A few preliminary thoughts: 1. Bible remains the worlds best seller. 2. Bible remains most neglected...
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Transcript of A few preliminary thoughts: 1. Bible remains the worlds best seller. 2. Bible remains most neglected...
A few preliminary thoughts:A few preliminary thoughts:
1. Bible remains the world’s best seller.1. Bible remains the world’s best seller.
2. Bible remains most neglected book.2. Bible remains most neglected book.
3. Bible remains the piece of literature to be most trusted.3. Bible remains the piece of literature to be most trusted.
4. Bible is constantly under attack.4. Bible is constantly under attack.
“the books”“the books”
CodexCodexPapyrusPapyrus
Marzeah PapyrusMarzeah Papyrus
Biblical LanguagesBiblical Languages
1. Hebrew1. Hebrew 2. Aramaic2. Aramaic 3. Greek3. Greek
UncialsUncials
MinisculesMiniscules
thussaithglenitishightimewetookourbiblesliterallyandseriously
thussaithglenitishightimewetookourbiblesliterallyandseriously
Where does the authority originate?1.“Authority for the Canon comes from man.”Where does the authority originate?1.“Authority for the Canon comes from man.”2. “Authority for the Canon comes from the Church.”2. “Authority for the Canon comes from the Church.”3. “Authority for the Canon comes from God.”3. “Authority for the Canon comes from God.”
“A measuring stick”“A measuring stick”
OT CanonOT Canon
Begins with the written words of God (Ex 31:18)
Grew in size throughout the time of Israel’s history, written by those who fulfilled the office of prophet (Deut 31:24-26; 1 Sam 10:25; Jer 30:2)
Continued until about 435 BC
Accepted by Jesus and his contemporaries
Confirmed by the church as early as AD 170
Begins with the written words of God (Ex 31:18)
Grew in size throughout the time of Israel’s history, written by those who fulfilled the office of prophet (Deut 31:24-26; 1 Sam 10:25; Jer 30:2)
Continued until about 435 BC
Accepted by Jesus and his contemporaries
Confirmed by the church as early as AD 170
OT CanonOT Canon
God’s 1st communication was oral.
Moses Exodus 17:14 Exodus 24:4 Exodus 34:27-28 Numbers 33:2 Deut. 31:9, 24 Deut. 31:22
Moses wrote the Torah
God’s 1st communication was oral.
Moses Exodus 17:14 Exodus 24:4 Exodus 34:27-28 Numbers 33:2 Deut. 31:9, 24 Deut. 31:22
Moses wrote the Torah
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
Proto-Sinaitic InscriptionsProto-Sinaitic Inscriptions
1. Stone1. Stone
Gezer CalendarGezer Calendar Moabite StoneMoabite Stone
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
2. Clay2. Clay
A Babylonian tablet from 87 B.C. reports the arrival of the comet now known as Halley.
A Babylonian tablet from 87 B.C. reports the arrival of the comet now known as Halley. Fragment of a clay tablet from
the library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, with an Assyrian account of the Flood
Fragment of a clay tablet from the library of Ashurbanipal at Nineveh, with an Assyrian account of the Flood
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
3. Wood & Wax3. Wood & Wax
Wooden tablets often had an inlay of wax to write upon. The Assyrians used these tablets and bind them together like a modern day book and call it a “Codex.”
Wooden tablets often had an inlay of wax to write upon. The Assyrians used these tablets and bind them together like a modern day book and call it a “Codex.”
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
4. Metal4. Metal
“‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” Numbers 6:24-25
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
5. Ostraca5. Ostraca
Broken pottery was often used as scratch paper Broken pottery was often used as scratch paper
The History of Ancient WritingsThe History of Ancient Writings
Why did Moses write Scripture?Why did Moses write Scripture?
