Canonicity Research Paper

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The Bible was written by more than forty different people over a period of 1500-1600 years. It was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The writers were from different walks of life. Some were educated, while others were not. Among the writers you will find shepherds, kings, scribes, fishermen, prophets, missionaries, tax collectors, a doctor, and many other professions. Many of the writers never met each other, yet the words they all wrote came together to form the greatest story ever told: God’s plan for redemption of man. SPECIAL REVELATION

According to the dictionary special means “distinguished by some unusual quality; being in some way superior; different from what is normal or usual” while revelation …show more content…

A general consensus. A book had to have widely held support before it was added to the final Scriptures. As the books circulated they had to gain acceptance among the different churches. If a book was doubted then it was not added to the canon. Gleason in his book, A Survey of Old Testament, states the clearest test of Canonicity: “the only true test of canonicity is the testimony of God the Holy Spirit to the authority of His own Word ”. This can be seen in the life of the believer as they read the Word. They recognize the power of the Word, they increase in their faith, and they submit their hearts to God and walk with Him in a covenant relationship. The Canon of our Bible is organized into ten major divisions or sections. The Old Testament has five sections: Law (also known as the Pentateuch) which contains five books (Gen. through Deut.), Old Testament History which contains twelve books (Joshua through Esther), Poetry and Wisdom which contains five books (Job through Song of Solomon), Major Prophets which contains five books (Isaiah through Daniel), and the Minor Prophets which contain twelve books (Hosea through Malachi). The New Testament also has five sections: Gospels which contain four books (Matt. through John), New Testament History which contains one book (Acts), Letters by Paul which contain thirteen books (Romans through Philemon), General Letters which contains eight books (Hebrews through Jude) and New Testament Prophecy which contains one book