The History
of the
Bibles
“The Law of Moses,
the Prophets and
the Psalms”
Lk 24:44
A bible is a selection of books
BC
1st Century AD
Old testament
New testament
Genesis
Nehemiah
Hosea
Baruch
4 Baruch
Exodus
Esther
Joel
Leviticus
Job
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Numbers
Psalms 150
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
Matthew
L Timothy 2
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Mark
L Titus
L Barnabas
Diatessaron
Ltr Aristeas
Luke
L Philemon
Didache
M&A Isaiah
John
L Hebrews
L Clement 2
Dionysius
Joseph &
Asenath
Acts
Apostles
L James
Acts Andrew
DuraEuropos
L Romans
L Peter 2
Apollinaris
G Ebionites
Corinthians
3
L John 3
Ap0llonius
G Egyptians
Apol.
Aristides
Aristo of
Pella
Epiphanes
Epistula
Apostolorum
Acts Solom.
Ltr Jeremy 4 Maccabees Annals David
Deuterony
Proverbs
Jonah
Joshua
Ecclesiastes
Micah
Wisdom Solomon
Judges
Song of Sol
Nahum
Sirach
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
Chronicles2
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
1-2Maccabees Jubilees
Susannah,
Bel&dragon
1 Esdras
Meqabayan Adam&Eve
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder Jacob
L Galatians
L Jude
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
L Ephesians
Revelation
J
3 Maccabees Shemaiah H. Rechabites
Prayer Manasseh
L
Jasher
Gad
Psalms Sol Wars of Lord
Eldad &
Modad
etc
L
Diognetus
L
Philippians
Gospel
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
Books selected by Protestant Church
and many more writings…
Outline
THE CTS
NEW CATHOLIC
BIBLE
HEBRE
W
COMPACT
EDITION
Holy
Bible
The Book of Morm on
BIBLE
ANOTHER TESTAMENT
OF JESUS CHRIST
βιβλια biblia
A. Different Churches’ Bibles
B. Some Definitions
C. Writings which Jesus used
D. The Nature of Religious Writings
E. Is All Scripture Inspired by God?
F.
Gospels
Law
Psalms
Prophets
Implications
G. Conclusions
H. Development of the bibles (history)
A.
Different Churches’ Bibles
HEBREW
BIBLE
THE CTS
NEW CATHOLIC
BIBLE
COMPACT EDITION
Holy
Bible
The Book of
Mormon
ANOTHER TESTAMENT
OF JESUS CHRIST
Different Churches’ Bibles
Samaritan scriptures
Hebrew bible
5 books
39 books
HEBREW
BIBLE
THE CTS
NEW
CATHOLIC
BIBLE
COMPACT EDITION
Protestant bible
66 books
Catholic bible
73 books
Greek Orthodox bible
78 books
Holy
Bible
The Book of
Mormon
ANOTHER TESTAMENT
OF JESUS CHRIST
Ethiopian Orthodox
84 books
Mormon scriptures
regards Book of Mormon (15 books)
as scripture and the Word of God,
besides Protestants’ 66 books
Uses a uniform counting system for comparison purposes, so may differ from counts given by other sources
The Bibles are Different
Hebrew Bible
(Orthodox Judaism)
Catholic Bible
Ethiopian Orthodox
>3,000 years tradition
>2M practicing Jews
Hebrew bible <100 AD
>1,600 years old
1.8 billion members
Cath. bible 364 AD
~1,500 years old
40 million members
Eth. Orth. bible ?date
Rejects New
Testament.
Includes Judith, 1-2
Maccabees, Sirach,
Tobit and Baruch
OT: +Jubilee, Enoch,
Meqabayan I-III…
NT: +Sinodos x4,
Ethiopic Clement,
Ethiopic Didascalia…
The Bibles are Different
Protestant Bible
Mormon Scriptures
Islamic Scriptures
500 years old
600 million members
Protestant bible 1647
180 years old
14 million members
Book of Mormon 1831
1300 years old
1.6 Billion members
Scriptures 600s AD
OT 39 books
NT 27 books
Prot 66 + Nephi, Jacob,
Enos, Jarom, Omni,
Mormon, Ether, Moroni…
Tawrat (Law of Moses)
Zabur (Psalms of David)
Injil (Gospel of Jesus)
Qur’an (Muhammad)
Issues:
1
Why are the churches’ bibles different?
2
Does a church’s age, size or power necessarily
makes its bible the right one?
3
Which one is right, and how can we be sure?
4
What writings did Jesus use?
B.
Some Definitions
biblia
graphē
testamentum
Meanings of biblia and “bible”
biblia 30 AD
Greek biblia = scrolls or books
(any type, even a certificate of
divorce Mt 19:7. See G1046-7).
“bible” 2013
A compilation of religious
writings selected by a church
for use by their followers, and
considered inspired by God.
“Bible” or biblia does not mean one particular set of books
Meanings of graphē and “Scripture”
graphē 30 AD
graphē G1210 = “writings”
(in general).
From graphō, “I write”
“Scripture” 2013
“Scripture” refers to the
writings which a church
considers authoritative
G1211
“Writings” or graphē means writings in general, not one
defined set of writings. “Scripture” is a misleading translation.
(Optional) Background on graphē
Why graphē refers to all types of writing
(and not just holy scripture or Old Testament):
1. It is the noun form of the verb graphō, “I write”; graphē =
“writing”. Secular letters were graphō‘d eg Mt 27:37 Acts 25:26
2. It is used of religious writings not found in OT, eg Jn 7:38, 2 Pet 3:16
3. In Septuagint, it is used of writing on wall Dan 5:6, Darius’ decree
Dan 6:9, family records not found Ezra 2:62, a letter sent to
Artexerxes Ezra 4:7.
