CANONIZATION OF THE BIBLE
The term "canon" originates from the Greek word "kanon," which means a measuring rod, a rule or a straight stick used for measurement or alignment (in building and construction).
In our modern world the canon is what is known as the spirit level used in construction by builders. A spirit level, bubble level, or simply a level, is an instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is straight horizontally (level) or vertically (plumb).
Job 38:4-5 (NET) says, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you possess understanding! Who set its measurements – if you know – or who stretched a measuring line across it?"
Ezekiel 40:3 (NET) says, "When he brought me there, I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring stick in his hand. He was standing in the gateway.
In the context of the Bible, the "canon" is the rule or a standard. The biblical canon refers to the collection of authoritative texts that are accepted as inspired and authoritative by the Christian community.
These texts serve as the rule or standard for faith, doctrine, and practice within that community. Some professed "Christian apostolic movements" reject the Bible calling it "stale food." They claim to hear fresh revelstion directly from the Holy Spirit.
The problem with this is that there is no measuring line or rule to check whether the person who is making claims to revelation is speaking by the Holy Spirit of God or by another spirit in pretense.
Builders understand that it is impossible to build in straight lines both vertically and horizontally without the use of the spirit level, and the same applies to the Christian faith. It is impossible to know God and to worship Him correctly without the Bible.
The process of canonization involved determining which books should be included in the biblical canon and which should be excluded.
Old Testament Canonization
Formation of Hebrew Scriptures
The Hebrew Scriptures, which form the Old Testament, were composed and collected over many centuries.
The process began with the writings of various prophets, poets, and historians in ancient Israel.
These texts were preserved and passed down through oral tradition and later written down.
Recognition of Inspired Texts
The Jewish community recognized certain writings as divinely inspired and authoritative.
These texts were considered divine and were used in spiritual ordinances and teachings.
Councils and Rabbinic Judgments
Various councils and groups of rabbis deliberated on the canonicity of certain books.
The precise details of this process are not fully known, but factors such as the authorship, antiquity, consistency with established teachings, and popularity played a role in the recognition of the inspired texts.
Finalization of the Hebrew Canon
By the end of the 1st century CE, the Jewish community had generally agreed upon the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures, which largely corresponds to the Old Testament of the current Bible.
New Testament Canonization
Composition of New Testament Books
The New Testament consists of writings that were composed by various early Christian authors, including apostles and their associates, during the 1st century CE.
These writings included the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles (letters), and the Book of Revelation.
Recognition of Apostolic Authority
Local Usage and Circulation
Early Christian communities began using and circulating certain writings within their congregations.
These writings were read during worship services and were considered valuable for teaching and instruction.
Wider Recognition and Collection
As the Christian faith spread, various communities recognized the importance of certain texts and sought to collect and preserve them. These collections varied between regions and communities.
Councils and Church Fathers
In the 4th century CE, several councils and prominent Church Fathers played a significant role in the formal recognition of the New Testament canon.
The Council of Carthage in 397 CE affirmed the canon of the New Testament that is widely accepted today.
Finalization of the New Testament Canon
By the 5th century CE, the Christian Church had largely agreed upon the canon of the New Testament, consisting of the 27 books that are included in the current New Testament.
The canonization of the Bible was a gradual and careful process that unfolded over several centuries, guided by principles of authenticity, apostolic authority, and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
THE PRINCIPLES OF CANONIZATION
Here is a detailed summary of the principles involved:
Authenticity
The early Christian community sought to discern which writings were truly authentic and had a direct connection to the apostles or other eyewitnesses of Jesus' ministry.
These authentic writings were considered more reliable sources of the teachings of Jesus and the early Christian faith.
Apostolic Authority
The writings that were attributed to the apostles or those closely associated with them held a special significance.
The apostles were chosen by Jesus and received the authority to teach and guide the early Christian community.
The writings with clear apostolic authorship or association were considered authoritative and were given greater weight in the canonization process.
Consistency with Teachings
The writings were evaluated based on their consistency with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
The early Christian community valued continuity with the core message and doctrines of the faith as passed down through the apostolic tradition.
The writings that aligned with these teachings were considered more likely to be inspired by God.
Acceptance by Early Christian Communities
The writings that were widely accepted and used by the early Christian communities across different regions held significant weight in the canonization process.
This acceptance indicated that these writings were considered valuable for instruction, worship, and edification within the early church.
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Throughout the canonization process, the early Christian community relied on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
They believed that the Holy Spirit would lead them into all truth and help them discern the inspired writings from others.
The community sought spiritual discernment and unity in recognizing the books that were inspired by God.
Church Councils
In the 4th century, church councils, such as the Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD), played a significant role in affirming the canon.
These councils brought together bishops and church leaders to discuss and evaluate the authenticity, apostolic authority, and inspiration of the various writings.
The decisions made in these councils helped to establish the final canon of the Bible.
Conclusion
The concept of canonization ensured that the texts included in the Bible possessed a recognized authority and were considered holy and divinely inspired.
These texts were seen as the measuring rod or standard against which beliefs, practices, and teachings were evaluated and aligned.
The canonization process was not a quick or unilateral decision, but rather a collective effort of the early Christian community under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The principles of authenticity, apostolic authority, consistency with teachings, acceptance by communities, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit were key factors in determining which books were included in the final canon of the Bible.
By including certain texts in the canon, faith communities affirmed the significance, authenticity, and authority of those writings as foundational to the Christian faith.
(Continued in Part Three [OF WHAT USE IS THE BIBLE TODAY] in the Link provided below...)
https://letthebiblespeak-njoe.blogspot.com/2024/05/why-we-should-believe-in-bible-as-it-is_7.html
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