The Bible Its Authority and Interpretation. Table of Contents Systematic Theology Systematic Theology Systematic Theology Overview Overview The.

The BibleThe Bible

Its Authority and InterpretationIts Authority and Interpretation

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

Systematic TheologySystematic TheologyOverviewOverviewThe CanonThe Canon

Old TestamentOld TestamentNew TestamentNew Testament

TheologyTheology

Greek Greek theostheos – God – GodGreek Greek logoslogos – reason or speech – reason or speech

Result – “Rational discussion about Result – “Rational discussion about God”God”

Systematic TheologySystematic Theology

The attempt to reduce religious The attempt to reduce religious truth to an organized truth to an organized systemsystem..

Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, EditorEvangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, Editor

Involves collecting and understanding Involves collecting and understanding allall the relevant the relevant passages in the Bible on various topics and then passages in the Bible on various topics and then summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what summarizing their teachings clearly so that we know what to believe about each topic. to believe about each topic.

““Systematic”Systematic”

Requires careful organization by topicRequires careful organization by topicRequires finding and fairly treating ALL Requires finding and fairly treating ALL

relevant Bible passagesrelevant Bible passagesRequires that summaries be accurately Requires that summaries be accurately

formulatedformulated

All Christians Practice All Christians Practice Systematic TheologySystematic Theology

““The Bible says that everyone who The Bible says that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ will be saved.”believes in Jesus Christ will be saved.”

““The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the only way to God.”only way to God.”

““The Bible says that Jesus is coming The Bible says that Jesus is coming again.” again.”

““God gives the truth in God gives the truth in single threads which single threads which we must weave into a we must weave into a finished texture.”finished texture.”

- Origen- Origen

What are Doctrines?What are Doctrines?

What the Bible teaches us today about What the Bible teaches us today about some particular topicsome particular topicExample: BibliologyExample: BibliologyExample: SoteriologyExample: SoteriologyExample: EcclesiologyExample: EcclesiologyExample: EschatologyExample: Eschatology

Why Should Christians Study Why Should Christians Study Theology?Theology?

We are not trying to “improve” on ScriptureWe are not trying to “improve” on ScriptureWe are not denying the clarity of ScriptureWe are not denying the clarity of Scripture

“ “Do your best to present yourself to God Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV)

Branches of TheologyBranches of Theology

Systematic theologySystematic theologyExegetical theologyExegetical theologyBiblical theologyBiblical theologyHistorical theologyHistorical theologyPractical theologyPractical theology

Exegetical TheologyExegetical Theology

Unfolds the meaning of specific Unfolds the meaning of specific biblical texts and so provides biblical texts and so provides systematic theology with its basic systematic theology with its basic building blocks.building blocks.

Biblical TheologyBiblical Theology

Sets forth the doctrinal message of Sets forth the doctrinal message of the books of the Bible in their the books of the Bible in their historical setting.historical setting.

Historical TheologyHistorical Theology

Traces the science of God through Traces the science of God through the various eras of the church’s the various eras of the church’s historyhistory..

(chronological rather than topical or logical)(chronological rather than topical or logical)

Practical TheologyPractical Theology

Applies the results of systematic Applies the results of systematic theology to preaching, teaching, theology to preaching, teaching, and counseling.and counseling.

Systematic TheologySystematic Theology

Incorporates the data of exegetical, Incorporates the data of exegetical, biblical, and historical theology to biblical, and historical theology to construct a coherent explication of the construct a coherent explication of the Christian faith.Christian faith.

Systematic theology claims that God can Systematic theology claims that God can be known and truths about God be known and truths about God communicated in meaningful everyday communicated in meaningful everyday language. language.