4. In secular Greek, used of price-list and indictment (Bauer’s
lexicon).
Meanings of testamentum and “testament”
testamentum 30 AD
Latin testamentum = a
legally sworn statement
of a person’s wishes
Not in bible at all.
“testament” 160-2012
Testament = a major division
within any church’s bible,
eg ‘Old Testament’ and
‘New Testament’
“Testament” does not mean one particular set of writings
“Bible”
Greek biblia
= scrolls or books
“Scripture”
Greek graphē
= writings
“Testament”
Latin testamentum
= sworn statement
Not in bible.
All are general words; none define one particular set of books.
All the churches use them to refer to their choice of books & writings.
C.
Writings Jesus Used
Many writings but no “bible” in Jesus’ day
Acts
Solom.
Genesis
Nehemiah
Hosea
Baruch
4 Baruch
Exodus
Esther
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Leviticus
Job
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Numbers
Psalms
150
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Deuterony
Proverbs
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Micah
Wisdom
Solomon
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
Nahum
Sirach
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Joshua
Judges
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Annals David
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Susannah,
Bel&dragon
Nathan
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
1 Esdras
Iddo
Ladder
Jacob
Jannes&
Jambres
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Collections of Books Jesus referred to
“Everything written about me in the Law of Moses,
Psalms and Prophets must be fulfilled” Luke 24:44
Law
Psalms
Prophets
Books which Jesus quoted from ✓
Law
Psalms
✓ Genesis
✓ Psalm 8
✓ Psalm
22
✓ Psalm
31
✓ Psalm
35
✓ Psalm
✓ Exodus
✓
Leviticus
Numbers
✓Deuteronom
y
41
✓ Psalm
62
✓ Psalm
69
✓ Psalm
82
✓ Psalm
91
✓ Psalm
110
✓ Psalm
118
All by David
except Ps 82
(by Asaph)
Prophets
✓ Isaiah
✓Jeremia
h
Jonah
✓
✓ Micah
Nahum
Lamentns
Ezekiel
Habakkuk
✓ Daniel
Zephaniah
✓ Hosea
Haggai
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
✓Zecharia
h
✓Malachi
The Law (of Moses)
Attr. Moses ~ 1400 BC
By 600 BC
Genesis
The Law
Exodus
✓ Genesis
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
✓ Exodus
✓
Leviticus
Numbers
✓Deuteronom
y
Aka Torah, Pentateuch, Law of Moses
The Psalms
David (72 psalms), Asaph and others
1000 BC – ?600BC
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
Psalm
By 3rd century BC ?
The Psalms
Genesis
Genesis
Genesis
Genesis
150
PSALMS
(Psalms 151-155 probably came later)
The Prophets
9th
–
4th
centuries BC
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentns
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
By 2nd century BC ?
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
The Prophets ??
✓ Isaiah
✓Jeremiah
?
Laments
Jonah
?
✓ Micah
Nahum
Ezekiel
Habakkuk
✓ Daniel
Zephaniah
✓ Hosea
Haggai
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Obadiah
✓
✓Zechariah
✓Malachi
Writings supported by Jesus:
Gospels
The Law
✓ Genesis
✓ Exodus
Matthew
Psalms
✓ Psalm 8
✓ Psalm 22
✓ Psalm 31
✓ Psalm 35
Mark
Luke
John
The Prophets
✓ Isaiah
✓Jeremiah
Laments
✓
?
Jonah
✓ Micah
Nahum
✓ Psalm 41
??
Ezekiel
Habakkuk
Leviticus
✓ Psalm 62
✓ Daniel
Zephaniah
✓ Psalm 69
Haggai
Numbers
✓ Psalm 82
✓ Hosea
✓
✓Deuteronom
y
✓ Psalm 91
✓ Psalm 110
✓ Psalm 118
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
✓Zechariah
✓Malachi
D.
The Nature of Religious Writings
Old Hebrew Writings BC – many!
Acts
Solom.
Genesis
Nehemiah
Hosea
Baruch
4 Baruch
Exodus
Esther
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Leviticus
Job
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Numbers
Psalms
150
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Deuterony
Proverbs
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Micah
Wisdom
Solomon
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
Nahum
Sirach
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Joshua
Judges
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Annals David
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Susannah,
Bel&dragon
Nathan
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
1 Esdras
Iddo
Ladder
Jacob
Jannes&
Jambres
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
The Nature of Religious Writings
Records of what God has said:
Let there
be light
…and done:
Records of what men have said:
The land we
passed through is
exceedingly good
…and done:
Prophecy
Covenant
Divine command
Miracles in history
Teaching
Prayers
Exhortation
Conversations
History
How to distinguish God’s words from men’s words:
According to the writer, who is speaking? — God
A voice from heaven said, “This is
my son, who I love; I am well
pleased with him” Mt 3:17
“Then the LORD said to Moses,
“Write down these words, for in
accordance with these words I have
made a covenant with you and with
Israel”” Ex 34:27
“This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD.
When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.
He said to me, ‘Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak
to you.’ ” Ezekiel 1:28-2:1
According to the writer, who is speaking? — Men
“His [Job’s] wife said to him,
“…Curse God and die!” Job 2:9
“The words of the Teacher, son
of David, king in Jerusalem:
“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
says the Teacher.” Ecclesiastes 1:1-2
Curse God
and die!
“Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I [Paul]
give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to
remain as you are.” 1 Cor 7:25
A psalm of David. “O Lord, Hear my prayer…
The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground….” Psalm 143:1-4
How to distinguish God’s actions from men’s actions:
According to the writer, who did the action? — God
“All that night the LORD drove the
sea back with a strong east wind
and turned it into dry land” Ex 14:21
“During the night an angel of the
Lord opened the doors of the jail
and brought them out” Acts 5:19
According to the writer, who did the action? — Men
“Manasseh also shed so much innocent
blood that he filled Jerusalem from
end to end—besides the sin that he had
caused Judah to commit, so that they
did evil in the eyes of the Lord”
2 Kings 21:16
“They [the Israelites] sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire.
They practiced divination and sorcery and sold themselves to do evil”
2 Kings 17:17
What types of books are in the Protestant bible?
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 2
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
What types of books are in the Protestant bible?
God’s words
Human words & actions
The land we passed
through is exceedingly
good
Let there
be light
Covenant
Prophecy
History
(Explain 4 types)
Teachin
g
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
Teachin
g
History
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
Let there
be light
Covenant
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
Law (Israel)
✓
Genesis
✓
Exodus
✓
Leviticus
Numbers
✓
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Teachin
g
History
New Covenant
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
✓
Matthew
Esther
Joel
✓
Mark
Job
Amos
✓
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
✓
John
L
Hebrews
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Acts
Apostles
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
✓ Quoted
by Jesus
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers ✓
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth ✓
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
✓
Timothy
2
Hosea
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
of
TheSong
Prophets
Sol
Micah
Matthew
L
Nehemiah
✓
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
L
Colossians
Ezra ✓
Daniel
L
Thessalon
2
Samuel 2✓
Teachin
g
History
Zechariah
Malachi
✓
✓
L
L
Titus
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
Revelation
L Jude
Revelation
J
✓ Quoted
by Jesus
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Prophecy
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
Psalms
150
Joshua
Judges
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Obadiah
History of
John
Apostles
Acts
Apostles
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
L
Teachin
g
History
Nehemiah
History of Israel
Proverbs
y
Deuteron
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Timothy
2
L
Titus
L
L
Philemon
L
Hebrews
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
None
quoted
by Jesus
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
Nehemiah
Esther
“Wisdom”
Job
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Teachin
g
History
Timothy
2
L
Hosea
Matthew
Joel
Mark
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Letters
Apostles
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
None
quoted
by Jesus
(12 by
Paul)
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers ✓
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Prophecy,
Amos
Songs of
Obadiah
praise,
&
Prayers
Jonah
L
Titus
L
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
History,
Haggai
Prayer,
Prophecy
Timothy
2
L
Luke
Acts
Apostles
Micah
Song of
romance
Nahum
Teachin
g
History
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
✓ Some
psalms
quoted
by Jesus
Let there
be light
Covenant
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
Teachin
g
History
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
Let there
be light
Covenant
LAW
✓
Genesis
✓
Exodus
✓
Leviticus
Numbers
✓
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
The land we
passed through
is exceedingly
good
Prophecy
PROPHETS
PSALMS
Teachin
g
History
GOSPELS
✓ ✓
Timothy
2
Hosea
Esther
Joel
✓
Mark
Job
Amos
✓
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
✓
John
L
Hebrews
✓
Psalms
150
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Isaiah
Samuel 2
Acts
Apostles
Jonah
Proverbs
Ruth
Matthew
L
Nehemiah
✓
Micah
✓
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentat n
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
L
Thessalon
2
✓
✓
Zechariah
Malachi
✓
✓
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
✓ Books
supported
by Jesus
How accurate are the writings?
(especially the four gospels)
The gospels contain human records of divine events
What Jesus originally said 30 AD
RECOLLECTION
What the writer recalled 50s AD
What the scribes copied 100-1900 AD
COPYING
TRANSLATION
How the translators rendered it 2000 AD
Examples of errors in Gospels (fortunately few)
Errors of recollection:
• Mark records crucifixion at 3rd hour Mk 15:25;
John after ~6th hour Jn 19:14
• Matthew records “before the rooster crows” Mt 26:34,75;
Mark has “before the rooster crows twice” Mk 14:30,72
Errors of copying:
• Most early manuscripts have “Asaph” (a psalmist) in Jesus’
genealogy Mt 1:7-8 but it was in fact King Asa
(see 1 Ki 15:8, 15:24, 22:41, 2 Chr 14:1 30:21-22)
Errors of translation:
• “That generation” Mt 24:34 is translated as “this generation”,
losing the sense of the whole chapter
• “Be complete” (ie do both) Mt 5:48 is translated as “be perfect”,
making it an impossible teaching
Why I Trust the Gospel Records
1. They work.
If I follow them, I get supernatural
results as promised.
2. They’re the best record we
have of Jesus’ words.
If God wants us to know what Jesus said, he has to
make an adequate record available to us somewhere.
3. We have four historical “witnesses”, which gives
greater confidence.
Why I Trust the Gospel Records (cont’d)
4. They make sense. Consistency is high, for both facts and logic;
both internally, and externally with Law Psalms and Prophets.
5. The Holy Spirit provides insight and understanding into
Jesus’ teachings (Jn 14:26), compensating for deficiencies in the
written records.
They are good records – but not perfect.
Gospels are more like a
treasure map than an
ordnance survey map
x
Here be
gold buried
E.
Is All Scripture
Inspired by God?
The Inspiration of Scripture:
The doctrine that “All Scripture is Inspired by God”
• A very Protestant doctrine
• Considers all of the material in
their bible to be inspired by God
and thus effectively God’s words
• Jesus never said that all of a book,
or any set of books, were God’s
words. (Said it only of specific
statements, eg Mt 22:43-44).
• Usually based on 2 Tim 3:16
and 2 Pet 1:20-21
?
