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Bible, Canon of

theological_term theological_term standard

The canon of the Bible is the recognized collection of books received as Holy Scripture and therefore authoritative for faith and life.

At a Glance

A canon is an authorized list or standard. In biblical studies, it refers to the books received as Scripture.

Key Points

Description

The canon of the Bible refers to the collection of books recognized as Holy Scripture and therefore normative for faith, doctrine, and life. In conservative evangelical understanding, the church does not create the canon but receives the books God inspired. The Old Testament canon is bound up with God’s covenant revelation to Israel, and the New Testament canon with the apostolic witness to Jesus Christ. Christian traditions differ on the exact Old Testament boundaries, but all orthodox Christianity affirms that the canonical books are uniquely authoritative. The canon therefore names the books the people of God receive as the written Word of God.

Biblical Context

The Bible presents God’s words as authoritative, preserved, read publicly, and received by God’s people. The Old Testament was treated as Scripture in Israel, and the New Testament writings were later received by the early church as apostolic testimony to Christ.

Historical Context

The recognition of the biblical canon developed over time as God’s people identified writings that bore divine authority, apostolic origin, prophetic character, and faithful doctrinal witness. The church’s role was receptive and discerning, not creative.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Second Temple Judaism regarded the Law, Prophets, and other revered writings as sacred texts, though the precise shape of the Hebrew Bible’s final boundaries is discussed in scholarship. This background helps explain the early Christian reception of Israel’s Scriptures.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

English canon comes through Latin canon, from Greek kanōn, meaning a rule, measuring rod, or standard. In biblical usage the idea is a recognized standard or authoritative measure.

Theological Significance

The canon identifies which books are Scripture and therefore bind the conscience of the church. It safeguards the final authority of God’s Word and the sufficiency of Scripture for doctrine and obedience.

Philosophical Explanation

A canon is a boundary-marking concept: it distinguishes authoritative writings from merely helpful or historically important writings. The canon is not arbitrary, but neither is it merely a human shortlist; it reflects God’s prior act of inspiring specific books.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not confuse divine inspiration with the church’s later recognition of inspired books. Do not use Revelation 22:18-19 as if it were a direct statement about the whole Bible’s final form. Also distinguish the canon itself from textual transmission, translation, and manuscript criticism.

Major Views

Evangelicals generally hold that the canon is God-given and recognized by the church. Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions describe the canon in ways that more explicitly involve ecclesial reception and differ on some Old Testament books. Protestant Bibles ordinarily include 66 books.

Doctrinal Boundaries

The biblical canon is closed; no later writing carries the same authority as Scripture. Helpful church writings, creeds, and traditions must be tested by the canonical books. Traditions may vary on OT boundaries, but canonical status is not granted by later human preference.

Practical Significance

The canon tells believers where final authority lies for doctrine, correction, preaching, and moral guidance. It also helps Christians evaluate claims, traditions, and new teachings against Scripture.

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