Application to LifeApplication to Life

Summarizes doctrines so as to be Summarizes doctrines so as to be understood today understood today

Summarizes doctrines creating new Summarizes doctrines creating new words not found in Scripture: words not found in Scripture:

trinity, incarnation, deity of Christtrinity, incarnation, deity of Christ

BibliologyBibliology

The Authority of the BibleThe Authority of the Bible

The Interpretation of the BibleThe Interpretation of the Bible

from Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, R.C. Sproulfrom Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, R.C. Sproul

RevelationRevelation

Everything we know about Christianity has Everything we know about Christianity has been revealed to us by God.been revealed to us by God.

Reveal = unveil, uncoverReveal = unveil, uncoverIdle speculation about God is a fool’s Idle speculation about God is a fool’s

errand. If we wish to know Him in truth, errand. If we wish to know Him in truth, we must rely on what He tells us about we must rely on what He tells us about Himself.Himself.

How God Revealed HimselfHow God Revealed Himself

NatureNatureDreams/visionsDreams/visionsHistoryHistoryScriptureScripture

The Zenith of God’s RevelationThe Zenith of God’s Revelation

The incarnation of Jesus ChristThe incarnation of Jesus Christ

““Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”he created the world.”

Hebrews 1:1-2Hebrews 1:1-2

Two Chief Types of RevelationTwo Chief Types of Revelation

General RevelationGeneral Revelation

Special RevelationSpecial Revelation


General Revelation is “general” in two General Revelation is “general” in two respects – respects –

General in contentGeneral in content

Revealed to a general audienceRevealed to a general audience

General Revelation: ContentGeneral Revelation: Content

““The heavens declare the glory of God;The heavens declare the glory of God;The skies proclaim the work of his hands.The skies proclaim the work of his hands.Day after day they pour forth speech;Day after day they pour forth speech;Night after night they display knowledge.Night after night they display knowledge.There is no speech or languageThere is no speech or languageWhere their voice is not heard.Where their voice is not heard.Their voice goes out into all the earth,Their voice goes out into all the earth,Their words to the ends of the world.”Their words to the ends of the world.”

Psalm 19:1-4Psalm 19:1-4

““For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because known about God is plain to them, because God has shown God has shown it to themit to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal . For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.”birds and animals and reptiles.”

Romans 1:18-23Romans 1:18-23


““Revelation in nature does not give a full Revelation in nature does not give a full revelation of God. It does not give us the revelation of God. It does not give us the information about God the Redeemer that information about God the Redeemer that we find in the Bible. But the God who is we find in the Bible. But the God who is revealed in nature is the same God who is revealed in nature is the same God who is revealed in Scripture.”revealed in Scripture.”

- R. C. Sproul- R. C. Sproul

General Revelation: AudienceGeneral Revelation: Audience

The entire world is a stage for God.The entire world is a stage for God.

““Hearers” include those who have not read Hearers” include those who have not read the Bible or heard the gospel.the Bible or heard the gospel.

Denial of General RevelationDenial of General Revelation

The atheistThe atheist “ “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no

God.’” – Psalm 14:1God.’” – Psalm 14:1

The agnosticThe agnosticDeclares that there is insufficient evidence to Declares that there is insufficient evidence to

decide one way or the other about God’s decide one way or the other about God’s existence.existence.


MediateMediate

ImmediateImmediate

Mediate General RevelationMediate General Revelation

Transmitted through an intermediaryTransmitted through an intermediary

A mediumA medium

For example, the For example, the heavensheavens declare God’s glory declare God’s glory

Immediate General RevelationImmediate General Revelation

God revealing himself directly to the God revealing himself directly to the human mindhuman mind

““That there exists in the human mind, and That there exists in the human mind, and indeed by natural instinct, some sense of indeed by natural instinct, some sense of Deity, we hold to be beyond dispute, since Deity, we hold to be beyond dispute, since God himself…has endued all men with God himself…has endued all men with some idea of his Godhead, the memory of some idea of his Godhead, the memory of which he constantly renews and which he constantly renews and occasionally enlarges.”occasionally enlarges.” John CalvinJohn Calvin

““For all who have sinned without the law will also perish For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” of men by Christ Jesus.”