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Based on 2 Tim 3:16
Paul wrote to Timothy (in the ~60s AD):
“From infancy you have known the temple documents, which can
make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
All └ these┘ writings are inspired by God and useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” 2 Tim 3:15-16
Often translated as “All scripture is inspired by God…” (NASB)
The Inspiration of Scripture:
2 Tim 3:16 in the Greek
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Meaning of 2 Tim 3:16
“From infancy you have known the temple documents, which can
make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
All these writings are inspired by God and useful for teaching,
└
┘
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” 2 Tim 3:15-16
“All writings” refers to the temple documents Timothy had known
since infancy, not to all writings in existence or any church bible.
0 AD
30 AD
60 AD
312 AD
364 AD
The Inspiration of Scripture:
What authority does 2 Tim 3:16 have ?
Low authority.
This verse is only from Paul’s teaching;
not from Jesus/Law/Psalms/ Prophets;
not recorded as something God said.
Jesus never claimed that any book or
group of books was inspired by God.
Note: Jn 10:34-35 ‘the scripture cannot be broken’ it is within an “if” quoting the Jews
own contradictions so isn’t a statement Jesus accepted, like Mt 12:27. Also, graphe is
singular; and it is from Ps 82:6 which is a quote of God speaking.
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Also based on: 2 Pet 1:20 (optional slide)
“No prophecy of ‘Scripture ‘ (graphē, writing) came about by the
prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in
the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along
by the Holy Spirit” 2 Pet 1:20-21
Let there
be light
Covenant
Prophecy
History
Teachin
g
The land we passed
through is exceedingly
good
• True of (genuine) prophecy, but not of other types of writings
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Effect of doctrine of “all inspired” 1
Any church can compile any writings into a bible with 2 Timothy
among them and then claim that “all scripture is inspired by God”
applies to their bible
Protestant
bible
Catholic
bible
Orthodox
bible
Book of
Mormon
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Effect of doctrine of “all inspired” 2
Records of God’s words (prophecy, covenant, divine command)
Let there
be light
The land we passed
through is exceedingly
good
Law
Prophets
“Money is the answer for
everything” Ecc 10:19
Gospels
“If a woman does not cover
her head, she should have
her hair cut off” 1 Cor 11:6
Records of men’s words (teaching, exhortation, prayers, conversation)
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Effect of doctrine of “all inspired” 3
If we think men’s words are God’s, we get a wrong view of God;
and we can’t resolve conflicts between God’s words and men’s words
We maintain that a man
is justified by believing
without keeping the Law
If you want to inherit life,
keep the commandments.
… Do not commit
adultery, do not steal,…
≠
F.
Implications
A different way of looking at the writings
The Inspiration of Scripture:
God’s words have higher authority
The angel Gabriel said John the Baptist would “go before
the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Lk 1:17), and
Jesus said of him, “He was the Elijah who was to come”
(Mt 11:14; also Mt 17:12-13)
When John the Baptist was asked, “Are you Elijah?”
he replied, “I am not.” (Jn 1:21)
✔
The Inspiration of Scripture:
God’s words have higher authority
Jesus said “You can’t serve both God and Money” (Mt 6:24),
“Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Mt 6:19)
and “Sell your possessions and give to the poor” (Lk 12:33)
The “Teacher” of Ecclesiastes (probably Solomon) wrote,
“Money is the answer for everything” (Ecc 10:19)
✔
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Is a statement attributed to God
really from God?
“Watch out for false prophets”
The Inspiration of Scripture:
How good is the evidence that a statement
attributed to God really is from God?
Peter, James and John all heard a voice come from
the cloud saying, “This is my Son, whom I have
chosen; listen to him” (Lk 9:35; Mt 17:5, Mk 9:7).
Very similar accounts in 3 gospels
In keeping with God’s character
Exact wording given
Good detail, eg who heard it and when and where
✔
The Inspiration of Scripture:
How good is the evidence that a statement
attributed to God really is from God?
The Lord incited David against Israel, saying, “Go and
take a census of Israel and Judah” 2 Sam 24:1
“Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to
take a census of Israel” 1 Chr 21:1
Conflicting account in Chronicles
Out of character for God
Recorded in a book which Jesus didn’t refer to
Exact wording given
Lacks detail, eg doesn’t say who heard it or how
✘
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Tests for words said to be from God
1. Does it agree or disagree
with Jesus’ teachings?
(Jn 14:26)
2. Is it in a book Jesus supported?
(Law, Psalms, Prophets)
3. Does it agree or disagree with
the Law, Psalms and Prophets?
Law
Psalms
Prophets
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Tests for words said to be from God
4. Is it in keeping with God’s character
as shown by Jesus, and in the
Law, Psalms and Prophets?
KIND
WISE
FORGIVE
PATIENT
TRUTH
JUSTICE
5. Do other credible witnesses/records
confirm or refute this word?
6. Does it have good factual detail,
ie does it record who heard God
speak, when and how they heard it,
and the actual words God spoke?
Don’t be afraid,
Zechariah. Your prayer
has been heard.
The Inspiration of Scripture:
Who are we actually following?
Spiritual leaders and their teachings
Teachings
Writings he
gives weight to
Jesus
Mohammed
Buddha
Joseph
Smith
In Mt, Mk, Lk
and John
Qu’ran
In Pali Canon
and Agamas
Book of
Mormon
Law, Psalms
and Prophets
Islamic Law,
Psalms and
Gospels
? any ?
Protestant
bible
66 books
How does one follow a spiritual leader or teacher?
Read and apply his teachings;
Give weight to the writings
which he gave weight to;
Give little or no weight to other
teachers and writings.
