HOW THE BOOKS IN THE BIBLE WERE CHOSEN

The canon of Scripture refers to the collection of books that are recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative by a religious community. For Christians, the canon of the Bible includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. The process by which these books were selected and deemed canonical is a complex and historically rich topic, involving theological, historical, and community considerations.

The Old Testament Canon

The Old Testament canon for Christians is largely derived from the Jewish Scriptures, also known as the Tanakh. The Jewish canon was established over several centuries, with key moments in its development occurring during the post-exilic period (after 538 BCE) and solidifying by the time of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. The criteria for inclusion in the Old Testament were:

1. Authorship: Books were typically attributed to a recognized prophet or leader (e.g., Moses for the Torah).
2. Usage in Worship: The consistent use of these texts in Jewish religious practices and traditions was crucial.
3. Consistency and Coherence: Theological consistency with the already accepted body of Scripture and coherence in terms of narrative and doctrine.
4. Historical Acceptance: Books that had long been accepted and used by the Jewish community were more likely to be included.

Click here to get our book on Bible quiz

The Hebrew Bible consists of three main sections: the Torah (Law), the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). This tripartite division was recognized and quoted by Jesus and other New Testament writers, indicating its established status by the first century CE.

The New Testament Canon

The New Testament canon was formed over the first few centuries of the Christian era. Early Christians relied heavily on the Hebrew Scriptures, but they also produced their own texts, which eventually formed the New Testament. The criteria for inclusion were:

1. Apostolic Origin: Books needed to be linked to the apostles or their close associates.
2. Orthodox Content: Texts had to align with the core theological beliefs about Jesus, the nature of God, and salvation.
3. Widespread Use: Acceptance and use by a broad range of Christian communities across different regions.
4. Divine Inspiration: Early church leaders and councils believed the Holy Spirit guided the discernment of canonical texts.

The process of canonization involved various synods and councils, with key decisions made at the Synod of Hippo (393 CE) and the Councils of Carthage (397 and 419 CE). By these councils, the 27 books of the New Testament were affirmed as canonical.

Why Certain Books Made It to the Bible

The books that made it into the Bible were included for several key reasons:

1. Theological Soundness and Inspiration: The books were believed to be divinely inspired and consistent with the theological truths revealed by God. They provided guidance, teaching, and a coherent narrative of God's interaction with humanity.
2. Apostolic Connection: For the New Testament, the connection to the apostles ensured that the teachings were directly linked to Jesus' original followers and their eyewitness accounts.
3. Community Acceptance: Widespread and continuous use in worship and teaching by the faith communities played a crucial role. Texts that were regularly read in liturgical settings and held in high esteem by early Christians were more likely to be included.
4. Historical Endurance: Books that stood the test of time, maintaining their relevance and authority over generations, were more likely to be canonized.

Click here to get our book on Bible quiz

Conclusion

The canon of Scripture is a testament to the discernment of early Jewish and Christian communities, who, through prayerful reflection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognized certain texts as divinely inspired. These texts were not merely selected; they were recognized for their inherent authority, consistency with theological truths, and their profound impact on the faith and practice of the community. The canonization process ensured that the Bible, as we have it today, is a unified, coherent, and inspired collection of writings that continue to guide and shape the lives of believers around the world.