Romans 2:12-16Romans 2:12-16

Special RevelationSpecial Revelation

““But as for you, continue in what you have learned But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Christ Jesus.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for for teachingteaching, for , for reproofreproof, for , for correctioncorrection, and for , and for trainingtraining in righteousness, that the man of God may in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:14-172 Timothy 3:14-17

Special Revelation and the BibleSpecial Revelation and the Bible

““Man shall not live by bread alone, but by Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of every word that comes from the mouth of God.“God.“ Matthew 4:4Matthew 4:4

The Bible is the Word of GodThe Bible is the Word of God

SpecialRevelation

GeneralRevelation

To all

InspirationInspiration

““All Scripture is All Scripture is breathed outbreathed out by God and by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-172 Timothy 3:16-17 Human authors, but the ultimate Human authors, but the ultimate sourcesource

and and superintendentsuperintendent is God. is God.

Inspiration

GOD

Human Authors

Bible


God did not God did not dictatedictate his word to human his word to human authors; they wrote through their own authors; they wrote through their own personalitiespersonalities

The Bible is infallible and inerrantThe Bible is infallible and inerrantOriginal autographs no longer existOriginal autographs no longer existToday’s translationsToday’s translations

It is true and trustworthyIt is true and trustworthy


Inspiration is . . . Inspiration is . . . VerbalVerbal: Extends to the very : Extends to the very wordswords of Scripture, of Scripture,

not just teachings.not just teachings.

PlenaryPlenary: Extends to : Extends to everythingeverything in the Bible, not in the Bible, not just parts that speak on matters of faith and just parts that speak on matters of faith and practice.practice.

Key TermsKey Terms

RevelationRevelation: : The act whereby God reveals truth to The act whereby God reveals truth to mankind through both special revelation mankind through both special revelation (Scripture) and general revelation (nature, (Scripture) and general revelation (nature, conscience, etc.)conscience, etc.)

InspirationInspiration: : The act whereby God guided the writers of The act whereby God guided the writers of Scripture, giving them His words while Scripture, giving them His words while fully using the human element within man fully using the human element within man to produce the Scriptures.to produce the Scriptures.

IlluminationIllumination: : The act whereby God enlightens people to The act whereby God enlightens people to understand His revelation and its understand His revelation and its relevance to their lives.relevance to their lives.

Revela

tio

Revela

tio

nn

InspiratioInspirationn

IlluminatiIlluminationon

The BibleThe Bible

Life comes with an instruction manualLife comes with an instruction manualDo not attempt to live life without reading Do not attempt to live life without reading

the instruction manualthe instruction manualIf the Bible is not from God, then God is If the Bible is not from God, then God is

irrelevant -- He doesn’t care anyway.irrelevant -- He doesn’t care anyway.BUT -- God has spoken!BUT -- God has spoken!

““Canon”Canon”

Canon = the list of all books that belong to Canon = the list of all books that belong to the Biblethe Bible

Means “rule” or “measuring rod”Means “rule” or “measuring rod”

God determines the canonGod determines the canon

QuestionsQuestions

How do we know that the books we have How do we know that the books we have in the Bible are the right ones?in the Bible are the right ones?

Who has the authority to determine what Who has the authority to determine what books can be called Scripture?books can be called Scripture?

Why do the Roman Catholics include extra Why do the Roman Catholics include extra books in their Bible?books in their Bible?

QuestionQuestion

Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and members of other cults have claimed members of other cults have claimed present-day revelations from God that they present-day revelations from God that they count equal to the Bible in authority. count equal to the Bible in authority.

What reasons can be given to indicate the What reasons can be given to indicate the falsity of those claims? falsity of those claims?

Moses … said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law.

For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess."

Deuteronomy 32: 45-47

Why it is importantWhy it is important

Moses … said to them, "Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law.

For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess."

Deuteronomy 32: 45-47

Why it is importantWhy it is important

But your very life

Accuracy of the Canon is CriticalAccuracy of the Canon is Critical

“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.”

