Who Decided Which Books Are In The Bible?
The Formation of the Biblical Canon: Who Chose the Books?
The question of how the books of the Bible were chosen is both fascinating and deeply important for understanding the authority of Scripture. The collection of books that make up the Bible is known as the “canon.” This canon did not appear overnight but was recognized over centuries through careful discernment by God’s people, guided by the Holy Spirit. Let’s walk through the historical and theological journey of how the biblical canon was recognized and affirmed.
Old Testament Canon: Recognized by Israel
The books of the Old Testament were written over many centuries, from Moses (about the 15th century BC) through to the prophets and beyond. These books were recognized by the Jewish community as authoritative Scripture. Jesus Himself affirmed the Old Testament canon in His teaching and ministry:
And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. - Luke 24:27 ASV
By the time of Christ, the Old Testament books were largely settled, consisting of the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. Jesus and the apostles quoted from these Scriptures as the Word of God.
The New Testament Canon: Recognized by the Early Church
The New Testament books were written in the first century AD by the apostles and their close associates. The early church recognized these writings as authoritative because they were connected to eyewitnesses of Jesus and consistent with apostolic teaching. Paul refers to his writings as authoritative Scripture:
If any man thinketh himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him take knowledge of the things which I write unto you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. - 1 Corinthians 14:37 ASV
Peter also refers to Paul’s letters as “Scriptures,” placing them alongside the Old Testament:
even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; as also in all his epistles... which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. - 2 Peter 3:15-16 ASV
How Were the Books Recognized?
The books were not arbitrarily chosen by church councils. Instead, councils and church leaders recognized the books that were already widely accepted and used by God’s people. They looked for certain marks:
- Apostolic origin: Was the book written by an apostle or a close associate?
- Orthodox doctrine: Did the book align with the established faith and teaching about Jesus?
- Universal acceptance: Was the book widely recognized and used in worship across the early churches?
- Spiritual impact: Did the book demonstrate the power to edify and transform believers?
Ultimately, the church recognized the canon; it did not create it. The authority of Scripture comes from God, not from human decision.
Key Moments in the Canon’s Recognition
While the process was gradual, certain councils (such as the Synod of Hippo in 393 AD and the Councils of Carthage in 397 and 419 AD) affirmed the 27 books of the New Testament. However, these councils did not “choose” the books; they confirmed what was already recognized as Scripture by most churches.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
Throughout this process, believers trust that the Holy Spirit guided the church to recognize the true Word of God. Jesus promised that the Spirit would lead His followers into all truth:
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he shall guide you into all the truth... - John 16:13 ASV
Why Does the Canon Matter?
The canon matters because it defines the boundaries of God’s inspired Word. We are called to treasure, study, and obey these Scriptures:
All scripture is inspired of God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16 ASV
Recognizing the canon as God’s infallible Word assures us that what we read in the Bible is trustworthy for faith and practice.
Summary
The books of the Bible were not chosen by a single person or council, but recognized over time by the people of God, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The process was careful, prayerful, and centered on apostolic authority and doctrinal faithfulness. Today, we can have full confidence in the reliability and authority of the biblical canon.