This week’s class focuses on the connection from the transmission of the Bible to its canonicity. The canon of the Bible was not something that was done in a single council, nor by a set group of men, but something that was based on what the people of the earliest Christian Churches were using. We will look at some of those groups and councils that were involved along with some of the strict guidelines used in the process.

In this week’s class we will also continue with our study in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 17-20.

Each class includes prayer and reflection, an “apologetics” presentation, a review of last week’s Bible study, and a homework assignment. You will find the presentation notes, Bible study questions and additional resources below, and you can make comments or ask questions as well.

Watch this week’s class presentation on this topic:

Presentation Notes

A Case for the Gospels and A Study in the book of Matthew
Session 7: The Reliability of the Gospels – the Canonization

Prayer and Reflection

Prayer cards: Take a minute and write your name on the index card provided, and add any special prayer request you might have. Exchange cards at the end of the class this evening.

At your table groups, answer the following:

1. Go over the categories and the 27 books found in the New Testament.
2. Go over the 15 major historical events of the Bible.
3. Recite the Memory Verse:

Christian Apologetics Theme

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

HOW DO WE KNOW THE GOSPELS ARE HISTORICALLY RELIABLE?

• Multiple lines of evidence give us confidence in the reliability…

1. God’s Inspiration
2. The Fuses (cultural, spiritual and prophetic)
3. Eyewitness accounts (in multiple)
4. Transmission
5. Translation
6. Canonization
7. Textual Criticism (MAPS-S)

HOW DID THE BOOKS OF THE BIBLE BECOME CANONIZED?

THE FIRST COMPILATION EFFORT:

AD 170: THE MURATORIAN CANON CONTAINED MOST OF THE 27 NEW TESTATMENT BOOKS

(Exception: Hebrews, James and 3 John)

THE FIRST CONFIRMATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:

AD 350-363: CODEX SINAITICUS, COUNCIL OF LAODICEA

(Except Revelation)

THE FINAL CODIFICATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:

AD 393: COUNCIL OF HIPPO – ALL 27 BOOKS CONFIRMED

Canonization

• The word canon means measurement, body of principles, rules, standards, or norms
• According to Smith’s Bible Dictionary: The Biblical Canon “may be generally described as the collection of books which form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian Church, i.e., the Old and New Testaments
• The word canon, in classical Greek, is properly a straight rod, a rule in the widest sense, and especially in the phrases the rule of the Church, the rule of faith, and the rule of truth”

How were the books of the Old Testament canonized?

• The books of Old Testament were well established by the Jewish community from the time of Moses (Torah), and was in use through the history of the Nation of Israel (Writings and the Prophets)
• The Tanakh was translated into the Greek Septuagint and used in the first century AD/CE
• Later translations are taken from the Masoretic text

The New Testament, and the Christian story, is an extension and fulfillment of the Old Testament

How were the books of the New Testament canonized?

• In the first century AD/CE, as soon as the books were written, they were in use by the early Churches (Colossians 4:16; 2 Peter 3:15-16; 1 Timothy 5:18)
• In the first and second centuries the churches in Corinth, Philippi, Thessalonica, Ephesus and Rome still possessed the autographs (the original writings) and many of the manuscripts (copies from the originals)
• By the second and third centuries these manuscripts had been widely dispersed and were being used in the early Churches—this is evidenced by the early Church leaders’ lectionaries and quotations (over 1 million) from the books of the New Testament, and we can still reference them today

What standards were used to canonize the Bible?

1. Does it speak with God’s authority?

• Is it consistent with God’s teachings throughout history?
• Is there evidence of God’s Words and promises from Scripture?
• Does it contain the Prophetic principle? —“Thus says the LORD”

2.  Does it have the authentic stamp of God?

• Do the teachings relate to truth and the truths of the Old Testament?
• Are the teachings consistent with the teachings of Jesus, the Prophets and the Apostles?
• Does it follow the past truth principle of previous revelation found in Scripture?

3.  Does it impact us with the power of God?

• Were miracles evidenced based on these teachings?
• Was there evidence for changed lives in the life of the believers?

4.  Was it accepted by the people of God?

• The Patristic principle: Was it accepted by the early Church leaders?
• Did the believers in the early church lived by it?
• Was the Scripture found in the early believers’ personal item such as quotations, inscriptions, testimonies, etc.?

5.  Was it supported by the other authors of Scripture?

• Petrine principle: Did Peter support it?
• Pauline principle: Did Paul support it?
• Can it be referenced in other books of the Bible?