1. God’s method of preservation of canon1. God’s method of preservation of canon2. Delivery to other places
Jeremiah 29:1
Jeremiah 36:1-8
2. Delivery to other placesJeremiah 29:1
Jeremiah 36:1-83. Future memorial to Israel
Exodus 17:14
3. Future memorial to IsraelExodus 17:14
4. A witnessDeuteronomy 31:24-26
4. A witnessDeuteronomy 31:24-26
OT CanonOT Canon
TaNaKh
T – Torah (The Law)
N – Neviim (The Prophets)
K – Kethubim (The Writings)
TaNaKh
T – Torah (The Law)
N – Neviim (The Prophets)
K – Kethubim (The Writings)
OT CanonOT Canon
Closing of the Torah (Law)
•Canonical by times of Ezra & Nehemiah
•5th Century BC
Closing of the Torah (Law)
•Canonical by times of Ezra & Nehemiah
•5th Century BC
Closing the Neviim & KethubimClosing the Neviim & Kethubim
•3rd Cent. BC: Translated into Greek (LXX)
OT CanonOT Canon
(Apocrypha)," And also that he [Judas Maccabaeus] founded a library and collected the books about the kings and prophets, and the writings of David, and letters of kings about votive offerings. In the same way Judas [Maccabaeus] also collected all the books that had been lost on account of the war which had come upon us, and they are in our possession. So if you have need of them, send people to get them for you.”
2 Maccabees 2:13b-15 (RSV)
(Apocrypha)," And also that he [Judas Maccabaeus] founded a library and collected the books about the kings and prophets, and the writings of David, and letters of kings about votive offerings. In the same way Judas [Maccabaeus] also collected all the books that had been lost on account of the war which had come upon us, and they are in our possession. So if you have need of them, send people to get them for you.”
2 Maccabees 2:13b-15 (RSV)
OT CanonOT Canon
Law Law
Difference between Jewish OT and Canonical OT
Difference between Jewish OT and Canonical OT
Jewish (22 Books)Jewish (22 Books)
ProphetsProphetsFormer Prophets – Joshua, Judges, Samuel & KingsFormer Prophets – Joshua, Judges, Samuel & Kings
Latter Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel Latter Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, & Ezekiel
The “Twelve”The “Twelve”WritingsWritings
Note: Ends with 2 ChroniclesNote: Ends with 2 Chronicles
OT CanonOT Canon
“‘And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.’” Matthew 23:35
“‘From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.’” Luke 11:51
“‘And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.’” Matthew 23:35
“‘From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.’” Luke 11:51
What About Jamnia?
AD 90: Council of Jamnia•Not a major council
•Limited discussion on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs
Canon fixed prior to birth of Christ•Matthew 4:1-4 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. '’”
What About Jamnia?
AD 90: Council of Jamnia•Not a major council
•Limited discussion on Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs
Canon fixed prior to birth of Christ•Matthew 4:1-4 “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. '’”
Principles & Factors Determining the OT Canon
Principles & Factors Determining the OT Canon
1. Prophetic Authorship (Hag 1:3; Zech. 1:1)1. Prophetic Authorship (Hag 1:3; Zech. 1:1)
2. Testimony of the Holy Spirit 2. Testimony of the Holy Spirit
3. Providential Care3. Providential Care
4. Validation By Christ (Matt 21:42; 26:54)4. Validation By Christ (Matt 21:42; 26:54)
4 Categories of Religious Writings4 Categories of Religious Writings
1. Homolegomera1. Homolegomera
2. Antilegomera2. Antilegomera
3. Apocryphal3. Apocryphal
4. Pseudepigrapha4. Pseudepigrapha
The ApocryphaThe Apocrypha
The Intertestament PeriodThe Intertestament Period
•Alexander the Great died in 323 BC•Alexander the Great died in 323 BC
•Palestine under severe pressure•Palestine under severe pressure
•Hellenization of culture•Hellenization of culture
•Constant revolts•Constant revolts
4. No evidence of inspiration4. No evidence of inspiration
1.Never included in Old Testament canon1.Never included in Old Testament canon
2. Never accepted by Jesus/Apostles2. Never accepted by Jesus/Apostles
3. Never accepted by early Jewish writers3. Never accepted by early Jewish writers
The Apocrypha
Why not canonized?
The Apocrypha
Why not canonized?