Reject writings which conflict.
LAW
PSALMS
PROPHETS
?
✔
HOLY
BIBLE
?
Church leaders and their teachings
Teachings
Writings they
give weight to
Catholic
Church
Protestant
Church
Orthodox
Church
Judaism
Catholic
creeds and
sermons
Protestant
creeds and
sermons
Orthodox
creeds and
sermons
Talmud
(traditions of
elders/rabbis)
Catholic
bible
73 books
Protestant
bible
66 books
Orthodox
bible
~84 books
Hebrew
bible
39 books
Many don’t realise who they’re following
Jesus
Teachings
In Mt, Mk, Lk
and John
(4 books)
Writings they
give weight to
Law, Psalms
and Prophets
(22 books)
Protestant
Church
≠
Protestant
creeds and
sermons
Protestant
bible
(66 books)
Not all churches follow Jesus’ Teachings
Protestant Bible
?
Gospels
Law
Psalms
Prophets
NT Letters
OT Stories &
History
‘Wisdom’ books
Four major leaders in the Protestant Bible
Moses
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Jesus
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Solomon
150
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Proverbs
Jonah
Paul
Apostles
Psalms
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Acts
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
G.
Conclusions
Gospels
Law
Psalms
Prophets
Books Supported by Jesus
Gospels
• Jesus’ own words
Law
• Books Jesus quoted,
Psalms
and referred to as
groupings
Prophets
Books Supported by Jesus
LAW
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
PSALMS
PROPHETS
GOSPELS
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Kings 2
Lamentat n
Haggai
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
Daniel
Zechariah
Malachi
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
Other writings:
L• Jesus
Galatians
never
Titus
L Jude
quoted
• Mostly (human)
Revelation
L Ephesians
J
teachings or history
•L Lower
authority
Philippians
• Not necessary
L Colossians
• Sometimes conflict and
L Thessalon
must be ignored
2
Conclusions
A follower of Jesus will follow Jesus’
teachings in the gospels, and give weight
to the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets;
but will give much less weight to other books
The gospels and other books contain records
of both God’s words and human words.
If we make this distinction, we can resolve
most problems and conflicts.
The gospels etc contain human records of
God’s words/actions and are subject to errors
of recollection, copying and translation.
They’re good records, but not perfect.
Gospels
Law
Psalms
Prophets
Let there
be light
The land we passed
through is exceedingly
good
Books Supported by Jesus – comments?
LAW
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
PSALMS
PROPHETS
GOSPELS
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentat n
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
H.
Development of the
Churches’ Bibles
Introduction
• A quick tour through history from 400 BC to 2000 AD
• Shows how books were chosen for churches’ bibles, and hence
why they differ from each other and from the books Jesus used
Two types of events:
(1)
a selection event where books
were judged and some were
selected while others were
rejected
(2)
a copying or translation event
where books were simply
copied  translated without
passing judgment on them
✔
✘
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
The Septuagint Translation ~200 BC
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
The Septuagint Translation ~200 BC
• Translation of Hebrew writings into Greek by 70 scholars
in 3rd century BC (completed 2nd century BC)
• Influenced the Catholic Old Testament
selection; and was an important source for OT
English translators until 1946.
• Commissioned by King Ptolemy of Egypt because:
(a) Ptolemy was impressed with the Law of Moses and wanted copies for
himself in his own langugage, Greek
(b) His librarian was ambitious for his library to be the biggest in the world
(c) Greek-speaking Jews in Alexandria needed Greek copies for their own use
• Broad & inclusive in its range of writings. Criteria not recorded; passed no
judgment on books translated or not translated. A translation event.
• Theme common to all: Jewish (religion, history, teachings, stories).
• Version most quoted in gospels (vs Masoretic Hebrew text).
Writings in Septuagint Translation ~200 BC
Acts
Solom.
Genesis
Nehemiah
Hosea
Baruch
4 Baruch
Exodus
Esther
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Leviticus
Job
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Numbers
Psalms
150
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Deuterony
Proverbs
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Micah
Wisdom
Solomon
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
Nahum
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Joshua
Judges
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Annals David
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
✔
Writings Jesus Used ~30 AD
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Writings Jesus Used (30 AD)
✔
• Many religious writings around but
no evidence that any “bible”
existed (in the sense of a set of
books prescribed for followers)
• Jesus referred only to the
Law, Psalms and Prophets
• Very significant selection event
despite its subtlety
• Septuagint was the translation most quoted by Jesus and the gospel-
writers (all in Greek), but this makes no comment about its selection of
books
• In Acts 1-8, the believers functioned very well with Jesus’ (oral) teachings
and the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets (and other loose writings)
Writings Jesus Used ~30 AD
Law
Psalms
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
✔ Hosea
✔Jesus quoted
Septuagint
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
Prophets
✔
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
Early Christian Writings
50-150 AD
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Early Christian Writings – no “bible”
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
James
DuraEuropos
James
L
IG
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
Gospel
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
G
Mary
G Thomas
etc etc etc …
Books recording Jesus’ words
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
James
DuraEuropos
James
L
IG
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
Gospel
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
G
Mary
G Thomas
Letters written by Paul to various groups of believers
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
James
DuraEuropos
James
L
IG
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
Gospel
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
G
Mary
G Thomas
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
✔
Hebrew Bible Defined ~100 AD
‫דּשׁאַבּדּשּׂדּ‬
A READER’S
HEBREW BIBLE
✘
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Hebrew Bible defined ~100 AD
✔ ✘
• The selection of books used by
•
Orthodox Jews to this day
‫דּשׁאַבּדּשּׂדּ‬
Later used as the Protestant
Old Testament
A R
’
HEBREW BIBLE
Defined in stages over a long period—
possibly Law Torah by 400 BC,
Prophets Nevi’im by 200 BC and
other “writings” Ketuvim by 100 AD
Began to crystallise around 100 AD (opinions vary 200 BC—200 AD)
Jesus and NT writers never referred to the Hebrew bible as a grouping,
suggesting it didn’t exist then or wasn’t important.