New Testament Manuscript Families

1. The Western Text: (2nd to 13th century)
   • Includes two early second century manuscripts from the Old Latin and Syriac translations
   • Used mainly in North Africa, and then early on in the west
   • Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Cyprian used this text

2. The Alexandrian Text: (3rd to 12th century)
   • Originated in Alexandria, Egypt and was used by the early Alexandrian Church fathers

3. The Caesarean Text: (3rd to 13th century)
   • Thought to be a compilation of the Western and Alexandrian texts
   • Origen and Eusebius are associated with this group of texts

Most of our modern English Bibles today are taken from one of these last two families. The difference between them is about 200 variants or the equivalent a few words:

4. The Proto-Alexandrian Texts/Critical Text:

      (2nd to 4th Century)

• Best known as the “Critical Text” because it has some of the oldest copies available including: Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, Papyrus 66 and the Bodmer Papyrus 75
• The New American Standard Version (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), and New International Version (NIV) reflect this family of texts

5. The Byzantine Text/Majority Text:

     (5th to 10th Century)

• Best known as the “Majority Text” because there are more available copies
• Adopted in Constantinople and used as the common text in the Byzantine world
• Martin Luther translated his German Bible from this family
• The King James Version (KJV, NKJV) reflects this family of texts

Going Deeper

View this video and more by subscribing to Museum of the Bible on YouTube

Quick Shot Review – Gospel of Matthew
chapters 14 through 16
A few points from last week…

1.  Class review

– answers will vary

2.  Jesus showed John the Baptist evidence that He was the “Expected One” – the Messiah, because John knew the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to Messiah. It is important to note that Jesus did not shame or rebuke John for his questions and doubt, rather He simply answered him in a way that would reassure him, and that he would understand. We, like John, have anxiety and fear over the future. We do not know God’s specific details for our lives, and we often worry and imagine things that ultimately don’t take place. We, like John, can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is who He said He was, did what He said He would do. We know He said He will never forsake us or leave us, and we can trust Him. Jesus promised to give us the Holy Spirit so that we can know truth.

• Jesus affirmed John’s noble character to the crowd and as a man of strong convictions.
• Jesus referred to John as not only a prophet, but more than a prophet – Jesus referenced John as being the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1 “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.” And, Malachi 4:5 “If you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

3.  Jesus points out that the desire of God, according to Scripture (Hosea 6:6) was the desire for compassion, not a sacrifice, and the Pharisees were doing just the opposite of compassion for the people with their self-righteous condemnation. The religious leaders could not deny the supernatural power of Jesus in all that He was doing, but Jesus showed their foolishness in their accusations of His power being from Satan. He showed that they would then have to admit that their own “exorcists” were getting their power from Satan as well. Jesus ability to drive out demons showed He was stronger than their forces and at a much greater level than the religious leaders and their exorcists could ever have had.

Matthew quotes from the Messianic prophecy found in Isaiah 42:1-4. This is the longest quote from the Old Testament in Matthew’s Gospel. He uses it to explain Jesus’ mission and to clarify His methods. According to Isaiah, the mission of the chosen Servant was to be…

• Well-pleasing to God (18)
• Accomplished through proclamation (18)
• Free from quarreling or crying out (19)
• Without ruckus or riot (19)
• Considerate of the weak and vulnerable (20)
• Focused on the goal of justice (20)

4.  Jesus referenced both Jonah and the Queen of the South who came to visit Solomon in his day.

• The reference to Jonah pictures his three days in the belly of the fish foreshadowing Jesus’ three days in the ground after His crucifixion – and as Jonah was resurrected (in a way) out of the fish, Jesus physically resurrected to defeat death and Satan. The people of Nineveh repented, but not so with the religious leaders (Jesus knew their hearts in advance of the resurrection). Jesus was greater than Jonah!
• The Queen of the South came to hear Solomon’s teachings/wisdom from afar, the same with Gentiles (and Jews) who will believe, but not so with the religious leaders. Jesus, as King of Kings, was greater than Solomon!
• The teaching that if we “clean up” our lives, but don’t fill them with the things of God, then we will have something else fill the space. We should never clear out minds without filling it with the things of God/the Word of God. Jesus was literally talking about demonic spirits that will occupy a mind and life devoid of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees had the appearance of “Clean” lives, but instead of teaching the true things of God, they filled themselves up, and taught others the same, with their own works-based self-help approach to life.
• The hearers of Jesus’ parable would have clearly understood the idea of farming and sowing of seeds, Jesus explained the parable to His disciples as follows:

1)  Seed that fell beside the road and the birds ate them up = a person that hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches what has been sown in their heart.

2)  Seed that fell on the rocky places did not have much soil and sprang up quickly, but then withered away = a person who hear the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in his heart, and when affliction, or persecution arises because of the word, they immediately fall away.

3)  Seed that was sown among the thorns was choked out by the thorns = a person who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word and it becomes unfruitful.

4)  Seed that was sown on the good soil yielded a crop of a hundredfold, some sixty and some thirty = a person who hears the word and understands it and bear fruit and brings forth an abundance (of believers) just like the crop!

