What Makes Scripture Authoritative
Reading Time: 25-30 minutes
Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Luke 24:44; Hebrews 1:1-2
Key Theme: Biblical authority and the formation of the canon
Holy God, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. As we conclude this study, help us understand how You have preserved Your truth through the centuries. Grant us wisdom to discern what is authoritative for faith and practice, and humility to learn from Christians who see these matters differently. May we treasure Your Word and build our lives upon it. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Throughout this series, we've explored the Apocrypha—books that some Christians consider Scripture and others view as valuable but non-canonical literature. Now we come to the fundamental question: What makes a book Scripture?
This isn't merely an academic question. It affects:
In this final lesson, we'll examine the criteria for canonicity, explore why different traditions have different canons, and consider how to approach the Apocrypha today.
The word "canon" comes from the Greek kanōn (κανών), meaning "measuring rod" or "standard." When applied to Scripture, it refers to the collection of books recognized as authoritative—the standard by which all teaching is measured.
A crucial point: The church did not create the canon; it recognized it. The books of the Bible are authoritative because God inspired them, not because church councils declared them so. Councils simply acknowledged what was already true.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) was essentially fixed by the time of Jesus. It contained the same books as the Protestant Old Testament, organized into three sections:
Jesus referenced this threefold division:
"Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." — Luke 24:44 (NIV)
The New Testament canon developed over the first few centuries of the church. By the late 4th century, the 27 books we have today were universally recognized.
Key Milestones:
How did the early church recognize which books were Scripture? Several criteria emerged:
The most fundamental criterion: Was the book inspired by God through a recognized prophet or apostle?
Old Testament Standard:
"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways." — Hebrews 1:1 (NIV)
The Old Testament books were written by recognized prophets or those with prophetic authority (Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, etc.).
New Testament Standard:
"Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." — 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)
The New Testament books were written by apostles (Matthew, John, Paul, Peter) or their close associates (Mark with Peter, Luke with Paul).
Apocrypha Issue:
The apocryphal books were written during the intertestamental period, after the prophets had ceased:
"So there was great distress in Israel, such as had not been since the time that prophets ceased to appear among them." — 1 Maccabees 9:27
This self-acknowledgment that prophecy had ceased is significant. The authors didn't claim prophetic inspiration.
For the New Testament, apostolic authorship or association was essential. Books had to come from the apostles or their immediate circle.
Apocrypha Issue:
The apocryphal books were written centuries before the apostles and have no apostolic connection.
Canonical books must be consistent with previously accepted Scripture. They cannot contradict established doctrine.
Apocrypha Issue:
Some apocryphal teachings appear to conflict with canonical Scripture:
| Apocrypha Teaching | Canonical Teaching |
|---|---|
| Almsgiving atones for sin (Tobit 12:9) | Salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-9) |
| Prayers for the dead (2 Macc 12:44) | Judgment follows death (Heb 9:27) |
| Pre-existence of souls (Wisdom 8:19-20) | Not clearly taught in Scripture |
Canonical books were accepted by the whole church, not just regional communities.
Apocrypha Issue:
The apocryphal books were never universally accepted:
Canonical Scripture demonstrates divine power to transform lives and build the church.
"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." — Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
While not the primary criterion, canonical books are historically reliable. They don't contain clear historical errors.
Apocrypha Issue:
Some apocryphal books contain apparent historical errors:
Protestants hold that the Apocrypha, while potentially valuable for historical and devotional purposes, is not canonical Scripture. Here's why:
The Jewish community, to whom the Old Testament was entrusted (Romans 3:2), never accepted these books as Scripture.
Josephus (37-100 CE):
"We have not an innumerable multitude of books among us, disagreeing from and contradicting one another, but only twenty-two books [equivalent to Protestant 39], which contain the records of all the past times; which are justly believed to be divine."
While the New Testament may allude to apocryphal books, it never quotes them with the formula "It is written" or "Scripture says"—phrases reserved for canonical Scripture.
Contrast with Old Testament:
Jesus referenced the Hebrew Bible's structure and never indicated a broader canon:
"From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary." — Luke 11:51 (NIV)
This spans from Genesis (Abel) to 2 Chronicles (Zechariah)—the first and last books of the Hebrew Bible. Jesus implicitly endorsed the Hebrew canon.
Jerome, who translated the Latin Vulgate, clearly distinguished these books:
"As the Church reads the books of Judith and Tobit and Maccabees but does not receive them among the canonical Scriptures, so also it reads Wisdom and Ecclesiasticus for the edification of the people, not for the authoritative confirmation of doctrine."
The Council of Trent (1546) was the first to dogmatically declare these books canonical—over 1,500 years after they were written, and in response to Protestant challenges.
Some apocryphal books disclaim inspiration:
Catholics and Orthodox Christians hold that the deuterocanonical books are fully canonical Scripture. Here's why:
The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) was the Bible of the early church. It included the deuterocanonical books alongside the others.
