What About The “Canon” Of The Scriptures?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “How can I know which books are properly part of the Bible and which aren’t?”
The whole collection of books contained in the Bible is usually spoken of as the “Canon,” or Canonical Scripture, any single book being said to be in the Canon or Canonical. It was not until until the time of Origen (A.D. 185-254), that we find Scripture spoken of in such terms.
The Greek word for “canon,” means a “reed” or “rod,” a measuring rod, hence an established “rule” of conduct and doctrine (see Gal. 6:16 – KJV and Philippians 3:16 – KJV), determined by inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16 – KJV; cf. Gal. 1:12; Ephesians 3:3; 2 Peter 1:21). Before Origen’s time, the truth recognized by the church had come to be spoken of as the “canon” or test of doctrine, and the books that were in accordance with the traditional rule of faith, and embodied it, were therefore said by Origen to be canonized or canonical. Since the Scriptures themselves contain in written form this “standard” of faith, they came to be spoken of as the “canon,” or rule by which other books or statements might be tested.
The following additional studies by faithful gospel preachers and teachers are provided:
1) The “Canon” Of Sacred Scripture
2) The Canon and Extra-Canonical Writings