The Compilation and Canonicity of the Old Testament

The Compilation and Canonicity of the Old Testament

Introduction to Canonicity

Introduction to Canonicity: Defining n Hebrew: hn#q* (kaneh) n n Used 62 times in 38 verses in the OT Greek: kanwvn (kanon) n Used four times in four verses

Introduction to Canonicity: Defining n “But for the sake of greater accuracy I must needs, as I write, add this: there are other books outside these, which are not indeed included in the canon, but have been appointed from the time of the fathers to be read to those who are recent converts to our company and wish to be instructed in the word of true religion. These are …. But while the former are included in the canon and the latter are read [in church], no mention is to be made of the apocryphal works. They are the invention of heretics, who write according to their own will, and gratuitously assign and add to them dates so that, offering them as ancient writings, they may have an excuse for leading the simple astray” Athanasius (Bruce, 79).

The History of the Old Testament Canon

The Nature of the Bible: Timeline Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible, p. 216 -217

The Nature of the Bible: Timeline Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible, p. 216 -217

The Nature of the Bible: Timeline n Zondervan NIV Atlas of the Bible, p. 216 -217

History of the Old Testament Canon: Compiling the Books The Hebrew Old Testament The Law 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3. Leviticus 4. Numbers 5. Deuteronomy The Prophets Former Prophets 1. Joshua 2. Judges 3. Samuel 4. Kings Latter Prophets 1. Isaiah 2. Jeremiah 3. Ezekiel 4. The Twelve The Writings Poetical Books 1. Psalms 2. Proverbs 3. Job Five Rolls 1. Song of Songs 2. Ruth 3. Lamentations 4. Esther 5. Ecclesiastes Historical Books 1. Daniel 2. Ezra-Nehemiah 3. Chronicles n From God to Us, p. 11

The Extent of the Old Testament Canon

Extent of the OT Canon: Apocrypha n Reasons for Inclusion n n Writers in the NT refer to its contents Septuagint Earliest complete manuscripts of Bible include it Early Christian art

Extent of the OT Canon: Apocrypha n Reasons for Inclusion n n Early Church Fathers St. Augustine Council of Trent Non-catholic usage Dead Sea community

Extent of the OT Canon: Apocrypha n Reasons for Exclusion n Writers in the NT refer to its contents n n Septuagint n n Compiled in Alexandria, Egypt in 4 th century Earliest complete manuscripts n n Never cite as authoritative Follow LXX, does not mean canonical Early Christian art n Not canonical, historical

Extent of the OT Canon: Apocrypha n Reasons for Exclusion n Early Church Fathers n n St. Augustine n n Reaction against Reformation Non-catholic usage n n Not determiner of canon Council of Trent n n Early church fathers react against it Not placed on same level as Scripture Dead Sea community n Library, not determiner of canonicity.