How We Got the New Testament

The Inspiration of Scripture

True Scripture is divinely directed. It is completely true in its original form.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 NASB95

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Men wrote as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

2 Peter 1:16–21 NASB95

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”— 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Scripture gives self-reference to its own inspiration.

1 Timothy 5:18 references both Deut. 25:4 and Luke 10:7

2 Peter 3:15-16 affirms the inspiration of Paul’s writings.

The Canonization of Scripture

What were the qualifications of Scripture and how did it come about?

Heresies and persecution actually helped to formulate the canon (standard).

Also missionary outreach and prophetic nature of Scripture.

What was the criteria?

Apostolicity: The writings had to be connected to an apostle.

Orthodoxy:

Antiquity:

Some documents were just written far too late to be even considered.

Ecclesiatical Usage:

By the middle of the second century BC the cannon was taking shape in the writings of the early church fathers.

Polycarp (69-155 AD) referenced as many as 15 NT books.

Papias (60-130 AD) also referenced the four gospels, acts, revelation, 1 Peter and 1 John.

Iraneus also advocated for the four (and only four) gospels.

Eusebius gives a valuable list:

First tier no dispute: the four Gospels, Acts, Pauls Letters (and Hebrews), 1 John, 1 Peter and Revelation.

Second tier some dispute, but commonly accepted: James, Jude, 2 Peter, and 2-3 John

Third tier rejected: Acts of Paul, Shepherd of Hermas, Revelation of Peter, Epistle of Barnabas. there were rejected as pseudo.