what was happening in Colosae was that people were trying to find salvation by keeping the law, rather than trusting in faith. Paul is saying, “the old law is done away with. The old law, though from God, only shows us that we can’t keep it. Christ has “nailed it to the cross.” A new law has come: a law of grace that does not depend on human works.

        Does that make sense?

        • Thanks Shaun, that makes sense. I think the point of my confusion is about how Jesus is saying that “whoever annuls and teaches others to do the same” will be counted least in the kingdom of heaven.

          What I’m not clear on is that I haven’t found a place where Jesus gives the same leniency as Paul. It sounds here (to me) to be the opposite…?

          Biblical argument aside – I know I can’t possibly keep the law (or any ideal moral code, really) perfectly. I was raised as a Protestant, and so I understand Paul’s message about being under grace and not works. I’m just troubled that Jesus says this, and wonder how to reconcile it without ignoring it.

          • Dave,

            Another point that needs to be considered when we look at the things that Christ did and said during His earthly ministry is this: for Christ and the Israelites that Christ spoke to before His death, the Law of Moses was still in effect, for the Old Covenant had not yet been fulfilled.

            So, Christ did keep and fulfill the Law perfectly, and yet He prepared the way for the Kingdom of Heaven that would come through Him by teaching of the greater covenant that was to come at His resurrection. This truth is seen in His emphasis on the ‘spirit’ of the Law versus the letter.

            Once Christ was crucified and died, the old covenant and all its observances and ordinances were simultaneously fulfilled and abolished. It is important to understand that the word ‘abolish’ (KJV) that Paul uses in Ephesians 2:15 is a legal term that means ‘to do away with a law or statute’.

            Christ had the authority to do this for two reasons:

            1. He perfectly fulfilled the law and therefore it was completed in Him.

            2. He (being God) was the 1st party of the covenant between Israel and God and at His death, Israel was released from the covenant or contract. This is standard contract law and is upheld in the scriptures in the teaching of the marital covenant between a man and a woman (which is an earthly type for the covenant between God and His bride) – if one of the two should perish, the other is released and free to ‘remarry’.

            Once the Old Covenant was abolished, the new Covenant was established through Christ and it is this covenant of the Spirit that we enter into through our common faith with Abraham in the ‘promised seed’ of He through whom the whole world would be blessed.

            If you carefully study the teachings of Christ throughout the Gospels, you will find that He carries over almost all of the 10 commandments from the Old Covenant to the New. One notable exception is the strict observance of the Sabbath, which was replaced by the observance of the ‘Feast of the Firstfruits’ which occurred on the ‘morning following the Sabbath’…Sunday morning.

            Christ still desires our obedience to Him and to the spirit of the Law that was given to Moses, and as I stated above, He taught this to the disciples and all that listened and heard Him teach. Paul also taught this in his epistles. It is our proper response to the grace that has so freely been given to us.

            Hopefully this lengthy response begins to address your concerns with reconciling Christ’s words in Matthew 5 and Paul’s words in Colossians 2 and Ephesians 2.

            Cheers!

  10. I think a lot of this controversy is self explanatory. If you are truly saved and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ then you should have no doubt of what’s in the bible. Either you believe it all or none of it. If you read it and study God’s holy word you will know that it is just and correct. Not to be added to or taken away from by any man. Thanks for all the study references.

  11. As we dicuss what is or is not in the Bible, we need to remember that God is still, and always is in controll. He IS the author and finisher. Our hearts and minds are in his hands. Even if it was the plan of the enemy to omit certain books from the Bible, God in His omnipotence has made it abound to our good.

    It is amazing how we still allow satan to sidetrack us from the grace and goodness of God with these insignificant tricks. The Holy Spirit is faithful to guide us into all truths. Let us hold fast to, stand on, and fully excercise the words that God has allowed us to have.

    God’s word is powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword. We can overcome any attack with the word that we have.

  12. Debate cannot enter into an argument for or against a Holy G-d. It is the gift of salvation and consequential enduring Faith that must at the first and last be the foundation of any so-called defense. G-d is G-d and can prove Himself, all by Himself. Consider the story of 1 Kings 18:21 “And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, follow him.” In the New Testament, Jesus warned even Peter, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat! It is we who must pursue our G-d and “Prove all things; holding fast to that which is good. 1 Thes 5:21 Each of us individually will have to bare an account of our lives as we stand in judgment before a Holy Throne. I suppose many skeptics and or non-believers just want to be MADE to believe when the bible simply says, “Only believe!” In wanting to come to the saving knowledge of Christ, there is no debate…there is only pursuit of Him & the Truth…there is no skepticism there is the knowing power of G-d, “Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God – Mar 12:24

    • * “Prove all things; holding fast to that which is good. 1 Thes 5:21 *

      Amen on this one. God through the Holy Spirit has retained all that we need to know for salvation even until the end of time. I rely on this.

  13. These points are but minor nuances of the reliability of the Bible, but they are a great way to wet someone’s appetite to dig in and learn more. Jesus told us the first and greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Notice the word mind. God gave us a phenomenal mind and wants us to pursue Him and know Him.

    Look into the historical accuracy of the Bible, it’s been proven over and over and over. It has been not only proven via history, but by archeology, science and daily life.

    Thanks to BLB for a place to discuss this with others.
    God wants us to explore His holy and powerful and glorious Word, which will stand even if heaven and earth pass away. It goes far beyond all the standards required for historic proof — is corroborated not only by the different authors of the 66 books, but by accurate historic accounts written by eye witnesses in lifetime of other eye witnesses. And there are more than 6,000 manuscripts that it has been drawn from. More than any other historic book.

    Look at Lee Strobel’s books The Case for Faith, and The Case for Christianity.

    There are sooo many scientific and historic studies and documents verifying the Bible’s accuracy, it is amazing. It’s a thrilling and totally encouraging study to do over time and gives you a means of intelligently responding to people’s questions about your faith, with grace and humility.

    Please, get informed so you can teach and encourage and witness to others. Jesus’ last command to us was to out and make disciples.

  14. There are plenty of proofs and evidence available for those inclined to take the time and effort to seriously study the field of biblical textual criticism, the history of the Greek and Hebrew manuscripts and their transmission through history to us today.

    For example, one popular and spurious argument leveled against the canon and its authenticity as ‘God’s Word’ versus ‘man’s choice’, is the claim that Constantine I, during the first Council of Nicaea (AD325), helped ‘decide’ which books of the bible were ‘legitimate’ and which were not.

    This false claim is easily shown to be in error when we collectively consider the writings of the early church fathers such as Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and many others who quote from and refer to most of the books within our modern bibles. All of these men lived almost 2 centuries before the Council of Nicaea.

    Additionally, the Muratorian frgament, a 7th century piece of a manuscript, is a copy of a 2nd century list of the books of the bible, again providing general corroboration of the current canon having been settled hundreds of years prior to Constantine and his council.

    These are just a few of many proofs that are available to lend hard evidence to the faith of the righteous that stand upon the Word of God as inspired, infallible, and preserved unto this very day.

    Cheers!

