Canon and Deutero-canonical

Thanks so much to TBQelite and his quiz coach! I got some information on the Canon and Deutero-canonical. I also think I may try the books suggested.

To begin with, most experts agree upon the 66 books that are included in the Protestant Bible. 27 New, and 39 old. Early church fathers wanted to “gather up” the (New Testament) writings that accomplished several things among which certain criterion was adopted (or set down) to determine those letters which were accepted and those of questionable integrity. This is called Canonization. Further the “Canon” or measuring rod/stick guidelines were agreed upon by a governing Church Council. Some of these criteria were: Does the text compliment the Old Testament? Is the source (i.e. the author) known in the Christian community? Does the text agree within it’s own interior—meaning no heresy is taught? Is the work inspired by the Holy Spirit?

Now Deutero-canonical books (second canon) were those deemed by some as not up to the standard of ‘inspired,’ but yet worthy of collecting for their historical or pedagogical value. Examples of this are those included/collected in the Catholic Bible. Some of these writings cover that Inter-Testamental period between Malichi and Matthew—perhaps more appropriately viewed as the 434(?) years between the last OT Prophet and the FIRST NT prophet John the Baptist. (See the prayer of Daniel in chapter 11 and the answer provided by the angel.)

What I would classify as heretical works would be those that fit in neither of the above categories for canon; but their source comes rather from groups like the ascetics or syncretistic (mixing) sects; that of mixing several then extant religious traditions—perhaps mixed with Greek or other influences. Their chief quality is they have questionable origin and seem to have NO parallel basis in the OT. Examples include: Extra-canonical books, or Pseudo-pigrapha—meaning ‘false writings,’ or the Gospel of St. Thomas. I may be wrong, but I think it was common practice for an early author who was unknown to add a prominent Christian’s name (such as Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos) to the letter to make it seem more impressive—to give its import weight.

Perhaps the writer of Hebrews isn’t named because it was a woman (some believe Priscilla) or someone who was not well known. Or, they were so well known to the readers (Peter or Barnabas or Apollos) that they didn’t need to be named in the body of the text—and so it is lost to us Modern readers. Also, as you, know the likelihood of Pauline authorship is slim since this writer writes so differently from what we know of Pauline style say from Romans or Corinthians…

Even if I and other Protestants are wrong concerning the ‘second canon’ books you can rest in great assurance that the Holy Spirit has protected God’s Word down through the centuries. His Word will stand up under any scrutiny.

Sorry this is so brief in overview. Two book length discussions of Canon are available. One from F.F. Bruce is available from IVP: “The Canon of Scripture” let me know if you are interested. The second book is by Wegner from Baker publishing: “Journey From Texts to Translation.” I will inquire about the church councils and get back to you.