Significance:
Church Fathers quoted from these books extensively:
Several early councils affirmed these books:
Jerome included these books in the Vulgate, which became the standard Bible of Western Christianity for over a millennium.
These books have been read in church services since ancient times. Their use in worship reflects their acceptance as Scripture.
The deuterocanonical books contain important teachings:
Catholics and Orthodox emphasize the church's role in recognizing the canon. The same church that recognized the New Testament canon also recognized the deuterocanonical books.
Apocrypha:
"Almsgiving saves from death and purges all sin." — Tobit 12:9
"Water extinguishes a blazing fire: so almsgiving atones for sin." — Sirach 3:30
Canonical Scripture:
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." — Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
Apocrypha:
"Therefore he made atonement for the dead, so that they might be delivered from their sin." — 2 Maccabees 12:45
Canonical Scripture:
"Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." — Hebrews 9:27 (NIV)
The passage in 2 Maccabees 12:43-45 has been used to support the doctrine of purgatory—a state of purification after death. This doctrine is not found in the Protestant canon.
Apocrypha:
"Your all-powerful hand... created the world out of formless matter." — Wisdom 11:17
Canonical Scripture:
"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible." — Hebrews 11:3 (NIV)
Even if you don't view the Apocrypha as Scripture, you can still benefit from it:
1. Historical Value
2. Devotional Value
3. Theological Reflection
4. Ecumenical Understanding
If you view the deuterocanonical books as Scripture:
1. Read Them Regularly
2. Understand the Debates
3. Integrate with the Whole Canon
1. Focus on What Unites
All Christians agree on the 66 books of the Protestant canon. These form the common ground for Christian faith and practice.
2. Major on the Majors
The core doctrines of Christianity—the Trinity, Christ's deity, salvation through Christ, the resurrection—are clearly taught in the books all Christians accept.
3. Practice Charity
Christians have disagreed about the Apocrypha for centuries. We can hold our convictions firmly while treating those who disagree with respect.
"Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters." — Romans 14:1 (NIV)
Throughout this series, we've explored:
Ultimately, the question of the Apocrypha points us to a deeper question: How do we know what God has said?
Christians believe God has spoken—through prophets, through apostles, and supremely through His Son:
"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." — Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)
The canon is the written record of that speech. Whether we include 66 books or 73, we agree that God has spoken and that His Word is authoritative for faith and life.
More important than any debate about the canon is our response to the Word we have received. Jesus said:
"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." — Matthew 7:24 (NIV)
May we be people who not only study God's Word but live it—building our lives on the solid foundation of divine truth.
The canon is the collection of books recognized as authoritative Scripture - the church recognized rather than created it
Criteria for canonicity include: divine inspiration, prophetic/apostolic origin, consistency with established teaching, universal acceptance, and transformative power
Protestants reject the Apocrypha as canon because it wasn't in the Hebrew Bible, wasn't quoted as Scripture in the NT, and contains some teachings that appear to conflict with canonical Scripture
Catholics and Orthodox accept the Apocrypha because it was in the Septuagint, used by Church Fathers, affirmed by early councils, and contains valuable theological teaching
Key theological differences include teachings on salvation by works, prayers for the dead, and creation
All Christians can benefit from the Apocrypha for historical understanding, devotional reading, and ecumenical dialogue
The most important thing is our response to God's Word - hearing it and putting it into practice
Before this study, how did you view the Apocrypha? Has your perspective changed? If so, how?
What criteria do you use to determine what is authoritative for your faith? How do Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience relate in your thinking?
How will you approach the Apocrypha going forward? Will you read it? How will you use it?
The church "recognized" rather than "created" the canon. What's the significance of this distinction? How does it affect our understanding of biblical authority?
Protestants and Catholics have different canons. How should this affect our relationships with Christians from other traditions? Can we have unity despite this difference?
Some argue that if the early church used the Septuagint (which included the Apocrypha), we should too. Others argue that Jesus endorsed the Hebrew canon. How do you evaluate these arguments?
What's the most valuable thing you've learned from this study of the Apocrypha? How will it affect your faith and practice?
Almighty God, we thank You for preserving Your Word through the centuries. Thank You for the prophets and apostles who spoke Your truth, and for the church that has guarded and transmitted it. Help us to treasure Your Word, to study it diligently, and to obey it faithfully. Where we disagree with fellow Christians about the boundaries of the canon, help us to maintain unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and charity in all things. May Your Word be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us until we see You face to face. Through Jesus Christ, the Living Word, Amen.
On the Canon of Scripture:
On the Apocrypha:
On Biblical Authority:
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the "Hidden Secrets of the Apocrypha." We've explored ancient texts, wrestled with theological questions, and hopefully grown in our understanding of Scripture and its authority.
Whether you consider these books canonical or not, we hope this study has:
May God bless you as you continue to study, believe, and obey His Word.
Previous Lesson: Lesson 6: Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
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