Deuteronomy 4:2

The Old Testament CanonThe Old Testament Canon

Oldest Collection of God’s Words:Oldest Collection of God’s Words:The Ten CommandmentsThe Ten Commandments ““And he gave to Moses, when he had finished And he gave to Moses, when he had finished

speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger written with the finger of Godof God.”.” Exodus 31:18Exodus 31:18

““The tablets were the work of God, and the writing The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.”was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets.”

Exodus 32:16Exodus 32:16


The PentateuchThe PentateuchJoshuaJoshua

““And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God.” the Law of God.” Joshua 24:26 Joshua 24:26

Surprising in light of the command not to add Surprising in light of the command not to add to God’s wordto God’s word

Thus God must have commanded him to add Thus God must have commanded him to add themthem

Old Testament Human AuthorsOld Testament Human Authors

““Then Samuel told the people the rights Then Samuel told the people the rights and duties of the kingship, and he wrote and duties of the kingship, and he wrote them in a book and laid it up before the them in a book and laid it up before the Lord.”Lord.”

I Samuel 10:25I Samuel 10:25


““Now the rest of the Acts of Hezekiah, and Now the rest of the Acts of Hezekiah, and his good deeds, behold, they are written in his good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of the vision of Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz, in the Book of the Kings of Judah Amoz, in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel.”and Israel.”

2 Chronicles 2 Chronicles 32:3232:32


““Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.”spoken to you.”

Jeremiah 30:2Jeremiah 30:2

No Further Additions to the OT No Further Additions to the OT after ~435 B.C.after ~435 B.C.

Last books:Last books:EzraEzraNehemiahNehemiahEstherEstherMalachiMalachi

The SeptuagintThe Septuagint

Translation of OT from Hebrew to GreekTranslation of OT from Hebrew to GreekTranslated 284 – 247 B.C.Translated 284 – 247 B.C.Latin Latin septuagintaseptuaginta means “seventy” means “seventy”Often designated by “LXX”Often designated by “LXX”

Canonization of ScriptureCanonization of Scripture

Five Tests for Canonicity of OTFive Tests for Canonicity of OT 1.1. Did Christ and the NT attest to its authority?Did Christ and the NT attest to its authority?

2.2. Do extrabiblical Jewish writers affirm it?Do extrabiblical Jewish writers affirm it?

3.3. Is the book consistent with other revelation?Is the book consistent with other revelation?

4.4. Was it written by a prophet or someone of Was it written by a prophet or someone of divine authority?divine authority?

5.5. Does the body of Christ recognize it?Does the body of Christ recognize it?


Luke 24:44Luke 24:44

““Now He said to them, ‘These are My words Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”


Matthew 7:12Matthew 7:12

““Therefore, however you want people to Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”and the Prophets.”

Canonization of ScriptureCanonization of Scripture“Since Jesus is the Messiah, God in human flesh, He is the last word on all matters. He had the divine authority to endorse all Scripture or only some of it. He universally affirmed all Scripture, in every part, as the divine Word of God.”

—Don Stewart The Ten Wonders of the Bible (Orange, CA: Dart Press, 1990), 123

“Since Jesus is the Messiah, God in human flesh, He is the last word on all matters. He had the divine authority to endorse all Scripture or only some of it. He universally affirmed all Scripture, in every part, as the divine Word of God.”

—Don Stewart The Ten Wonders of the Bible (Orange, CA: Dart Press, 1990), 123


JosephusJosephus““How firmly we have given credit to these books of our own How firmly we have given credit to these books of our own nation is evident by what we do; for during so many ages nation is evident by what we do; for during so many ages as have already passed, no one has been so bold as either as have already passed, no one has been so bold as either to add any thing to them, to take any thing from them, or to to add any thing to them, to take any thing from them, or to make any change in them; but it has become natural to all make any change in them; but it has become natural to all Jews immediately, and from their very birth, to esteem Jews immediately, and from their very birth, to esteem these books to contain Divine doctrines, and to persist in these books to contain Divine doctrines, and to persist in them, and, if occasion should arise, be willing to die for them, and, if occasion should arise, be willing to die for them. For it is no new thing for our captives, many of them them. For it is no new thing for our captives, many of them in number, and frequently in time, to be seen to endure in number, and frequently in time, to be seen to endure racks and deaths of all kinds upon the theatres, that they racks and deaths of all kinds upon the theatres, that they may not be obliged to say one word against our laws and may not be obliged to say one word against our laws and the records that contain them.”the records that contain them.”

