What Is The Biblical Canon?
Understanding the Biblical Canon: What Does It Mean?
The term "canon" comes from a Greek word meaning "rule" or "measuring stick." In Christian theology, the biblical canon is the collection of books recognized as divinely inspired and authoritative Scripture. But how did this collection come to be, and what does the Bible itself say about the recognition of God's Word?
The Canon in the Old and New Testaments
The Old Testament canon was largely recognized by the Jewish community before the time of Christ. Jesus Himself referenced the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms as authoritative Scripture:
And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me. - Luke 24:44 ASV
The New Testament canon developed as the early church recognized certain writings as apostolic and inspired. The apostle Peter grouped Paul's letters with "the other scriptures," showing an early recognition of their authority:
as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:16 ASV
Criteria for Canonicity
How did early believers discern which books belonged in the canon? Some key criteria included:
- Apostolic Origin: Was the book written by an apostle or a close associate?
- Orthodox Doctrine: Did the book align with the teaching handed down from Christ and the apostles?
- Universal Acceptance: Was the book widely accepted and used in worship by the early church?
- Inspiration: Did the book bear evidence of being inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16 ASV)?
Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16 ASV
God’s Sovereignty in Preserving His Word
Though the process of canonization involved human decisions, Christians trust that God sovereignly guided His people to recognize the true Scriptures. Jesus affirmed the enduring nature of God's Word:
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. - Matthew 24:35 ASV
Books Included in the Canon
Today, the canon consists of 66 books—39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. While some traditions include additional books (the Apocrypha), these were not accepted as Scripture by the majority of the early church or by Jesus and the apostles. The commonly accepted books have stood the test of time and scrutiny, bearing consistent witness to God's redemptive plan.
Why the Canon Matters
The canon is not merely a historical curiosity; it defines the boundaries of divine revelation. Our confidence in salvation, doctrine, and Christian living flows from the conviction that the Scriptures are inspired, sufficient, and authoritative:
Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth. - John 17:17 ASV
Conclusion
The biblical canon is a testimony to God's faithfulness in revealing Himself and preserving His truth for every generation. As believers, we are called to study, obey, and proclaim the Scriptures, confident that they are the very Word of God.