5. Errors5. Errors6. Uncertainty6. Uncertainty
7. Objections not overcome7. Objections not overcome
8. Unorthodox Doctrine8. Unorthodox Doctrine
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’” Jude 1:9, 14-15
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: ‘See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.’” Jude 1:9, 14-15
“(v. 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’…
“(v. 9) But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’…
Problem: Doesn’t Jude quote non-canonical literature?Problem: Doesn’t Jude quote non-canonical literature?
QumranQumran
Dead Sea ScrollsDead Sea Scrolls
NT CanonNT Canon
Begins with the writings of the apostles (Jn 14:26; 16:13-14)
Claims authority (2 Pet 3:2; 1 Cor 2:6-10)
Apostles treat the writings of other apostles as part of Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Tim 5:17-18 with Luke 10:7)
Begins with the writings of the apostles (Jn 14:26; 16:13-14)
Claims authority (2 Pet 3:2; 1 Cor 2:6-10)
Apostles treat the writings of other apostles as part of Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Tim 5:17-18 with Luke 10:7)
NT CanonNT Canon
Includes some writings of those very close to the apostles (Mark, Luke, Acts, Jude)
The author of Hebrews is not known, but the church accepted this book early on as self-attesting
Completed with the death of the apostles; no further revelation awaits (Heb 1:1-2; Rev 22:18-19)
Confirmed by the church as early as AD 367
Includes some writings of those very close to the apostles (Mark, Luke, Acts, Jude)
The author of Hebrews is not known, but the church accepted this book early on as self-attesting
Completed with the death of the apostles; no further revelation awaits (Heb 1:1-2; Rev 22:18-19)
Confirmed by the church as early as AD 367
NT CanonNT Canon
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
John 14:26; 16:13
“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”
John 14:26; 16:13
5 Periods of NT Canonization
5 Periods of NT Canonization
1. First Century1. First Century
•Scriptures were to be publicly read.1 Thessalonians 5:27
•Scriptures were to be publicly read.1 Thessalonians 5:27
•Paul commends their acceptance1 Thessalonians 2:13
•Paul commends their acceptance1 Thessalonians 2:13
•Paul insists his writings are from God.Colossians 4:16
•Paul insists his writings are from God.Colossians 4:16
•Paul’s letters included with “other Scriptures”
2 Peter 3:15-16
•Paul’s letters included with “other Scriptures”
2 Peter 3:15-16
AD 95 Clement of
Rome
AD 95 Clement of
Rome
•Scriptures were written.•Scriptures were written.
2. First half of second century2. First half of second century
Ryland Fragment Ryland Fragment
PolycarpPolycarpIgnatiusIgnatius MarcionMarcion
5 Periods of NT Canonization
5 Periods of NT Canonization
3. Second half of second century3. Second half of second century
4. Third century4. Third century
OrigenOrigen
IrenaeusIrenaeus
“The Word gave us the Gospel in fourfold shape, but held together by one Spirit.”
~ Irenaeus
ClementClement
TertullianTertullian
Muratorian Fragment AD 170
Muratorian Fragment AD 170
5 Periods of NT Canonization
5 Periods of NT Canonization
5. Fourth century5. Fourth century
AthanasiusAthanasius
ConstantineConstantine
EusebiusEusebius
The Big 3 CodicesThe Big 3 Codices
Codex Alexandrinus
Codex Alexandrinus
Codex Sinaiticus
Codex Sinaiticus
Codex Vaticanus
Codex Vaticanus
British LibraryBritish Library British LibraryBritish Library
Vatican LibraryVatican Library
Summary
100 AD:•All 27 books of the New Testament were in circulation and all but Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation were universally accepted
100-400 AD:•6 “disputed” books accepted. •A number of other books were read in a few churches at various times: Shepherd of Hermes, 1 Clement, Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, Wisdom of Solomon, Apocalypse of Peter
Summary
100 AD:•All 27 books of the New Testament were in circulation and all but Hebrews, 2 Peter, James, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation were universally accepted
100-400 AD:•6 “disputed” books accepted. •A number of other books were read in a few churches at various times: Shepherd of Hermes, 1 Clement, Didache, Epistle of Barnabas, Wisdom of Solomon, Apocalypse of Peter
Principles & Factors Determining the NT Canon
Principles & Factors Determining the NT Canon
Inspiration is not…Inspiration is not…
1.Human achievement1.Human achievement
2. Human thoughts and ideas2. Human thoughts and ideas
3. Human responses to God’s leading3. Human responses to God’s leading
4. Divine dictation4. Divine dictation
1. Divine Inspiration1. Divine Inspiration
Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…
1. Divine Inspiration
Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…
1. Divine Inspiration
2. Authorship2. Authorship
3. Orthodoxy3. Orthodoxy
5. Cohesiveness5. Cohesiveness
4. Obedience4. Obedience
Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…Principles & Factors Determining the Canon continued…
6. Acceptance6. Acceptance
7. Relevance7. Relevance
8. Universality8. Universality
9. Sacred Objects9. Sacred Objects
Bottom LineThe believers (the church) DID NOT establish the canon, but simply bore witness of God’s leading by recognizing their authority!