The ApocryphaThe Apocrypha


Records history of the Jewish people from Records history of the Jewish people from ~435 B.C. to the time of Christ.~435 B.C. to the time of Christ.

Means “hidden writings”Means “hidden writings”Alternate name: Deuterocanonical books Alternate name: Deuterocanonical books

(Literally, “second canon”)(Literally, “second canon”)


This group of writings, mostly written in This group of writings, mostly written in Greek during the intertestamental period Greek during the intertestamental period (400–100 B.C.), are contained in the (400–100 B.C.), are contained in the Christian Septuagint and Latin Vulgate and Christian Septuagint and Latin Vulgate and accepted by Roman Catholics and some accepted by Roman Catholics and some Eastern Orthodox as Scripture, but rejected Eastern Orthodox as Scripture, but rejected by Jews and evangelical Protestants. by Jews and evangelical Protestants.

Greek Greek Orthodox Orthodox

DeuterocanoniDeuterocanonicalcal

Roman Roman Catholic Catholic

DeuterocanoniDeuterocanonicalcal

Protestant Protestant ApocryphaApocrypha

1 (3) Esdras 1 (3) Esdras

Tobit Tobit Judith Judith Additions to Esther Additions to Esther Wisdom of Solomon Wisdom of Solomon Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) Baruch Baruch Epistle of Jeremiah Epistle of Jeremiah Prayer of AzariahPrayer of AzariahStory of Susanna Story of Susanna Bel and the Dragon Bel and the Dragon Prayer of Manasseh Prayer of Manasseh 1 Maccabees 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees 2 Maccabees 3 Maccabees 3 Maccabees 4 Maccabees 4 Maccabees

Psalm 151Psalm 151

Tobit Tobit Judith Judith Additions to Esther Additions to Esther Wisdom of Solomon Wisdom of Solomon Ecclesiasticus Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) (Sirach) Baruch Baruch Epistle of Jeremiah Epistle of Jeremiah Prayer of AzariahPrayer of AzariahStory of Susanna Story of Susanna Bel and the Dragon Bel and the Dragon

1 Maccabees 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees2 Maccabees

1 (3) Esdras 1 (3) Esdras 2 (4) Esdras 2 (4) Esdras Tobit Tobit Judith Judith Additions to Esther Additions to Esther Wisdom of Solomon Wisdom of Solomon Ecclesiasticus Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) (Sirach) Baruch Baruch Epistle of Jeremiah Epistle of Jeremiah Prayer of AzariahPrayer of AzariahStory of Susanna Story of Susanna Bel and the Dragon Bel and the Dragon Prayer of Manasseh Prayer of Manasseh 1 Maccabees 1 Maccabees 2 Maccabees 2 Maccabees


Sirich 22:3Sirich 22:3

““It is a disgrace to be the father of an It is a disgrace to be the father of an undisciplined son, and the birth of a undisciplined son, and the birth of a daughter is a loss.”daughter is a loss.”

The Apocrypha: No Prophet?The Apocrypha: No Prophet?

““So they tore down the altar and stored the So they tore down the altar and stored the stones in a convenient place on the temple stones in a convenient place on the temple hill until there should come a prophet to hill until there should come a prophet to tell what to do with them.” tell what to do with them.”