    • Holy men of old wrote as the they were moved on to give us sripture. That doesn’t mean the men who fussed and fought over what books made it into the canon they wanted were holy or that the canon included all legitimate writings. Study for yourself and let the Holy Spirit guide you in understanding. I have no problem with the books in our Western Culture “bible” but any basic understanding of history and how this bible came about tells you it’s at the very least controversial. Does it give us more than enough to point us to Jesus, yes. Does this mean there weren’t other books just as valid left out, no. There are many books that pass the test as authentic that didn’t make it into our “bible” like The Gospel of Peter, The Epistle of Barnabas, Solomons Books of Wisdom, Psalms and Odes. etc. Don’t be afraid to study this for yourself. How naive to think the historical proof of controversy over this canon doesn’t shine light into how politcally corrupt the organized church had become only a few hundred years after Christ.

      • Don, sadly, your argumentation and reasoning is indicative of heavy influence by the ‘modern’ (18th century) anti-supernaturalism movement that swept through Germany and Europe before leaving its indelible mark upon America’s churches and theologians.

        It is ironic that you argue for ‘study[ing] for yourself and let the Holy Spirit guide you…’ on the matter of the biblical canon – yet you seem to ignore the obvious imprint of the Holy Spirit’s hand that guided the remnant within the early church and subsequent believers across Asia, Europe, and eventually America, to select and choose the books that have become our Bible.

        We must be very careful, even under the best intentions, to not open ourselves up to deception by our enemy by ‘inquiring of the Holy Spirit’ on a matter that God has already clearly spoken…remember, God will not be mocked.

        Are we really to believe that God perfectly inspired and delivered His Word to the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, and then left the matter unattended to for the remainder of history, only to be finally (or not so finally) decided by the mere reasoning and efforts of men guided not by a foundation of reverence and fear of a supernatural God, but rather by a desire to accommodate the disbelieving theories of self-appointed scholars? That is the truth of the background behind this line of thinking and its origins.

        Let’s take a look at just one of the writings you offer as ‘authentic’ – the Gospel of Peter.

        Eusebius of Caesarea (AD 260-340), a well-known early church historian, noted that the Gospel of Peter was among the church’s rejected writings and had heretical roots. Additionally, Serapion, a bishop in Antioch (late 2nd Century), notes that the Gospel of Peter had docetic overtones and advised that church leaders not read it to their congregations. From Serapion we know that the Gospel of Peter was written sometime in the second century, thus could not have been written by the real Peter, a contemporary of Christ.

        Finally, the fact that the Bible has been surrounded in ‘controversy’ over the centuries is primarily proof of its truth and power as our enemy has sought to undermine the faith of the elect by his continual attack upon the written Word, much as he did upon the incarnate Word when He walked this earth.

        Cheers!

      • I say this. Too many of my Hebraic Roots brothers and sisters blame the Catholic church for not allowing “other” books into the Cannon. It’s interesting that they also see that the translations were “twisted” because of anti semitism. Some do buy the validity of much of the New Testament but believe that Paul has been twisted in translation. I say, that they are telling me that G-d is not in control. I believe that YAH, who created the universe and us can also, through even the Catholic church, arrange the books and epistles that need to be there. I am not saying that books like the book of Enoch aren’t authentic as it is mentioned in the New Testament, but it seems that YAH didn’t see it as a viable part of the Cannon. If a person doesn’t think that the correct books are together, than you are saying that YAH is not all powerful and sovereign to do what He wills to do. Shalom

        • Yitzhak,

          While I have larger concerns with the whole Hebrew Roots / Messianic Jews movement and their Judaizing influence upon the Body of Christ, I do heartily agree with your conclusion and departure from their teaching concerning the canon and especially Paul’s writings. You are right to conclude that God is able to preserve His Word for us, despite the efforts of many individuals and groups throughout history, the Roman Catholic Church included.

          I find (having spent time with a Hebrew Roots group in my area and having studied the teachings from the popular authors and figures within this movement) that they need to claim Pauline distortion simply because Paul condemns much of their beliefs and activities.

          Cheers!

  15. What’s with the G_d stuff? That is a hold-over of judaism. God revealed His name to us- YHVH I AM THAT I AM. The veil was rent- stop the silliness.

    • Karen,

      I doubt that Sionnaine is ‘offended’ by your use of ‘G-d’, but rather is exhorting you to give up the practice within Judaism (Pharisee-ism) of not speaking or writing the name of God or His title. Remember, as a Christian, you are in a covenant relationship with a very personal and approachable God, who, as Sionnaine correctly pointed out, rent the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple, signifying that we now have direct access to the very presence of God through our Lord and Savior and High Priest, Jesus Christ.

      To give undo reverence not required by God, is to hold Him at a distance that is of purely human imagination. Additionally, you associate yourself with a religion that is sadly as anti-Christ today as it was in Jesus’ time.

      Cheers!

      • my use of G-d has absolutely nothing to with Judaism…it is totally personal. However, because this has caused a stumbling block regarding the true origins of this conversation, I must apologize so that the pursuit of Truth in accordance with why this conversation began in the first place can be obtain by us all!
        To the One and Living True GOD….may He get all the glory!

        • Amen Karen!

          Hopefully my attempt to exhort was not taken on the chin but rather was seen as the feeble efforts of a Christian brother to caution a sister in her Christian practices.

          I think it was – by your graceful response! 🙂

          God Bless!

      • You do ok Karen. Don’t let others in their narrow view of things deter you from your personal reverence of the Name. If one reads the book of Romans and other writings of Paul, they will see that YAH blinded Israel in part to Who Messiah was. They were blinded to the suffering Messiah, even though it was all through the book of Isaiah. If Israel had recognized their Messiah, He wouldn’t have been crucified and that would have meant failure in YAH’s plans. We would still be in our sins. Remember that Y’shua came and did two things: He confirmed the promises to the fathers (Abrahamic Covenant) and opened the door for the Gentiles to be brought into adoption in the family of Abraham and to glorify YAH for His mercy on them. I use G-d as respect for believing Jews as they are still YAH’s chosen, regardless of what anyone thinks. We share the Gospel of Y’shua to the Jew first and than the Greek?!!! Shalom

    • Actually it is I AM “WHO” I AM . . EYEH ASHER EYEH. OR more accurately I WILL BE WHO I WILL BE –
      אהיה אשר אהיה This is in the original Hebrew. YHWH would be the original as the V in YHVH vav, was changed from Wav. There are many interpretations as to what YHWH would be translated to. Perhaps YAHWEH? Maybe the WEH is from the root EYEH making it YAH IS? shalom

  16. Referring to the Blue Letter Bible Site 🙂 we can find this scholarly account by Hitchcock that may shed some light on the subject at hand.

    Hitchcock’s Topical Analysis of the Holy Bible

    http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/hta/hta.cfm#section=1

    Book 1. Scripture
    Chapter 1. Books and Authors
    Chapter 2. Promulgation of Scripture
    Chapter 3. Characteristics of Scripture
    Chapter 4. Duty to Know and Obey Scripture
    Chapter 5. Advantages of Scripture

  17. * … when we collectively consider the writings of the early church fathers such as Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, Tertullian, and many others who quote from and refer to most of the books within our modern bibles. All of these men lived almost 2 centuries before the Council of Nicaea. *

    Yes!