Bottom LineThe believers (the church) DID NOT establish the canon, but simply bore witness of God’s leading by recognizing their authority!
The Nag Hammadi Collection
The Nag Hammadi Collection
Gospel of ThomasGospel of ThomasSupposedly written by the Apostle ThomasUnanimously rejectedConfusion
Supposedly written by the Apostle ThomasUnanimously rejectedConfusion
The Nag Hammadi Collection
The Nag Hammadi Collection
Gospel of PhilipGospel of Philip
The Nag Hammadi Collection
The Nag Hammadi Collection
“All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” ~Dan Brown
“All descriptions of artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals in this novel are accurate.” ~Dan Brown
What People Say About the BibleWhat People Say About the Bible
1. The Bible is just a bunch of stories.1. The Bible is just a bunch of stories.
2. The Bible is filled with contradictions.2. The Bible is filled with contradictions.
3. The Bible is outdated.3. The Bible is outdated.
4. The Bible is not scientific.4. The Bible is not scientific.
5. The Bible is a man-made book.5. The Bible is a man-made book.
Evidence for Reliability of the BibleEvidence for Reliability of the Bible
1. External Evidence1. External Evidence
•Preeminence Among Literature•Preeminence Among Literature
1) Preeminent in circulation1) Preeminent in circulation
2) Preeminent in influence2) Preeminent in influence
3) Preeminent among religious writings3) Preeminent among religious writings
•Preservation Under Attack•Preservation Under Attack
1) Attack of man1) Attack of man
2) Attack of time2) Attack of time
A. Number of ManuscriptsA. Number of Manuscripts
B. Number of VariantsB. Number of Variants
C. Time gap between originals and earliest copiesC. Time gap between originals and earliest copies
•Proof From Archeology•Proof From Archeology
•Amazing Agreement•Amazing Agreement
1) Supposed contradictions of message1) Supposed contradictions of message
2) Supposed contradictions of numbers2) Supposed contradictions of numbers
4) Supposed historical contradictions4) Supposed historical contradictions
3) Supposed parallel story contradictions3) Supposed parallel story contradictions
5) Supposed scientific contradictions5) Supposed scientific contradictions
2. Internal Evidence2. Internal Evidence
•Total Consistency•Total Consistency
•Fulfilled Prophecy•Fulfilled Prophecy
•The Bible is gripping.•The Bible is gripping.
3. Experiential Evidence3. Experiential Evidence
•The Bible is comforting.•The Bible is comforting.
•The Bible is convicting.•The Bible is convicting.
•The Bible is freeing.•The Bible is freeing.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Mark 13:31
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Mark 13:31
“I came that you might have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10b
ManMan GodGod
Sin separates
man from God
Sin separates
man from God
(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
ManMan GodGod
Good WorksGood Works
ReligionReligion
PhilosophyPhilosophy
MoralityMorality
(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
ManMan GodGodJesus ChristJesus Christ
(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)
"To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12
ManMan GodGodJesus ChristJesus Christ
(Sinful)(Sinful) (Holy)(Holy)
Special Terms
• Apocrypha
• apostle
• canon
• canonical
• covenant
• God-breathed
• history of redemption
• self-attesting