Canon of Scripture

The existence of inspired Scriptures demands to be recognized and collected to make up the Canon, which gives a standard for Christian living.[1] Studying what the Bible and tradition says about authoritative writings, we will see how the canon was constituted, and why it is now closed, and God’s revelation is complete.

The Canon began when God wrote the Ten Commandments (Ex.31:18). Being placed in the Ark of the Covenant (Deut.10:5), they had to be considered authoritative.[2] The book of law written by Moses (Deut. 31:24-26) was then added, followed by Joshua’s writings (Josh.24:26). Prophets like Samuel (1Sam.10:25), Isaiah (2Chr.26:22), and Jeremiah (Jer.30:2) also later wrote adding God’s words to the canon.[3] The New Testament witnesses about itself. Paul claimed to speak the words of God (1Cor.14:37) and Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would remind his disciples of all truth (John 16:13-14).[4] The Apostle’s writings found themselves on the same level as the Old Testament (2Pet.3:16).[5]

The canonicity of the Old Testament books depended on nothing other than being determined by God. According to Edward J. Young a book is canonical if it is inspired, and therefore written by a prophet (Heb.1:1).[6] Though the Apocrypha has been viewed as canonical by some[7], it claims not to be prophetic (1Macc.4:45-46). This belief is also found in Jewish literature such as Josephus’ writings.[8] We believe as Jerome when he included them in the Vulgate, their value is in helping understand history and tradition.[9]

The church is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Eph.2:20). Authority to write New Testament Scripture came with the Apostolic Office (Acts 2:42), but given also to some close to the Apostles who could give apostolic teaching. Jesus promised that we would recognize what is from him and what is not (John 10:27)[10], so apart from the apostolicity, for books to be part of the canon, they had to be accepted as being part of the rule of faith, not contradicting other canonical books, and having wide acceptance as canonical in scattered congregations.[11]

The list of 27 books we have in the New Testament was established no later than A.D 367, and progressively affirmed everywhere. God has spoken to us through His Son (Heb.1:2). As we possess everything we need to know about Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, and the meaning for the lives of believers for all times we do not expect anything else. The Bible began with creation, and ends in Revelation with new creation. Its warning not to add anything to the prophecy (Rev.22:18) can also be applied to the whole Bible. Knowing God knows the importance of his word for those he loves, (Deut 32:47; Mat 4:4), we can claim to have God’s full revelation in the Bible.[12]

After inspiring scripture, God guided his people to recognize his words. Through scripture, and history we can see how the Bible came together, and understand why books were included while others rejected. Given God’s providence, we can be confident that the Bible today is complete, and we lack nothing for the life of faith.


[1] Rene Pache, The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture (Chicago, IL.: Moody Press, 1979), 161.
[2] Norman L. Geisler and William E. Nix, A General Introduction to the Bible, Rev. and expanded. ed. (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 1986), 204.
[3] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: an Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 55.
[4] Grudem, Systematic Theology: an Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 60.
[5] Pache, The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, 174.
[6] Geisler and Nix, A General Introduction to the Bible, 211-212.
[7] Ralph Earle, How We Got Our Bible, (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 2010), 35.
[8] Robert L. Saucy, The Bible: Breathed from God, ed. Bruce L. Shelley (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1978), 98.
[9] Grudem, Systematic Theology: an Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 57.
[10] Pache, The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture, 160,176.
[11] Saucy, The Bible: Breathed from God, 93-4.
[12] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 64-5.