    Read the account of the Early Church Fathers especially St. Polycarp. He was the “Angel of Smyrna” of which the Alpha and Omega spoke in Revelation.

    Polycarp was appointed the Bishop of Smyrna by none other than St. John the Divine from the greatest good pleasure and confidence of the Alpha and Omega.

    Polycarp was St. John’s student and knew most of the other Apostles such as St. Paul and St. Peter. He also spoke with many people who knew Yeshua. Polycarp refers most of the Scriptures Books of the New Testament.

    Once you read his account you will never come away with a story of a Martyr after the death of the Apostles who defended the Scripture more than he.

    Go to:

    The Christian Classic Ethereal Library
    ANF01. The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/anf01.toc.html

    POLYCARP

    Introductory Note to the Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians
    Epistle to the Philippians
    Chapter I.—Praise of the Philippians.
    Chapter II.—An exhortation to virtue.
    Chapter III.—Expressions of personal unworthiness.
    Chapter IV.—Various exhortations.
    Chapter V.—The duties of deacons, youths, and virgins.
    Chapter VI.—The duties of presbyters and others.
    Chapter VII.—Avoid the Docetæ, and persevere in fasting and prayer.
    Chapter VIII.—Persevere in hope and patience.
    Chapter IX.—Patience inculcated.
    Chapter X.—Exhortation to the practice of virtue.
    Chapter XI.—Expression of grief on account of Valens.
    Chapter XII.—Exhortation to various graces.
    Chapter XIII.—Concerning the transmission of epistles.
    Chapter XIV.—Conclusion.
    Introductory Note to the Martyrdom of Polycarp
    The Martyrdom of Polycarp
    Chapter I.—Subject of which we write.
    Chapter II.—The wonderful constancy of the martyrs.
    Chapter III.—The constancy of Germanicus. The death of Polycarp is demanded.
    Chapter IV.—Quintus the apostate.
    Chapter V.—The departure and vision of Polycarp.
    Chapter VI.—Polycarp is betrayed by a servant.
    Chapter VII.—Polycarp is found by his pursuers.
    Chapter VIII.—Polycarp is brought into the city.
    Chapter IX.—Polycarp refuses to revile Christ.
    Chapter X.—Polycarp confesses himself a Christian.
    Chapter XI.—No threats have any effect on Polycarp.
    Chapter XII.—Polycarp is sentenced to be burned.
    Chapter XIII.—The funeral pile is erected.
    Chapter XIV.—The prayer of Polycarp.
    Chapter XV.—Polycarp is not injured by the fire.
    Chapter XVI.—Polycarp is pierced by a dagger.
    Chapter XVII.—The Christians are refused Polycarp’s body.
    Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.
    Chapter XIX.—Praise of the martyr Polycarp.
    Chapter XX.—This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren.
    Chapter XXI.—The date of the martyrdom.
    Chapter XXII.—Salutation.

    After reading Polycarp’s account you will be indeed humbled of heart!

    • Well done Pat! Thanks for adding Polycarp and Justin Martyr to my short list of notable early church fathers!

      • Thank you Gil! 😉

        One of my longer posts. I hope all will be tolerant of its length. No doubt this will go long also.

        Once I discovered Polycarp my life has not been the same. I am very interested in learning about Early Church of the First and Second Century.

        I found mention of Polycarp as the last of the Church Fathers to die who directly learned from a Saint Apostle. He is called the Heretic Fighter.

        Remember the Church of Smyrna was given praise above all others defending Christ to all calling themselves Christians but who were not such as the heretic Marcion of Rome.

        We indeed may be tested as much as Polycarp but only God knows.

        I highly recommend all stop what you are doing (so to speak) except reading the Scriptures for understanding daily and read about this Saint.

        Some Protestants don’t use the capital S on saints but I do. (I am a Protestant). I am not as sure of throughout the ages as we depart more and more of those declared Saints by some churches those who may have attained their Holy Crown and sit nearby our Savior. I am admonished not to judge others.

        I differentiate (but that is just me, don’t take my word for it) saint small s as in the communion of saints (those living when Christ comes again and those who have gone to sleep in the Lord already) and Saint Capital S reserved for those definitely nwithout much dissention who collected their crowns from Yeshua on the right side of the Gulf.

        I find it hard to deny the Apostles, other Patriarchs, many martyrs of the Heavenly multitude did not collect the privilege of the Holy Council or their position on the right side sitting very close to the Son referred to in Revelation.

        Read about the deaths of the 12 Apostles here:
        What happened to the Apostles?
        By G.R. Konig
        About-Jesus.org
        http://www.about-jesus.org/martyrs.htm

        And the classic highly praised:
        Fox’s Book of Martyrs – Welcome to the Christian Classics …
        FOX’s BOOK of MARTYRS Edited by William Byron Forbush This is a book that will never die — one of the great English classics. . . . Reprinted here in its most …
        http://www.ccel.org/f/foxe/martyrs/home.html

        My position probably isn’t proven Biblically however the Saints capital S seems logical to me as I read more about martyrs such as Saint Stephen.

        Anyway folks please, please, please read about Saint Polycarp. I promise you will never be the same!

        That level of belief of which Polycarp held a true miracle and God-given literally. A very humbling account of one who was saved from fire by the Holy Spirit.

        I pray I may be one who remains loyal to the end as some people even today face death rather than denounce Jesus. Be of good cheer! Believe the inclusion of all we need in the 66 books.

        Mat 9:2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

        Mat 14:27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

        Mar 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

        Jhn 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

        Act 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

        Act 27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of [any man’s] life among you, but of the ship.

        Act 27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

        Pray for me as I pray for all that read this very blessed BLB Blog we all may fight the good fight and run the good saintly race.

    • St. Polycarp authoritarily proves out most New Testament Canon Books by his use of Scriptures. He was the “Angel of Smyrna” of which the Alpha and Omega speaks in Revelation.

      Through St. Polycarp’s use of the NT Scripture can also authenticate the OT Canon if one considers the NT Books quote OT scripture within their contents.

      The Development of the Canon of the New Testament
      Polycarp of Smyrna (born ~70 — died (martyred) ~155 in Rome)

      http://www.ntcanon.org/Polycarp.shtml

      The Letter to the Philippians has quotations (of approval) from these writings:

      Gospel according to Matthew
      Gospel according to Mark
      Gospel according to Luke
      Acts
      I Corinthians
      II Corinthians
      Galatians
      Ephesians
      Philippians
      I Thessalonians
      II Thessalonians
      I Timothy
      II Timothy
      Hebrews
      I Peter
      I John
      III John

      Another Early Church Father that may be considered a Saint is Ireneaus who also used Scriptural Canon.

      http://www.ntcanon.org/Irenaeus.shtml

    • Personally I have no need of proof that the inclusion 66 NT Canon books to be the true logos of the Alpha and Omega is necessary. I believe the Holy Spirit has preserved these books for Christian use and edification for all times.