1 Maccabees 4:45-461 Maccabees 4:45-46““[distress]…such as had not been since [distress]…such as had not been since

the time that prophets ceased to appear the time that prophets ceased to appear among them.”among them.” 1 Maccabees 9:271 Maccabees 9:27

JosephusJosephus

““From Artaxerxes to our own time a From Artaxerxes to our own time a complete history has been written, but has complete history has been written, but has not been deemed worthy of equal credit with not been deemed worthy of equal credit with the earlier records, because of the failure of the earlier records, because of the failure of the exact succession of the prophets.”the exact succession of the prophets.”

Against Apion 1.14Against Apion 1.14

Rabbinic LiteratureRabbinic Literature

““After the latter prophets Haggai, After the latter prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi had died, the Holy Zechariah, and Malachi had died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel.” Spirit departed from Israel.”

Babylonian TalmudBabylonian TalmudThe Qumran community, the Jewish sect The Qumran community, the Jewish sect

that left behind the Dead Sea Scrolls, also that left behind the Dead Sea Scrolls, also awaited a prophet to follow in the footsteps awaited a prophet to follow in the footsteps of the last writers of the OT.of the last writers of the OT.

The OT Canon at the Time of The OT Canon at the Time of ChristChrist

There is no record of any dispute between There is no record of any dispute between Jesus and the Jews over the extent of the Jesus and the Jews over the extent of the canon. canon.

Jesus and the NT authors quote the OT Jesus and the NT authors quote the OT over 295 times but never quote the over 295 times but never quote the Apocrypha.Apocrypha.

170 A.D.170 A.D.

The earliest list of OT books that exits The earliest list of OT books that exits today was by Melito, bishop of Sardis. today was by Melito, bishop of Sardis.

He includes all OT books except EstherHe includes all OT books except EstherNo book of the Apocrypha is listedNo book of the Apocrypha is listed

404 A.D.404 A.D.

The Apocrypha was included by Jerome in The Apocrypha was included by Jerome in his Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible.his Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible.……but he said that they were not part of the but he said that they were not part of the

canon but merely “books of the church.” canon but merely “books of the church.”

Adopted by Roman ChurchAdopted by Roman Church

It was not until 1546 at the Council of It was not until 1546 at the Council of Trent that the Roman church officially Trent that the Roman church officially declared the Apocrypha to be part of the declared the Apocrypha to be part of the canon. canon.

The Council was in response to the The Council was in response to the Protestant Reformation.Protestant Reformation.

The Apocrypha supports justification by The Apocrypha supports justification by faith plus works.faith plus works.

The King James VersionThe King James Version

Some may learn with dismay…Some may learn with dismay………that the Apocrypha was included with the that the Apocrypha was included with the

KJV when it was originally translated.KJV when it was originally translated.

The Apocrypha Is Not ScriptureThe Apocrypha Is Not Scripture

They do not claim for themselves authority They do not claim for themselves authority as the OT writings.as the OT writings.

They were not regarded as part of the They were not regarded as part of the canon by the Jews.canon by the Jews.

They were not considered to be Scripture They were not considered to be Scripture by Jesus or the NT authors.by Jesus or the NT authors.

They contain teachings inconsistent with They contain teachings inconsistent with the rest of the Bible.the rest of the Bible.


SummarySummaryChristians today should have no worry that Christians today should have no worry that

anything needed has been left out or that anything needed has been left out or that anything that is not God’s words has been anything that is not God’s words has been included.included.

Through God’s providential care, we have the Through God’s providential care, we have the Old Testament available to us. Old Testament available to us.

The New Testament CanonThe New Testament Canon

The Old Testament ClosesThe Old Testament Closes

The Old Testament closes with the The Old Testament closes with the expectation of the Messiah to come who expectation of the Messiah to come who would be the greatest prophet of all.would be the greatest prophet of all.

Last Words of Old TestamentLast Words of Old Testament

"Behold, I send my messenger and he will "Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.”says the Lord of hosts.”

Malachi 3:1Malachi 3:1

"For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so is coming shall set them ablaze, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. Remember on the day when I act, says the Lord of hosts. Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.“of utter destruction.“

Malachi 4Malachi 4

The New TestamentThe New Testament

Consists primarily of the writings of the Consists primarily of the writings of the apostles.apostles.

