CANONICITY [1920]

"The fact of the canon developed is indisputable, but how is developed and when it was completed is a matter which must also be considered. Although, inspiration determines canonization and men are actively involved in the recognition of the canon." [Geisler & Nix, 148]

A long and in-depth study is not possible in this lecture. A list of resources will be provided. We hopefully provide you with a beginning point for your study.

Just as in may other subjects, you will find a variety of views and not all are covered in this lecture.

For our purposes canonization related to discussion surrounding HOMOLOGOUMENA, ANTILEGOMENA, APOCRYPHA, PSEUDEPIGRAPHA

God never sent down a message saying, "These are the canonical books."

Read Inspiration paying attention to THE BASIC BIBLICAL VIEW.

The canon is not so much determined as discovered. God gave us a canon. Men have discovered the canon. Canon means:

• "kanon" rod, ruler or measuring rod
• Rule of faith/practice/belief

INADEQUATE VIEWS for discovering the Canon:

• Age - many other older books, writings
• Hebrew language
  • Other Hebrew writings in Hebrew that are not canonical.
  • Some books not totally written in Hebrew are canonical: Daniel 2:4b-7:28, Ezra 4:8-18, 7:12-26
• Agreement with Torah defines Canonicity - not all literature agreeing with Torah is canonical.
• Religious value -
• It is inspiring
• Trouble with these views
  • Canonicity is determined by God by inspiration
  • Divine authority is recognized by men of God not determined (bestowed) by them
    

MORE SUFFICIENT VIEW

• A book is valuable because it is canonical.
• A book is canonical because it is inspired.
• The genealogies are not always seen as "inspiring" or valuable. However, our perception of a passage(s) does not determine whether or not God inspired the passage.

TESTIMONY OF CHRIST

• He quoted most of the 22 books of Hebrew cannon
• He considered every section (Law, Prophets, Writings) prophetic of him. (Luke 24:27, 44)
• Old Testament was unbreakable (John 10:35)
• He mentions individuals Jonah, Moses.

DISCOVERY OF CANONICITY

"Canonicity is determined or established authoritatively by God; it is merely discovered by man." Comparing the following view demonstrates either authority of the church or authority in Scripture. [Geisler & Nix, 136]

GOD GAVE CANONICITY TO THE BIBLE

• The Church is Discover of Canon not determiner canon
• The Church is Child of Canon not mother of canon
• The Church is Minster of Canon not magistrate of canon
• The Church is Recognizer of Canon not regulator of canon
• The Church is Witness of Canon not Judge of canon
• The Church is Servant of Canon not master of canon

The New and Old Testament mentions other books which are not in the canon. (Non-Canonical Books in the Bible.)

The QUESTION? What are the earmarks of inspiration which guided the church fathers to recognize and collect the inspired books?

Geisler and Nix mention FIVE PRINCIPLES in the discovering the canon.

• Is it authoritative? Does it speak with authority?
• Is it prophetic? Written by a man of God
• Is it authentic? Tell the truth about God, man, sin
• Is it dynamic? Does the book come with the power of God? The message of God will be backed by the might of God.
• Was it received? Accepted by the people of God?
  • Some never in any doubt Homologoumena
  • Some were in doubt (Esther) Antilegomena,
  • Some were accepted by some & rejected by others Apocrypha
  • Some were always rejected as canonical Pseudepigrapha

OTHER LISTS

 Keys to Interpreting Scripture by Hugh Ross

• Tests of Inspiration (Tests for determining which writings are from God)

DEVELOPMENT OF CANON is three fold:

• Inspired by God
• Recognized by men of God
• Collected and preserved by the people of God.

PRESERVATION OF THE CANON

Not only did God direct in the creation and development of the canon, but God has preserved the canon as it has been copied and translated.

• God did/does/will providentially guide the process.
• God did/does/will reveal Himself.

Need to add the following:

• DATES OF CHURCH COUNCILS which recognized the canon - Not covered in this lecture
• DISCUSSION OF REASONS FOR HOMOLOGOUMENA, ANTILEGOMENA, APOCRYPHA, PSEUDEPIGRAPHA books

RESOURCES

• 1st chapter in Expositor's Bible Commentary, Frank E. Gaebleein Editor, 1979, ISBN 0-310-36430-2 v. 1
• God, Revelation and Authority, Volume 4, Carl F.H. Henry, Word Books, Waco Texas, 1983, ISBN 0-8499-0333-5
• Any of the Survey text books mentioned in Resources
• Jame Leo Garret
• Part 2 in Christian Theology, Millard Erickson
•  

(Lesson adapted in part from A General Introduction to the Bible by Norman Geisler and William Nix)

Last Updated 24 February, 2000