      The Development of the Canon of the New Testament
      Cross Reference Table: Writings and Authorities
      http://www.ntcanon.org/table.shtml

      Pay especial attention to authoritarian selections of:

      Ignatius of Antioch (born ? — died (apparently martyred) ~110 CE in Rome)
      http://www.ntcanon.org/Ignatius.shtml

      Polycarp of Smyrna (born ~70 — died (martyred)
      ~155 in Rome)
      http://www.ntcanon.org/Polycarp.shtml

      Irenaeus of Lyons (b. 120/140 Asia Minor – d.
      200/203 CE)
      http://www.ntcanon.org/Irenaeus.shtml

      Read of the heretics St. Polycarp fought and ultimately were partially causal of Polycarp’s martyrdom at the hands of the murderous Roman authorities also prompted by Judizers.

      Marcion and the Marcionites (144 – 3rd century CE)
      http://www.ntcanon.org/Marcion.shtml

      Why Canon did not include Gnostics works is evidenced by rejection of the heretic:

      Valentinus, and the Valentinians (2nd – 3rd century)
      http://www.ntcanon.org/Valentinus.shtml

  18. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32
    Studying books is good, but always remember that it is only by the Spirit of God that the reader knows the Bible is alive. Remember, there are courses in school that study the bible as literature. True, life-changing insight is only possible by fully yielding and allowing the Spirit to work in us.

  19. Your argument that the books contained in the Bible are confirmed by the testimony of Jesus Christ is unfounded. When did He ever state that one day there would be a complete revelation of God in written form? Was it ever prophesied in the Old Testament that there would one day be a complete revelation of God in written form? For what purpose then were the revelatory gifts of the Holy Spirit given? In fact, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:36 how the revelation given through the revelatory gifts are in fact, the word of God.

    In regard to the Old Testament and your claim that Jesus testified to the existing books (Luke 24:44) we need to realize he wasn’t referring to just 39 books. There were other books such as Enoch (which Jude quoted from) the book of Wisdom (which both Jesus and Paul quoted from) ect,. In fact, the Old Testament books accepted as ‘canonical’ was the result of Jewish authorities who decided in the late 1st century what books would be considered inspired. These were the same men who had rejected Christianity. Are we to suppose that they were led by the Holy Spirit in their endeavor? As a matter of fact, the councils which decided which books would be part of the Christian canon were cessationists (they believed the revelatory gifts of the Spirit had ceased in the 1st century). Are we to suppose they were led by the Holy Spirit in their endeavors?

    As for your argument that John 14:26 pre-authenticates the New Testament, this is a very, very liberal and inaccurate interpretation of the text. No where in the text is Jesus referring to anything that one day would be preserved in a volume containing numerous books.

    As for your argument that there is an estimated quintillion stars in the universe and that God is able to call them by their names and therefore certainly able to preserve intact His Word for the benefit of mankind, those who hold to another opinion or religion could also use the same argument. Such an argument is very subjective.

    As for the 5 point test of authenticity that others have asked about, this test is also very subjective.

    1. Is it authoritative?
    2. Is it prophetic?
    3. Is it authentic?
    4. Is it dynamic?
    5. Was it received, collected, read and used?

    Others have stated that a book had to be written by either or an apostle or someone in close relation to an apostle? Where is this written? By what authority was this decided?

    The argument that the Bible is the complete revelation of God is presented with a myriad of scripture passages but they are taken out of context in each instance. For example, the Bible is said to be the complete revelation of God because of the belief that it is the whole counsel of God. This is based on Acts 20:27. That however is not the context of the passage. How could Paul have declared the entire Bible when it had not yet been written? Another example is those passages where a prohibition is made concerning the adding to or the subtracting from whatever God says (Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32, Proverbs 30:6, Ecclesiastes 3:14, and Revelation 22:18-19). These passages are taught as applying to the Bible. That however is not the context of these passages. These passages simply warn against adding to or subtracting from whatever God says.

  20. See The Development of the Canon of the New Testament
    http://www.ntcanon.org/authorities.sht

    Early Christian Authorities
    An early Christian authority is included in this survey if he or it gives important evidence on the development of the canon of the New Testament (perhaps even having some influence on it) and did so before ~400 CE, when the first complete manuscripts of the Vulgate were issued. The early ‘authorities’ fall into these categories:

    early Church fathers (Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement, Tertullian, Origen, Eusebius, Didymus the Blind)
    early heretics and their followers (Marcion and Marcionites, Valentinus and the Valentinians)
    lists of canonical books (Muratorian Canon, Athanasius’ Festal Epistle)
    a single manuscript collection (codex Sinaiticus)
    series of manuscripts (Peshitta, Vulgate)

    If you study this Canon Proofing Site you can easily discern where the NT Canon was used and issue by First and Second Century Fathers.

    • We need to keep in mind that the councils who decided which books were or were not inspired were men who believed God no longer spoke through the revelatory gifts. In other words, they were cessationists. A heresy that borders blasphemy.

      The Council of Carthage, called the third by Denzinger, on 28 August 397 issued a canon of the Bible quoted as, “Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua son of Nun, Judges, Ruth, 4 books of Kingdoms, 2 books of Chronicles, Job, the Davidic Psalter, 5 books of Solomon, 12 books of Prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Tobias, Judith, Esther, 2 books of Ezra, 2 books of Maccabees, and in the New Testament: 4 books of Gospels, 1 book of Acts of the Apostles, 13 letters of the Apostle Paul, 1 letter of his to the Hebrews, 2 of Peter, 3 of John, 1 of James, 1 of Jude, and one book of the Apocalypse of John.

      • I sustain my earlier position that the Holy Spirit has preserved all scripture in the 66 Books of Canon as sufficient for full edification of all Christians.

        Having said that there are other Hebrew books or verses within verses of the 66 books. i.e. Macabees.

        Studying (perhaps?) these few mentions of other text may help in a historical context.

        I misplaced in my extensive bookmark list a very credible source of verses that include references to other sources outside the 66 books.

        I am a Protestant therefore I must personally disagree with some of the positions on the Catholic Reference Site. However I am no Catholic basher at all. I believe Catholics are Christians. Protestant credentials are not necessary to consider oneself a Christian.

        DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
        http://www.scripturecatholic.com/deuterocanon.html

  21. I do not consider myself either Catholic or Protestant, though most would categorize as a Protestant. If I were to categorize myself I would consider myself along the lines of Anabaptist. To categorize me as a Protestant implies that the Catholic Church was the first church, which anyone who has studied history is aware that such a claim is not true.

    As for the books now relegated to the Apocrypha, there is significant evidence showing they were quoted by the early church fathers, as well as by the apostles and the Lord Jesus. In fact, the King James Bible once contained these books but over time removed.

    The idea that these books were not inspired is unfounded as evidenced by the prophecies contained in many of them, the fact that they were quoted by the Lord and those who wrote the books now assigned to the New Testament.

    If the 66 books now assigned to the Bible constitute the complete revelation of God and therefor a closed canon, what are we to do with John 7:37-39 where we read of Jesus referring to a passage of Scripture not found in any of the modern Bibles containing only sixty-six books?