5.  According to Charles Swindoll: “ The problem of the ever-present wicked among the righteous is such a nagging issue that it dominates the landscape of many. Of these lessons by Jesus. This is an obstacle that can’t be overcome except by divine power.”

• The Parable of the Wheat and Tares picks up on the same imagery, a kind of sequel, to the previous parable. In this parable a farmer sowed good seed in his field, but at night the enemy sowed tares among the wheat seed. Again, according to Swindoll, “the problem is that the tares can host a fungus, poisonous to humans that could contaminate the good wheat and utterly ruin a farmer’s crop.” Jesus’ imagery shows that these tares can hurt the wheat if torn out, so they are allowed to grow together and then be harvested out separately. Jesus explains to His disciples as follows:
  • The one who sows = Jesus
  • The field = the world
  • The good seed = the sons of the Kingdom (saved believers)
  • The tares = the sons of the devil (unsaved wicked)
  • The enemy = the devil
  • The harvest = the end of the age
  • The reapers = angels

• The people of this area (His hometown) showed rejection of Jesus by questioning His wisdom and miraculous powers; by saying they knew His family (mother, father, brothers and sisters); and by asking where He got all these things. Thus, they took offense at Him.
• Jesus responded by saying “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” Therefore, He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief – it might be noted that later His brothers James and Jude became believers and Apostles, both writing books in the New Testament under their names and identity.

Discussion answers may vary, but could include…

• We, like Jesus, can face rejection most strongly by those we love and know us the best. Because people that know us may also know our weakness or past behaviors, it then becomes harder for them to see the truth in our changed lives or Christian message. Even though Jesus led a sinless and perfect life, people that knew Him and His family would have more difficulty believing in Him based on perceived things about Him (including His conception) and His family in general.

Bible Study

Each week, we will have Bible study following the presentation. There will be questions presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted during the week. This can also help you to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1.  Review of Class Topic: Before getting into the Bible study questions, discuss today’s class presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Matthew chapters 17 through 20, then answer the following questions:

2.  (Matthew 17:1-27) In this chapter we read about the Transfiguration and Jesus’ continued ministry…

• What happened at the Transfiguration? How did the Disciples respond and what did Jesus tell them on the way back (17:1-13)?
• Jesus heals a boy with a demon. Why couldn’t the Disciples cast it out and what did Jesus say to them about faith (17:14-23)? Discuss: Why is it important for the Disciples (and for us) to learn about faith?
• Discuss: What was the point of Jesus’ teaching about paying, or not paying, the Temple Tax (17:24-27)?

3.  (Matthew 18:1-34) In this chapter Jesus teaches about the importance of loving others and recognizing selfishness in sin…

• How does Jesus answer the question asked by His Disciples: “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven”(18:1-5)? What does Jesus say about the fate of a person who causes one, or brings one temptation, to sin (18:7-9)? Discuss: How do these two teachings connect to our walk as Christians?
• Discuss: What is Jesus teaching when He tells the Parable of the “Lost Sheep” and how might that apply to our Christian walk today (18:10-14)?
• What does Jesus say to do if a “brother” sins against you, and how does Jesus use the next parable to connect to forgiveness if a brother repents from a sin against you (18:15-34)? Discuss: Who is a “brother” (or sister) and does this apply to non-believers as well?

4.  (Matthew 19:1-30) In this chapter Jesus teaches about divorce, marriage, and the Kingdom of Heaven…

• The Pharisees were again testing Jesus when they asked Him about divorce, and Jesus used Genesis 1-2 in His answer. What does Jesus say about Creation, gender and marriage that can help us answer these topics today as well (19:1-12)?
• Discuss: What do you think was Jesus’ deeper teaching when He said, “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (19:13-15)?
• What did the rich young ruler ask Jesus, and why did he walk away (19:16-22)? What else does Jesus say about entering the Kingdom of Heaven (19:23-30)? Discuss: Break these examples down to get to Jesus’ ultimate point about our priorities and eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

5.  (Matthew 20:1-34) In this chapter Jesus goes deeper into teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven…

• Jesus’ parable of the laborers in the vineyard gives us some insight on God’s sovereignty (20:1-16). Discuss: How did the laborers respond to their final wages? Compare and contrast the first laborers with the last, and discuss how you might have responded in either situation.
• Even though Jesus had just foretold His death for the third time (20:17-19), people believed that He would not only be a spiritual leader, but a military leader. How did Jesus correct this thinking, when James and John’s Mom asked for them “to sit one at your right hand and one at your left” (20:20-28)? Discuss: What was the most important thing Jesus said to His Disciples when they became indignant at James and John?
• Going Deeper: In Jesus’ last healing before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the blind men used the term “Son of David.” What is the significance of that title? Going even deeper: What is the significance of the title, “Son of Man”?

Join us next week as we continue our “Case for the Gospels!”

———————————————————————

You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in!  Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.

Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.

Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.

Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15