Criteria for inclusion/exclusion not recorded; unknown.
Contains no books after Ezra (~400s BC).
Excludes all the gospels and Christian writings.
Consider: God’s Chosen people could select a bible excluding Jesus.
Theme common to all: Jewish (religion, history, teachings, stories)
EADER
•
•
•
•
•
S
Books of Hebrew bible (~100 AD)
✔ ✘
(criteria unknown)
Septuagint
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
The Masoretic Text from 400 BC
Masoretic text: -- the Aleppo codex (10th century)
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
The Masoretic Text from 400 BC
• Copies of copies of copies of the original Hebrew
(and two Aramaic) texts of the books of the
Hebrew bible (Genesis-Malachi).
• Is the main source of OT books for translators
• Most temple Hebrew manuscripts destroyed 70
AD. Surviving texts preserved by various scribes
and esp the Masorete scribes 7-10th centuries AD.
• A copying event (not a selection event).
Isaiah, Dead Sea scroll
• Oldest surviving copies are only from 9th century
(ie long after the originals)
• Accuracy doubted until 1946 when 972 Dead Sea
Scrolls were found (right), dating back to 150 BC
and confirming accuracy of most Masoretic texts.
Cave 4, Qumran, Dead Sea, Israel
Masoretic Text ~400 BC
Acts
Solom.
Genesis
Nehemiah
Hosea
Baruch
4 Baruch
Exodus
Esther
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Leviticus
Job
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Numbers
Psalms
150
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Deuterony
Proverbs
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Micah
Wisdom
Solomon
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
Nahum
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Joshua
Judges
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Annals David
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Kings 2
Lamentatn
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
• Jewish Christianity virtually
eradicated in wars 70AD and 135AD
• Christianity Gentile after 135AD
• No consensus on books, but various
opinions put forward, and some
books gained popularity
• Terms “Old Testament” and
“New Testament” appeared in
2nd century to refer to selections of books
• Marcion 160 AD proposed a “New Testament” of Luke + 10 letters of Paul.
Irenaeus ~160 AD promoted the Four Gospels.
• In general, Paul’s letters were popular with Gentile Christians but not Jewish
Christians (eg Nazarenes, Ebionites and Elchasai) (probably because of
Paul’s negative view of Law). Gentile Christians dominant after 135AD.
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
Roman Catholic Bible
364 AD 
✔ ✘
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
Roman Catholic Bible
364 AD 
312 AD:
Roman Emperor Constantine
became a Christian
313 AD:
Christianity legalised (the only
legal religion by 400 AD)
325 AD:
A century of councils, eg
Council Nicea 325 AD.
✔ ✘
Losers exiled, books burned,
people killed if caught with their books later.
364 AD:
Council of Laodicea decreed which books may be read in church.
• Council = 30 clerics, names unknown.
• No explanation, justification or criteria given.
• No claim made that books were inspired or infallible.
A selection event with the weight of Rome behind it.
OT books available to Council of Laodicea 364 AD ✔ ✘
Hebrew Bible
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
Septuagint
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Catholic Old Testament chosen at Laodicea 364 AD
Hebrew Bible
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Septuagint
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
✔ ✘
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Final Catholic Old Testament (Council of Trent 1546 AD)
Hebrew Bible
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Septuagint
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
✔ ✘
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
NT books available to Council of Laodicea 364 AD
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
James
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
IG
DuraEuropos
James
L
✔ ✘
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
Gospel
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
G
Mary
G Thomas
Catholic New Testament chosen at Laodicea 364 AD
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 2
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
James
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
IG
DuraEuropos
James
L
✔ ✘
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
G Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
Disputed books (antilegomena)
G
Mary
G Thomas
Final Catholic New Testament (Council of Trent 1546 AD)
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 2
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
James
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
IG
DuraEuropos
James
L
✔ ✘
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
G
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
G
Mary
G Thomas
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
What criteria did the
church councils use?
✔
✘
Criteria probably used by early Church Councils
to select books for their bible
1. Apostolic author
(or close associates)
2. Universally accepted
in Christian communities by 400 AD
3. In liturgical use,
ie was read aloud in services
4. Consistent message – message
similar or complementary to
other accepted Christian writings
Apostle=“sent one”, not “infallible one”.
Not just the 12 apostles who knew Jesus.
“Close associates” includes their friends,
eg Luke, Jude, author of Hebrews
These mean they were popular—not
necessarily divinely inspired or infallible
(eg hymn book)
Didn’t have to agree with all other books.
Conflicting material was included, which
is why Protestant founders wanted to
remove Maccabees, Tobit, James,
Revelation etc.
No clear standard for including books
• Not based on Jesus’ teachings or usage of books
• Not based on any clear and valid standard.
• Selection of books for a bible largely reflected existing church beliefs
and practices. Hence different churches have different bibles.
Selection of books for bibles wasn’t based on agreement
with Jesus’ teachings, or being a book Jesus referred to
Roman Catholic Council of Trent 1546
✔ ✘
• Catholic canon finally declared “closed” – no more changes
• 55 clerics ‘approved’ the Catholic bible’s selection as follows:
For:
24
Abstain:
16
Against:
15
Roman Catholic Handling of the Bible
• Catholic Church dominated Western
Vulgate bible (John 1)
Europe for 1,000 years (400-1500 AD).
