How was Biblical content chosen?

Books were used as scripture by the early church based on their apostolic sources and authority. False writings, like the Gnostic gospels, came later in the 2nd and 3rd centuries and had no authority and often had pseudonyms or claims to authors that were not correct, not real authors. Not to mention the content went against what the true NT writers wrote.

A few books were questioned later, like James and 2 Peter (2 Peter based on its different style from 1 Peter, I think, was one issue). These objections have been resolved.

A good book to get on this would be "From God to Us: How We Got the Bible" by Norman Geisler. Geisler says that God chose the canon, and men discovered it (didn't "choose" which books were in the canon).

Also see this link:

http://www.ccel.us/bible.ch2.html

The main site for this is http://www.ccel.us/bible.toc.html

 

Bruce metzger's got some great books about this topic. I handled a little of it for a seminar in my phd work. Fascinating stuff.

To be brief, through the circulation in the early church, use of apostolic authority, and through the various ecumenical councils and synods we can have conifneve in the text odthe Bible as we have it today. It was really finalized, formally, at the Synod of Carthage in c. 397 AD/CE.

Prior to that various manuscripts and canons surfaced, most notably the Muratorian Fragment. Anyhoo all that to say there was a process, I believe divinely led by he Holy Spirit.

 

I've found this website helpful in understanding the history of the NT Canon.

The Development of the NT Canon

The history of the OT Canon is more shrouded in history that has been lost to us.

 

Yes! :thumbsup: It's one reason I've loved seminary courses and discussions when I get together with others into these topics.

 

Amen! But we should remember that we must start in Genesis 1:1, and believe what we read. We should not allow into our Theology the thinking of man. It is imperative we know who said what. When was it said? Where was it said, and Why? Just How are we to interpret the Word of God? The Holy Spirit has given us what we need today. As He has already given us His Interpretation, we should not put our spin on what He says.

 

Trust me Gina, it doesn't work that way, or hasn't for me; I've been retired since 2004 and it seems I have less time now than I did when I was working. EVERYBODY will make plans for you when you're retired if you let them. Maybe I'm too soft headed or soft hearted for my own good.

I think the 'Thus saith the Lord' phrases was a big factor with putting together the canon. It's funny, the name of God, in all its variations, isn't even mentioned in the book of Esther.