    In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

    And then there is the book of Jude which contains quotes from the book of the Assumption of Moses (Jude 9) and the book of Enoch (Jude 14-15).

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

    Now Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men also, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment on all, to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.

    Few believers are aware that the Assumption of Moses (also known as the Ascension of Moses) and the book of Enoch were accepted by early Christians as Holy Scripture. It was only in later centuries that the validity of these books was questioned. Even the book of Jude was questioned because he quoted from the books of the Assumption of Moses and Enoch. It wasn’t until the 4th century at the Council of Carthage that the book of Jude was considered inspired.

    If the Bible is ‘that which is perfect’ how do we explain the book of the Wars of the Lord mentioned in Numbers 21:14-15? This book was considered reliable enough for the writer to refer t?

    Wherefore it is said in the book of the wars of the LORD, What he did in the Red sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, and at the stream of the brooks that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, and lieth upon the border of Moab.

    What about the book of Jasher mentioned in Joshua 10:13 and 2 Samuel 1:18?

    And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jasher? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.

    Also he bade them teach the children of Judah the use of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jasher.

    What about the lamentation that Jeremiah made concerning Josiah, that is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 35:25 as having been recorded in the book of Lamentations, but not found in the book of Lamentations we have today?

    And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the Lamentations.

    What about the book of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 34:16?

    Search from the book of the LORD, and read: Not one of these shall fail; Not one shall lack her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them.

    What exactly is the book of the Lord? Some people are of the opinion Isaiah was referring to his own book, as if he was giving the admonishment that his book be read when they witnessed the fulfillment of his prophecies. This, however, is not how the passage reads.

    He simply was referring to a passage in a book known at that time as the book of the Lord and that the passage he referred to would confirm what he prophesied.

    Then there are some people who are of the opinion that the book of the Lord was the same book also known as the book of the Prophets. This, however, is not possible. The book of the Prophets, which was compiled by Ezra nearly 300 years after Isaiah, is a single volume containing the writings of the twelve minor prophets Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

    The only books to which Isaiah possibly could have been referring would have been those in existence prior to his ministry. This would exclude most of the Old Testament such as 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Obadiah, Jonah, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, and possibly Micah. In short, Isaiah wasn’t referring to his book or to the Book of the Prophets compiled by Ezra. He simply was referring to a book known at that time as the Book of the Lord.

    What about the Scripture of Truth mentioned in Daniel 10:21?

    But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.

    What about the prophecy spoken of in Matthew 2:23 that is not found anywhere in the Old Testament?

    And He came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, “He shall be called a Nazarene.”

    It is speculated by some that Matthew was referring to Judges 13:7.

    And He said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. Now drink no wine or similar drink, nor eat anything unclean, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.

    But the prophecy found in Judges 13:7 refers to Samson as a Nazarite signifying an order to which he would be called. Whereas the prophecy that Matthew wrote about spoke of Jesus as being a Nazarene, signifying Him as having come from the city of Nazareth.

    What about the epistle Paul referred to in 1 Corinthians 5:9, which means 1 Corinthians is actually 2 Corinthians?

    I wrote to you in an epistle not to company with fornicators.

    In the King James Bible there is a subscription found at the end of 1 Corinthians which identifies it as being Paul’s ‘first’ epistle to the Corinthians

    [The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.]

    It must be understood, however, that the oldest and most reliable manuscripts do not contain this subscription and is commonly regarded as having been added at a later date.

    And then there’s the epistle of Laodicea referred to by Paul in Colossians 4:16 which is not found in most modern Bibles though included in the Wycliffe Bible.

    Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

    What about the passage quoted by James in James 4:5 that is not found anywhere else in the Bible?

    What about do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The spirit that dwells in us yearns jealously.”?

    What about the proverb quoted by Peter in 2 Peter 2:22 that is not found in the Book of Proverbs?

    But it has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; And the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire.

    What about the Song of Moses mentioned in Revelation 15:3-4?

    And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

    In Numbers 21:14-15, Joshua 10:13, 2 Chronicles 35:25, 2 Samuel 1:18, Isaiah 34:16, Daniel 10:21, Matthew 2:23, 1 Corinthians 5:9, Colossians 4:16, James 4:5, 2 Peter 2:22, and Revelation 15:3-4 we see that these writings were referred to which indicates they were considered as being either accurate, reliable, and prophetic which implies they were inspired. So, how can the Bible be “that which is perfect” when there are other inspired writings which are excluded?

    Many people claim these books have been forever lost. However, some of these writings are in existence, having been found in recent times. Interestingly enough, and unfortunately as well, these writings, as well as any that may be discovered in the future, perhaps may never be included in the Bible due to the claim that the Bible is a closed canon.

    The decision to establish a canon was based, in large part, on the belief that the revelatory gifts had ceased and that the Lord therefore was finished speaking to humanity, especially in regard to doctrinal revelation. As a result of having established a canon for the Christian Church it is believed the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

    Again, it must be remembered the Lord never commanded that a collection of books be established as the complete revelation of God which would serve as the whole counsel of God in this present dispensation. Nor is there anything recorded in Holy Scripture stating there would come a day when a collection of books would be established as the complete revelation of God which would serve as the whole counsel of God in this present dispensation. Besides, the idea a collection of books was to be established as the complete revelation of God which would serve as the whole counsel of God in this present dispensation was foreign to the first generation of believers.

    The belief that the Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice is founded on Martin’ Luther’s doctrine of ‘Sola Scriptura’ which, for the most part, has remained largely unchallenged though no such doctrine is found anywhere in the Bible. In fact, many have taken this doctrine one step further and teach the Bible is more sure than prophetic revelation. As a result many Christians have been denied the opportunity to truly know what it means to live by all that proceeds from His mouth.

    Now, if the Bible is a closed canon and therefore the “collection of books which form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice for the Christian church”, where is it written that a collection of books was to established as “the written rule of the faith and practice for the Christian church”?

    Furthermore, if God was done speaking, who told them to establish a collection of books as a closed canon for the Christian church? Did God? How could He? According to their own theology He was no longer speaking. Nonetheless, the Bible has been deemed the “collection of books which form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian church” and as a result is considered to be a closed canon.

    As for the individuals involved in determining which books were or were not canonical, shouldn’t the judgement of these individuals be questioned? Especially since they believed the revelatory gifts had ceased and that God was done speaking.

    If there is to be a canon established for the Christian Church, what should that canon be? Perhaps we should turn to the New Testament to determine what should be the ‘canon’ of the Christian church.

    Overall, the Greek noun kanon is found five times in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 10:13,15,16; Galatians 6:14-16; and Philippians 3:16).

    In 2 Corinthians 10:13-16Paul used the word kanon to speak of ministerial ‘boundaries’ and in the King James version of the Bible was translated as ‘rule’ in verses 13 and 15, and as ‘line’ in verse 16.

    But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the Gospel of Christ: Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, to preach the Gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

    In Galatians 6:14-16 and Philippians 3:13-16, however, Paul used the Greek noun kanon to speak of the standard of faith and practice for the believer. (In both passages in the King James version of the Bible kanon was translated as ‘rule.’)