• Considered the bible inspired but its true
meaning is as defined by Catholic Church
tradition and Church authorities.
• Used the Vulgate, a Latin (=Roman, Italian)
translation of the Hebrew and Greek texts
in ~382 AD by Jerome etc.
• Most Europeans 400-1500 AD knew no
other bible than the Vulgate.
• Translation of the bible into English and
German was driven by individuals (Wycliff
1388, Luther 1522, Tyndale 1526); the
Catholic and Anglican Churches resisted.
Tyndale bible (John 1)
Development of the Churches’ bibles:
Protestant Bible 1500s AD
✔
✘
Martin Luther
Protestant
founder
Timeline of the Churches’ Bibles
200s BC
0
50 100
364 AD
1500s
2000 AD
Septuagint Greek translation 200 BC
Writings Jesus Used 0-40AD
Early Christian Writings ~50-100AD
Hebrew bible <100 AD
Masoretic (Hebrew) text
from 400 BC
Early Christian Period 100-300 AD
Catholic Bible Laodicea 364 AD, Trent 1546 AD
Protestant Bible 1500s
The Protestant Movement: 1517
• Began with Martin Luther nailing his
95 theses to the church door at
Wittenberg (Germany), entitled
“Disputation on the Power and
Efficacy of Indulgences”
• Opposed the Catholic practice of
selling indulgences and preaching
that “the soul flies out of the
purgatory as soon as the money
clinks in the bottom of the chest”
✔
✘
Indulgences
• Catholics separate confession+forgiveness from “temporal
punishment”, ie need to do penance for a (forgiven) sin through
specified good works, prayers, pilgrimages, giving, self-denial.
• At death, a saved person’s outstanding penance has to be completed
in purgatory before proceeding to heaven.
• Indulgence = granting remission
of ‘temporal punishment’ for
oneself or others on the basis of
specified good works/penances.
• In 15th century, led to abuses such
as the selling of indulgences to
make money for greedy clergy
Selling indulgences ~1500 AD
Indulgences are based on 2 Maccabees
“They turned to prayer, beseeching that the sin which had been committed
might be wholly blotted out [of Jews found wearing idol tokens under
their clothes after being killed in battle] And the noble Judas exhorted the
people to keep themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own
eyes what had happened because of the sin of those who had fallen.
He also took up a collection, man by man, to the amount of two thousand
drachmas of silver, and sent it to Jerusalem to provide for a sin offering.
In doing this he acted very well and honorably, taking account of the
resurrection.
For if he were not expecting that those who had fallen would rise again, it
would have been superfluous and foolish to pray for the dead.
But if he was looking to the splendid reward that is laid up for those who
fall asleep in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Therefore he
made atonement for the dead, that they might be delivered from their sin.”
2 Maccabees 12:42-45 RSV Apocrypha
The Protestant Bible (1500s-1647)
✔
✘
Choosing Books for its
Old Testament
A selection event.
Decision influenced by:
• Protestants rejected doctrines of indulgences (2 Macc 12:42-45),
good works attain salvation (Tobit 12:9), and masses for the
dead (Sirach 7:33) because of conflict with other biblical books.
• “I am so great an enemy to the second book of the Maccabees,
and to Esther, that I wish they had not come to us at all, for they
have too many heathen unnaturalities.” Martin Luther
• Conveniently, the Hebrew bible did not contain these 3 books
and had some support among early church fathers
Old Testament books available to Protestants 1500s
Catholic OT
Hebrew Bible
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
?
Job
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Septuagint
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
✘
✘
✘
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
✔ ✘
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
Old Testament chosen by Protestants by 1647
✔ ✘
Prot. O.T. = Hebrew Bible
✔ Genesis
Nehemiah
✔ Exodus
Esther
Job
✔ Leviticus
Numbers
✔
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
Samuel 2
✔
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Acts
Solom.
Baruch
4 Baruch
Joel
Ltr
Jeremy
4
Maccabees
Amos
Tobit
2 Esdras
Ltr
Aristeas
Obadiah
Judith
Enoch
M&A Isaiah
Jonah
12Maccabees
Jubilees
Joseph &
Asenath
Meqabaya
n
Adam&Eve
✔ Micah
Nahum
Wisdom
Solomon
✘
✘
✘
Annals David
✔ Isaiah
Habakkuk
✔Jeremiah
Zephaniah
Sirach
Susannah,
Bel&drago
n
1 Esdras
Haggai
3
Maccabees
Shemaiah
H. Rechabites
✔Zechariah
Prayer
Manasseh
Gad
Eldad &
Modad
✔ Malachi
Psalms Sol
Wars of
Lord
etc
Kings 2
Lamentatn
2
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Ezra
✔ Hosea
✔ Daniel
Jasher
Lives Prophets
Nathan
Ladder
Jacob
Iddo
Jannes&
Jambres
The Protestant Bible (1500s-1647)
✔ ✘
Old Testament
Consider the significance of this move:
• The church’s bible had included
Maccabees+Tobit+Sirach for
centuries; well established.
• The Protestants removed 7 books
(and 2 passages) because their teachings
clashed with other writings.
• Selection wasn’t based on Jesus’ teachings or the books Jesus
used
• Illustrates how a church can choose the books in its bible to
reflect which teachings it accepts.
The Protestant Bible (1500s)
✔ ✘
Choosing books for a New Testament
A selection event.
• Opposition to James, Jude, Hebrews
and Revelation.
• Martin Luther called James an “epistle
of straw” and wanted it removed (due
to conflict with Paul over ‘faith without works’).