It is primarily the apostles who are given It is primarily the apostles who are given the ability from the Holy Spirit to recall the ability from the Holy Spirit to recall accurately the words and deeds of Jesus accurately the words and deeds of Jesus and to interpret them rightly for and to interpret them rightly for subsequent generations.subsequent generations.

Christ’s Words to the ApostlesChrist’s Words to the Apostles

““But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”remembrance all that I have said to you.”

John 14:26John 14:26

Christ’s Words to the ApostlesChrist’s Words to the Apostles

““When the Spirit of truth comes, he will When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”declare it to you.”

John 16:13-14John 16:13-14

Time of the Apostles

Written Tradition (New Testament)Written Tradition (New Testament)

Apostolic Fathers Theologians33A33ADD

100A100ADD

200A200ADD

400A400ADD

Unwritten Tradition (Apostles’ teaching)Unwritten Tradition (Apostles’ teaching)

Development of Development of thethe NTNT CanonCanon Development of Development of thethe NTNT CanonCanon

Time of Apostolic Authority 40-100 A.D.Time of Apostolic Authority 40-100 A.D.


The New Testament attests to the The New Testament attests to the acceptance of the authority of the acceptance of the authority of the words of the Apostles as being on words of the Apostles as being on par with that of God.par with that of God.

The Apostles’ Words from GodThe Apostles’ Words from God

1 Corinthians 14:371 Corinthians 14:37

““If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment.”write to you are the Lord’s commandment.”


2 Corinthians 13:32 Corinthians 13:3

“…“…since you seek proof that Christ is since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me.”speaking in me.”


Galatians 1:8–9Galatians 1:8–9““But even if we, or an angel from heaven, But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”to be accursed!”


1 Thessalonians 2:131 Thessalonians 2:13

““For this reason we also constantly thank For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted God which you heard from us, you accepted it it not not as as the word of men, but the word of men, but for for what it what it really is, the word of God, which also really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.” performs its work in you who believe.”


2 Thessalonians 2:152 Thessalonians 2:15

““So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, the traditions which you were taught, whether by word whether by word of mouth of mouth or by letter from or by letter from us.”us.”


2 Peter 3:1-22 Peter 3:1-2

““This is now the second letter that I am This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.”through your apostles.”


2 Peter 3:1-22 Peter 3:1-2

““This is now the second letter that I am This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostlesthrough your apostles.”.”


The NT attests to the acceptance of The NT attests to the acceptance of other NT books as Scripture.other NT books as Scripture.


2 Peter 3:15–162 Peter 3:15–16““And regard the patience of our Lord as And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also also the rest of the Scripturesthe rest of the Scriptures, to their own , to their own destruction.”destruction.”


1 Timothy 5:181 Timothy 5:18

““For the Scripture says, ‘you shall not For the Scripture says, ‘you shall not muzzle an ox while he is threshing’ muzzle an ox while he is threshing’ [Deuteronomy 25:4], and ‘The laborer is [Deuteronomy 25:4], and ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” [Luke 10:7].worthy of his wages’” [Luke 10:7].

Five Books Not Written by Five Books Not Written by ApostlesApostles

MarkMarkLukeLukeActs (written by Luke)Acts (written by Luke)HebrewsHebrewsJudeJude

Mark, Luke, Acts & JudeMark, Luke, Acts & Jude

Mark was associated with – Mark was associated with –

PeterPeterLuke was associated with –Luke was associated with –

PaulPaulJude associated with –Jude associated with –

James, the brother of James, the brother of JesusJesus

HebrewsHebrews

““But who actually wrote the epistle, only But who actually wrote the epistle, only God knows.” – Origen, ~ 250 A.D.God knows.” – Origen, ~ 250 A.D.

Self-attestingSelf-attestingThe church had the personal testimony of The church had the personal testimony of

some living apostles to affirm the absolute some living apostles to affirm the absolute divine authority of some books. divine authority of some books.

