Read the five important questions that were asked before a book was included in the New Testament.
Women's Community Bible Study - In the fifth of six articles on the development of the Bible, teacher and Bible commentator Nancy McGuirk explains that as Christianity blossomed, so did other writings. Soon the elders in the local synagogues had to discern which ones were to be read and studied. As the elders examined each body of writing, the main question they asked was, “To what extent is this book a pure and authentic representation of the person and the teachings of Jesus Christ?”
After the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD, a great rabbi of the Pharisees obtained permission from the Romans, (at what later came to be known as the Council of Jamnia,) to reconstitute the Sanhedrin on a purely spiritual basis.
During this important council, a number of oral traditions were recorded, some of the current books of the Bible were debated and finally, our current scriptures in the Hebrew Bible were confirmed. Then after Jesus died, His words were considered so authoritative that they were preserved along with the Old Testament, as were the writings of the apostles after their death.
As Christianity blossomed, so did other writings and the elders in the local synagogues had to discern which ones were to be read and studied. As the elders examined each body of writing, the main question they asked was, “To what extent is this book a pure and authentic representation of the person and the teachings of Jesus Christ?”
When at last a church council at the Synod of Hippo met in 393 AD they listed the 27 books of the New Testament after a long, drawn-out debate. The five general questions asked before a New Testament book was added were: Is it authoritative? Is it prophetic? Is it authentic? Is it dynamic? Did the people of God use it?
Having reviewed the usage and authority of these books, it was concluded that they were not given any authority that they did not already possess. F.F. Bruce wisely noted, “Authority is determined by God; it is discovered by man.”
So we see that the Bible is everlasting, true, authoritative and powerful! Consider the words of 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.” The word inspired in the Greek, is “theopneustos,” which means, “God-breathed.” The infinite power of God’s Word comes from God Himself.
(See below for other related articles in this series.)
Nancy McGuirk - Bible commentator, small group facilitator, and intercessor - is the founder and director of the Women's Community Bible Study International. Nancy ministers to thousands of people each week in person and through a video and audio tape ministry. The focus of her work is evangelism, discipleship and intercessory prayer. For more articles by Nancy McGuirk, go to her website at Women’s Community Bible Study a Christianity.com ministry partner.