• All ultimately retained but put at the end of the NT, so
Protestant NT has same books as Catholic NT but in a
different order.
✔ ✘
New Testament chosen by Protestants by 1647
Matthew
Timothy
2
L
Mark
Luke
L
Philemon
John
L
Hebrews
Acts
Apostles
L
Titus
L
Romans
L Corinthians 2
Revelation P
Clement Alex.
Hippolytus
Barnabas
Diatessaro
n
Tr.
Matthias
Ignatius
Maximus
Jerusalem
Didache
L
Diognetus
Irenaeus
Melito of
Sardis
L
L
Clement
2
Dionysius
Minucius Felix
Secr. James
Muratorian
Canon
Ebionites
Acts John
Naassene Frag
Josephus
G Nazoreans
Justin
Martyr
Ophite
Diagrams
Acts Andrew
L
Peter 2
Apollinaris
L
John 3
Ap0llonius
G
Egyptians
Jude
Apol.
Aristides
Epiphanes
G
James
DuraEuropos
James
L
IG
L
Galatians
L
Ephesians
Revelation
J
Aristo of Pella
Epistula
Apostolorum
Lucian
Samosata
G Oxyrhynchus
L
Philippians
G
Hebrews
Athenagoras
Galen
Mara Bar
Serapion
Pantaenus
L
Colossians
Acts Paul
Basilides
Hegesippus
Marcion
Papias
L
Thessalon
2
Shepherd
Hermas
Caius
Heracleon
L
Disputed by Protestant founders
G
Mary
G Thomas
The Protestant Bible (1647)
✔ ✘
• Formalised at the Westminster
Confession 1647
• Protestantism based on
“sola scriptura” = “only the
scriptures”; they considered
the scriptures to have greater
authority than (Catholic)
church tradition and church
authority.
• Lutherans maintained that the whole of the (Protestant) bible is the
Word of God, authored by the Holy Spirit – hence the doctrines of
biblical infallibility and biblical inerrancy.
Most Protestants have similar beliefs.
Other Churches’ Bibles
✔
✘
• 1000 AD? Ethiopian Orthodox bible.
Has 12 extra books in its OT, and 8 extra in its NT
(compared to Protestant bible).
Date selected is hard to pin down.
http://www.ethiopianorthodox.org/english/canonical/books.html
• 1672: Greek/Eastern Orthodox bible
Finalised at the Synod of Jerusalem 1672.
Has extra OT books.
Don’t consider all books of equal importance.
• 1830: Mormon scriptures
Besides the Protestant bible’s books, Mormons
recognise the Book of Mormon (15 books) as
scripture inspired by God. Written by Joseph
Smith ~1830.
The Book of
Mormon
ANOTHER TESTAMENT
OF JESUS CHRIST
J.
Conclusions re
Bibles’ Development
Summary of Bibles’ Development
• Early groupings of writings were large and broad and there is no
evidence they were selected according to any standard
(Septuagint, Hebrew bible, early Christian writings).
• OT books all had a common theme: Jewish.
(Jewish religion, Jewish history, Jewish teaching and Jewish culture.)
• NT writings were all popular with 2nd-3rd century Gentile Christians.
• Churches retained large collections of writings in their bibles but
gave them ever higher status: “may be read in church”, “inspired”,
“Word of God”, “inerrant”, and “infallible” (esp. Protestants).
• None of the bible-selecting councils used the standards of
(1) conformity to Jesus’ Teachings or
(2) did Jesus refer to this book (Law, Psalms, Prophets)
Churches chose their bibles
Traditional view
Reality
God
Church founders and leaders
Determines The Bible of
inerrant divine truth
Chose books for a bible to
reflect their own beliefs
and practices
The Church obeys
The Bible = God’s Word
Church followers use bible
prescribed by leaders
The Protestant Churches’ View:
Inspired
THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF GOD
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentat n
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
Books Supported by Jesus
LAW
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuterony
Joshua
Judges
PSALMS
PROPHETS
Covenant
Prophecy
History
Teaching
GOSPELS
Timothy
2
L
Nehemiah
Hosea
Matthew
Esther
Joel
Mark
Job
Amos
Luke
L
Philemon
Obadiah
John
L
Hebrews
Jonah
Acts
Apostles
Psalms
150
Proverbs
Ecclesiast
es
Song of
Sol
Micah
Nahum
L
Romans
L Corinthians 3
Ruth
Isaiah
Habakkuk
L
Galatians
Samuel 2
Jeremiah
Zephaniah
L
Ephesians
Kings 2
Lamentat n
Haggai
L
Philippians
Chronicles
Ezekiel
Zechariah
L
Colossians
Ezra
Daniel
Malachi
L
Thessalon
2
Titus
L
L
James
L
Peter 2
L
John 3
L
Jude
Revelation
J
Conclusions re Bibles’ Development
• Different churches have chosen quite different bibles to reflect their
different beliefs and practices.
• The bibles all contain quite large historical collections of books which
weren’t selected according to any well-defined standard.
• The only books with direct support from Jesus are the Gospels, the
Law, the Psalms and the Prophets (about half of the Protestant bible).
Other books are (mostly) human history and human teachings.
Gospels
Law
Psalms
Prophets
Listen to the Holy Spirit
• Does the Holy Spirit want to say anything to me
about the relative importance of different books
within the bible?
Discussion questions
• Did the Holy Spirit say anything?
• Should any Christian letter be given as much weight as
Jesus’ words of the new covenant?
• Are you surprised to learn that the selection of books
in the bibles was not made according to any known or
discernible criterion?
• What significance should we read into the fact that
Jesus quoted only the Law, Psalms and Prophets?
What does this say about the other books?