    But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

    So then, what is the ‘canon’ of the Christian Church?

    1- That in Christ Jesus neither circumcision or uncircumcision avails anything. Galatians 6:16

    2- That believers continue in the maturity they attain as they follow the Lord. Philippians 3:16

    Nevertheless, it is taught that the Bible is a closed canon and therefore ‘that which is perfect’, and as a result it is believed that the revelatory gifts have ceased. It is claimed these gifts ceased because they were temporary gifts which served as sign gifts until a collection of books could be established as the complete revelation of God.

    Those who claim these gifts have ceased claim it was with the completion of the Book of Revelation that these gifts ceased. However, it wasn’t until the fourth that an attempt was made to formalize a closed canon. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century, with the introduction of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1646, that a canon of sixty-six books was officially established as being the complete revelation of God.

    So, if the revelatory gifts have actually ceased, when did these gifts ceased? In the 1st century with the completion of the Book of Revelation? In the 4th century when a determination was made at to what books were or were not canonical? Or in the 17th century when a canon of sixty-six books was officially established as being the complete revelation of God?

    Some will claim that in the 4th century Athanasius of Alexandria, the Bishop of Alexandria, accepted the same sixty-six books considered canonical by the Westminster Confession of Faith. It must be noted, however, that Athanasius did not accept the book of Esther as canonical but did consider the book of Baruch as canonical.

    Some will claim that at the turn of the 4th century Eusebius of Caesarea, a historian of the early church, accepted the same sixty-six books considered canonical by the Westminster Confession of Faith. It must be noted, however, that Eusebius considered the book of Hebrews, the book of James, the book of 2 Peter, the book of 2 John, the book of 3 John, the book of Jude, and the book of Revelation as either dubious or false.

    What about the Ethiopian Orthodox Church? It contains four extra books in its New Testament, and another two books (including Enoch) in its Old Testament. Or what of Irenaeus, who is credited with ruling that the Gospels should number only four? He included in his canon a book called the Revelation of Peter. Or the Syrian Orthodox church? To this day Church tradition continues to reject 2 Peter, 2 John, 3 John, Jude and the book of Revelation as canonical.

    And then there is the Codex Sinaiticus from the 4th century which is the oldest complete New Testament manuscript in existence, and includes Barnabas and The Shepherd of Hermas as canonical. Even as late as the 5th century the Codex Alexandrinus considered 1 and 2 Clement as canonical.

    If that isn’t enough, there was the Reformation which brought us Martin Luther who blackballed the Septuagint, replacing it with the shorter Jewish canon accepted by the council of Jamnia at the end of the 1st century AD, despite the fact that the Lord taught from the Septuagint and even quoted from the books now assigned to the Apocrypha. While Luther considered the books of the Apocrypha acceptable to read, he did not considered them canonical. As a result his edited version of the Old Testament is now universally accepted as authoritative among most Christians today.

    Few are aware, however, that Luther’s interpretation of what is and isn’t canonical also extended to the New Testament. He pronounced the book of James “an epistle of straw” and assigned it to an appendix at the end of the New Testament. This appendix also included the book of Hebrews, the book of Jude, and the book of Revelation – as attested by Lutheran editions of the Bible of that time period. In effect, Luther assigned the book of James, the book of Hebrews, the book of Jude, and the book of Revelation to the class of New Testament apocrypha.

    An interesting example of a book that has been accepted and rejected time and time again is the book of Enoch. It was regarded as Holy Scripture among early Christians, and is even quoted in the book of Jude. In fact, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church includes it in their Old Testament canon. So is Enoch to be considered canonical? Apparently so, Since Jude quoted a prophecy from it. A prophecy that was spoken by Enoch. However, for whatever reason, it was never included in the Septuagint and has never become part of the mainstream Catholic, Orthodox or Protestant canons despite the fact Jude quoted from it.

    My reason for bringing up the controversies that surround the subject of what is and isn’t canonical is not to determine what is or isn’t canonical, but to show how the decision to establish a canon has led to the silencing of prophetic revelation.

    As a result of having formed a closed canon, a teaching has been given a foothold in most churches today which teaches that the Bible is the complete revelation of God and therefore ‘that which is perfect.’ This has led many believers to conclude that the revelatory gifts were temporary gifts which served as sign gifts until such a collection of books could be established as being ‘that which is perfect’ which, sadly, has led to a silencing of prophetic revelation.

    So, just how did the teaching that the revelatory gifts were ‘temporary’ gifts that served as ‘sign’ gifts come about? Through the mis-interpretation of Mark 16:20 and 1 Corinthians 14:22.

    In Mark 16:20 we read how the Lord confirmed, with signs, what the apostles preached. However, there is nothing in this passage indicating that these ‘signs’ would end one day.

    And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen.

    In 1 Corinthians 14:22 we read how tongues and prophecy serve as ‘sign’ gifts. Many, however, seem to read this passage in the past tense when such is not the case at all.

    Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe.

    This passage is simply stating that tongues are a sign to unbelievers, while prophesying is a sign to believers. As for the belief the revelatory gifts were ‘temporary’ gifts which served as ‘sign’ gifts, there is nothing in 1 Corinthians 14:22 that even remotely makes such a statement.

    Obviously then, the claim that Mark 16:20 and 1 Corinthians 14:22 reveal that the revelatory gifts were ‘temporary’ gifts which served as ‘sign’ gifts until such a collection of books could be established is completely unfounded.

    It must be realized the revelatory gifts are still necessary today for they serve to administer the counsel of God by revealing the mind, will, and heart of the Father for the purpose of edifying, exhorting, and comforting believers so that they might serve and worship Him in spirit and in truth. Therefore these gifts will continue until the Lord returns and we once and for all have that which is perfect.

  22. Steve,

    A finely drawn dissertation of note. Thank you. As you have so well outlined there are references throughout the 66 books of other sacred texts. As you say correctly Jesus also spoke of them.

    Where can we find reliable sources that may have survived intact on the Net of which you mention that are translated into English?

    Anabaptist
    Apocrypha
    Book of Enoch

    ? This is found where? = In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

    Assumption of Moses (also known as the Ascension of Moses)
    Book of the Wars
    Book of Jasher
    Book of the Lord
    The Scripture of Truth
    The Lamentations (full book)

    The Song of Moses (Note: this can be found in Psalms)

    Where is the (best English translation of) the Codex Sinaiticus located on the Net?

    As you say is from the 4th century which is the oldest complete New Testament manuscript in existence, and includes Barnabas and The Shepherd of Hermas as canonical. Even as late as the 5th century the Codex Alexandrinus considered 1 and 2 Clement as canonical.

    Note: 1 and 2 Clement may be written to late as it is past the death of the last student to the Apostles, The Church Father Polycarp.

    Not to dispute you but perhaps the addition of other Books into accepted Canon may be too far removed for us to discern their veracity in this present day. We were not privy to the full revelation of the Early Church Fathers that were not left to us intact. There are lost writings of Polycarp that may have been destroyed by the heretical Marcions.

