Understanding how the Bible was compiled provides us with powerful insight and explains why it can be trusted as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. The formation of the biblical canon was not a random or rushed process; rather, it was a centuries-long journey marked by prayer, discernment, persecution, and divine guidance.
Defining "Canonical"
The term Canonical is defined as: "It is what was Included in the list of sacred books officially accepted as genuine." This process wasn’t about giving authority to certain books. Instead, it involved recognizing the authority they already carried as God’s revelation to humanity. As Proverbs 24:3-4 teaches, through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.
The Old Testament: How the Hebrew Scriptures Were Selected
Long before the New Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures, known as the Tanakh, were already revered as sacred and authoritative. Compiled over many centuries and finalized around 450 BC, these writings were divided into three main sections:
- Torah (Law): The first five books, attributed to Moses, containing the foundational laws and covenants of Israel.
- Nevi’im (Prophets): Historical and prophetic writings, including books like Joshua, Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah. These document God’s dealings with His people.
- Ketuvim (Writings): A diverse collection including poetry (Psalms), Wisdom Literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes), and historical records (Daniel, Chronicles).
The Torah’s authority was universally recognized from the earliest days of Israel’s history. Later prophetic and wisdom writings were added based on clear evidence of divine inspiration and alignment with God’s revealed truth. By the time of Jesus, the Hebrew canon was well-established. In fact, Jesus and the apostles frequently quoted from the Hebrew Scriptures, affirming their authority (see Luke 24:44).
- Why is it important to know that the Church recognized authority rather than granting it?
- How does Jesus' use of the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) affect your trust in the Old Testament?
Next Up: How the New Testament was compiled and the challenges of the early centuries.