““My sheep hear my voice.” John 10:27My sheep hear my voice.” John 10:27

“His Master’s Voice” by Francis Barraud

RCA Victor’s “Nipper”


The writings of the early church fathers The writings of the early church fathers attest to the acceptance of many NT books:attest to the acceptance of many NT books:

• They quote them as Scripture.They quote them as Scripture.• They draw a clear distinction between their They draw a clear distinction between their

writings and that of Scripture.writings and that of Scripture.• Marcion (c. 140), a Gnostic heretic, Marcion (c. 140), a Gnostic heretic,

devised his own canon which excluded the devised his own canon which excluded the entire OT and included only Luke (except entire OT and included only Luke (except Chap. 1 and 2) and the Pauline epistles Chap. 1 and 2) and the Pauline epistles (excluding the pastoral epistles).(excluding the pastoral epistles).

Canonization of ScriptureCanonization of Scripture“From the early part of the second century of the Christian era, there is evidence that the letters of Paul were treasured not merely as isolated communications, but as a definite collection of writings, now commonly described as the Pauline corpus.”

—Donald GuthrieNew Testament Introduction (Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990), 986

“From the early part of the second century of the Christian era, there is evidence that the letters of Paul were treasured not merely as isolated communications, but as a definite collection of writings, now commonly described as the Pauline corpus.”

—Donald GuthrieNew Testament Introduction (Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity Press, 1990), 986

367 A.D.367 A.D.

The 39The 39thth Paschal Letter of Athanasius Paschal Letter of Athanasius contained an exact list of the 27 NT contained an exact list of the 27 NT books we have today.books we have today.

This was the list of books accepted by This was the list of books accepted by the churches in the eastern part of the the churches in the eastern part of the Mediterranean world. Mediterranean world.

397 A.D.397 A.D.

The Council of Carthage, representing the The Council of Carthage, representing the churches in the western part of the churches in the western part of the Mediterranean world, agreed with the Mediterranean world, agreed with the eastern churches on the same list.eastern churches on the same list.

Canonization of ScriptureCanonization of Scripture“One thing must be emphatically stated. The New Testament books did not become authoritative for the Church because they were formally included in a canonical list; on the contrary, the Church included them in her canon because she already regarded them as divinely inspired, recognizing their innate worth and generally apostolic authority, direct or indirect. The first ecclesiastical councils to classify the canonical books were both held in North Africa—at Hippo Regius in 393 and at Carthage in 397—but what these councils did was not to impose something new upon the Christian communities but to codify what was already the general practice of those communities.”

—F.F. BruceThe New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994), 27

“One thing must be emphatically stated. The New Testament books did not become authoritative for the Church because they were formally included in a canonical list; on the contrary, the Church included them in her canon because she already regarded them as divinely inspired, recognizing their innate worth and generally apostolic authority, direct or indirect. The first ecclesiastical councils to classify the canonical books were both held in North Africa—at Hippo Regius in 393 and at Carthage in 397—but what these councils did was not to impose something new upon the Christian communities but to codify what was already the general practice of those communities.”

—F.F. BruceThe New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1994), 27

Should we expect any more Should we expect any more writings to be added to the writings to be added to the

canon?canon?Hebrews 1:1-2Hebrews 1:1-2

““Long ago, at many times and in many Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” whom also he created the world.”

Heed the words from the last Heed the words from the last book of the canon:book of the canon:


Revelation 1:3Revelation 1:3

““Blessed is he who reads and those who Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”is near.”

Revelation 22:18-19Revelation 22:18-19

““I warn everyone who hears the words of the I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” described in this book.”

The CanonThe Canon

Today there exist no strong candidates for Today there exist no strong candidates for addition to the canon and no strong addition to the canon and no strong objections to any book presently in the objections to any book presently in the canon.canon.

Hebrews 4:12Hebrews 4:12

““For the word of God is living and active, For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”and intentions of the heart.”