    The Bible is the Living Word and is dynamic. However, one can easily make the case however the Modern “translations” have gone far, far afield from inerrancy of the manuscripts. Additions, deletions, and changes are dangerous as they easily can mislead unto false doctrine and prophesies.

    The New Testament does state in a period before the End of Days there will again be True prophesy lead by the 14400 and the Two Holy Witnesses.

  23. Steve,

    Do consider consulting =

    The Development of the Canon of the New Testament
    Cross Reference Table: Writings and Authorities
    http://www.ntcanon.org/table.shtml

    Beware of the early heretics such as the Gnostics, Marcion and Marcionites, Valentinus and the Valentinians.

    When reading Scripture pray that the Holy Spirit guide to all truth.

  24. Steve,

    Unfortunately the full Codex Sinaiticus has not been translated into English as of yet. Let us pray these modern scribes may be able to restore the codex to its original grandure.

    The Development of the Canon of the New Testament – codex Sinaiticus

    http://www.ntcanon.org/codex_Sinaiticus.shtml

    “… Codex Sinaiticus (4th century)
    This manuscript, usually designated S, was discovered in 1859 by C. von Tischendorf at the Monastery of St. Catherine at the foot of Mt. Sinai (in the south central Sinai Peninsula) after a partial discovery of 43 leaves of a 4th-century biblical codex there in 1844. Though some of the Old Testament is missing, a whole 4th-century New Testament is preserved, with the Epistle of Barnabas and most of the Shepherd of Hermas at the end. There were probably 3 hands and several later correctors.

    Tischendorf convinced the monks that giving the precious manuscript to Tsar Alexander II of Russia would grant them needed protection of their abbey and the Greek Church. Tischendorf subsequently published S at Leipzig and then presented it to the Tsar. The manuscript remained in Leningrad until 1933, during which time the Oxford University Press in 1911 published a facsimile of the New Testament portion from photographs of the manuscript taken by Kirsopp Lake, an English biblical scholar. The manuscript was sold in 1933 by the Soviet government to the British Museum for £100,000. It is now divided among 4 institutions: the British Library, the National Library of Russia, St. Catherine’s Monastery, and the Leipzig University Library. A detailed list is available.

    The text type of S is in the Alexandrian group, although it has some Western readings. Later corrections representing attempts to alter the text to a different standard probably were made about the 6th or 7th century at Caesarea…”

    More discussion and images are online at

    The Codex Sinaiticus Project
    http://www.codex-sinaiticus.net/en/
    and
    Interpreting Ancient Manuscripts Web
    http://legacy.earlham.edu/~seidti/iam/home.html

    There is no scholarly substitute for the simple faith embued inside us through the joy and hope of the Holy Spirit.

    One can certainly become singleminded with the exercise of scholarship detail and fail to gain the joy of the truth contained in the legacy of the 66 books gifted to us personally by the Holy Spirit.

  25. The question we need to ask is simple. Why did these councils feel it necessary to form a closed canon? Part of the reason was due to the belief that God was done speaking. As a result, the Bible is believed to be the more sure word.

  26. * The question we need to ask is simple. Why did these councils feel it necessary to form a closed canon? Part of the reason was due to the belief that God was done speaking. As a result, the Bible is believed to be the more sure word. *

    Great points!

    I figure the last person who really was pretty accurate was St. Polycarp since he was a First Century Father and studied directly under St. John the Divine and the Alpha and Omega praised the “Angel of Smyrna” so highly for fighting heretics.

    Read about his disagreement with the Bishop of Rome. Unfortunately politics was messing up even Early Churches. Marcion had heavy influence on the Bishop of Rome. Marcion was a HUGE Bigtime heretic in St.Polycarp’s day. Probably Marcion was heavily responsible for St. Polycarp’s martyrdom.

    Polycarp had it really rough. I think his martyrdom is fascinating and humbling to me big time. Imagine the flames being quenched supernaturally.

    There was a buffer between Polycarp and the flames described like a rainbow. There was a sweet savory smell like baked bread. Polycarp was a type as in Daniel, Meshak, Shadrak, and Obidigo (please forgive me for my misspelling).

    Again, I feel the Holy Spirit guides us in what is the truth no matter how man tries to mess us up.

    I know poor Jerome had the Vulgate he translated edited by Pope Gregory. Jerome was faithful. He must have been broken hearted at this manuscript manipulation.

    As to the Councils. Those are very removed in date from Polycarp.

    Some say the thinking on creeds like the Apostle’s Creed was to give clarity to the basic crucified, dead, and buried and the joyous ascension.

    Others say the councils were political.

    I rely on the 66 books that are closest to the oldest manuscripts, those of the ancient Greeks. More fragments are being discovered. LXX is supposed to be good.

    On the KJV read the original 1611 preface from the committees who translated what they had available. They state their limitations.

    One difference if people will note is the use of Holy Spirit and Holy Ghost. One of the committees translated Holy Ghost, another Holy Spirit.

    I will not give any comment to this. I will not grieve the Holy Spirit.

    Look out for the scripture many “modern” “translations” left out Lucifer. If the Bible used does not have Lucifer when people do a search it’s a very bad thing! It effects our looking for the true Christ’s arrival.

    • Blueletter Bible KJV/Strongs

      Lexicon Results Strong’s H1966 – heylel הֵילֵל
      Transliteration heylel Pronunciation

      hā·lāl’ (Key)

      Part of Speech
      masculine noun

      Root Word (Etymology)

      From הָלַל (H1984) (in the sense of brightness)

      TWOT Reference
      499a

      Outline of Biblical Usage Lucifer = “light-bearer”

      1) shining one, morning star, Lucifer

      a) of the king of Babylon and Satan (fig.)

      2) (TWOT) ‘Helel’ describing the king of Babylon

      Authorized Version (KJV) Translation Count — Total: 1 AV — Lucifer

      Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

      Isa 14:12 — How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Phrase from KJV Correlating Verses How art thou fallen Isa 13:10; Isa 34:4; Eze 28:13-17; Luk 10:18; 2Pe 2:4; Rev 12:7-10
      Lucifer or, day-star. 2Pe 1:19; Rev 2:28; Rev 22:16
      weaken Isa 14:4-6; Jer 50:23; Jer 51:20-24

      Gesenius’s Lexicon graphics (can’t cut and paste it.
      See:
      http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H1966&t=KJV

      Again, I am no scholar. And I certainly do not want to ever dispute the Holy Spirit. We all must use our personal connection to the Holy Spirit for discerning the LOGOs.

      This is what the scholar sources on BLB say and not me on the search keyword “Lucifer” in KJV/Strongs.

      Worth looking into what Matthew Henry and Spurgeon have to say.

      I pray dear one Holy Spirit to you!

  27. Out of the 1611 also in Calvin’s Geneva’s.
    Do parallel comparisons of “translations.”

    Isaiah 14:12

    “How art thou fallen angel from heaven. O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!” (Check the succeeding verses also)

    My KJV Companion Bible Study is pretty right on. Has the manuscripts directs that seem to be ancient Aramaic in Old Testament / Covenant.

    Notes say: Lucifer = Morning-star
    Worshipped by Assyrians as male sunrise, female at sunset.
    A name of Satan.

    This is crucial to know this. It effects the Olivett Discourses if omitted or distorted.

    Misleads the “nations” aka “people” and if were possible even the elect.

    We have to know who is the real true Morning-star. Have to know the order of arrival.

    Jesus declares himself the Messiah at the temple using Isaiah. Isaiah is a crucial book!

    Satan liberally tries to lie, steal, murder, cheat disguising THE NAME OF PURE EVIL by his manipulation calling himself Christ.
    Anti=instead of Christ.

    Anyway. PRAY to the HOLY SPIRIT for discerning and revelation.

    I will not comment what the Holy Spirit has to say.
    This is the highest form of heresy.

  28. ! OH BLOG AUTHOR PERSON !

    !!!!!!! HELP !!!!!!!!

    I ran across which KJV version they are using.
    I think I read it a Revised with some Westcott Hort in it???

    I can’t seem to find the text now just where it is stated.

    ———————

    Here is what the Blue Letter Bible site says on search selection:

    In case you are interested here is the order of precedence in displaying versions. Note in all cases, we test the validity of the translation; meaning that we can only display translations which are available on the BLB.

    First, if a link is hard-coded with a translation, that translation will be shown. For example, if a commentator were to say, “In the KJV this verse reads…,” then we link directly to the KJV. Another example, when you do a word search you are doing a search of a specific translation. So the resulting links for the search results will be linked to the selected translation.
    Second, if a preferred translation has been set, that translation will be shown when a link is not translation specific (see item above). For example, if you have set a preferred translation, the following link will open a new window to John 3:16 in your preferred translation.
    Finally, if none of the above exist, the KJV will be used as the default. Why? For nostalgic reasons!

  29. I also will not comment on Revelation and the order.

    I know what my minister says. I know where I stand at the moment on Revelation. If the Holy Spirit corrects me I will submit big time! So far so good.

    Our minister ran a Sunday night study session on Revelation. He said some ministers don’t want to go there on a chapter by chapter Verse by Verse study.

    Anyway, had we discerned differently I wouldn’t still be there.
    We agreed!

    So all how does your minister cover Revelation? Do they do a chapter by chapter verse by verse study? You don’t need to answer.

    That is for all to discern for themselves as the Holy Spirit instructs us.

    I never mess with (me myself and I s) in my words on Scripture. UH uh.

    The only I that counts is the Holy Spirit I.

    That’s why I do direct cut and pastes on the verses.
    Why I link to where I got them.

    If you catch my errors PLEASE correct me! I am a toddler-level person.

  31. Search GotQuestions.org
    “Inerrancy of Scripture”
    http://www.gotquestions.org/search.php?zoom_sort=0&zoom_query=inerrancy+of+scripture&search.x=16&search.y=23.

    “inerrancy of the Bible”

    21 results found containing all search terms.

    1. Why is it important to believe in biblical ineclurrancy?
    URL: http://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-inerrancy.html

    Read the author’s case building for inerrancy.

    Author’s conclusion:

    …
    “None of what we have presented here should be taken as a rejection of true scholarship. Biblical inerrancy does not mean that we are to stop using our minds or accept what the Bible says blindly.

    We are commanded to study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), and those who search it out are commended (Acts 17:11). Also, we recognize that there are difficult passages in the Bible, as well as sincere disagreements over interpretation. Our goal is to approach Scripture reverently and prayerfully, and when we find something we do not understand, we pray harder, study more, and—if the answer still eludes us—humbly acknowledge our own limitations in the face of the perfect Word of God.
    …”

  32. Sorry if this goes long. Needs to stand in its entirety.

    Got Questions.org

    http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-inerrancy.html

    Question: “Does the inerrancy of the Bible only apply to the original manuscripts?”

    Answer: This is truly a difficult issue to grasp. Only the original autographs (original manuscripts written by the apostles, prophets, etc.) are under the divine promise of inspiration and inerrancy. The books of the Bible, as they were originally written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), were 100% inerrant, accurate, authoritative, and true. There is no Biblical promise that copies of the original manuscripts would equally be inerrant or free from copyist errors. As the Bible has been copied thousands of times over thousands of years, some copyist errors have likely occurred.

    How do we deal with this? First, it is important to remember that the biblical manuscripts we have today are in 99% agreement with one another. Yes, there are some minor differences, but the vast majority of the biblical text is identical from one manuscript to another. Most of the differences are in punctuation, word endings, minor grammatical issues, word order, etc. – issues easily explainable as scribal mistakes. No important theological or biblical issue is thrown into doubt by any supposed error or contradiction. Biblical manuscripts from the 15th century agree completely with manuscripts from the 3rd century. We can have absolute confidence that the Bible we have today is almost exactly identical to what the apostles and prophets wrote 2000+ years ago.

    Second, we should not be quick to say “Oh, that is just a scribal error.” The vast majority, if not all, of Bible “errors” can be explained in a logical and believable manner. Those that cannot by explained, or are very difficult to explain – could very well have an answer that we simply do not know at this point. Just because we cannot find a solution does not mean that a solution doesn’t exist. Believing there to be a scribal error must be the absolute last resort in any supposed Bible “error.”

    Ultimately, though, it is possible that errors have crept into our modern manuscripts and translations of the Bible. Copyists and translators are human beings and they make mistakes. The fact that the Bible is incredibly accurate is a testimony to its inspiration and preservation by God.

    Can we still trust the Bible? Absolutely! The Bible translations we have today are God’s Word. The Bible today is just as authoritative as it was in the 1st century A.D. We can completely trust the Bible as being God’s message to us today. Yes, the biblical promises of inspiration and inerrancy only apply directly to the original manuscripts. That does not impact, though, whether our modern Bibles are accurate and authoritative.

    **** God’s Word endures forever, despite the occasional failings and mistakes of copyists and translators. ****

    Recommended Resource: The Big Book of Bible Difficulties by Geisler & Howe.
    …”

  33. One other. This has come up on the Blog periodically.
    For your consideration…

    Question: “Does the warning in Revelation 22:18-19 apply to the entire Bible or just the Book of Revelation?”

    http://www.gotquestions.org/Revelation-22-18-19.html

    Read the author’s case building points.

    Author’s conclusion:

    “…

    Although the warning in Revelation 22:18-19 is specific to the Book of Revelation, the principle applies to anyone who seeks to intentionally distort God’s Word. Moses gave a similar warning in Deuteronomy 4:1-2, where he cautioned the Israelites that they must listen to and obey the commandments of the Lord, neither adding to nor taking away from His revealed Word. Proverbs 30:5-6 contains a similar admonition to anyone who would add to God’s words: he will be rebuked and proven to be a liar. Although the warning in Revelation 22:18-19 applies specifically to the Book of Revelation, its principle must be applied to the entire revealed Word of God. We must be careful to handle the Bible with care and reverence so as to not distort its message.

    …”

    My Conclusion: Word chopping is bad. If I am ever guilty of honest mistakes, please correct me immediately.

    I stick w/ cut and pastes of Scripture lest I make a grave error.