How Was the Bible Canonized?

The video explores the process of how the Bible was canonized, explaining that the term 'Bible' refers to a collection of books rather than a single volume. It discusses the diverse origins of these texts, written at different times and in different languages, and highlights the fact that the authors of these books did not intend for them to be part of a unified collection. The speaker also mentions the existence of different versions of the Bible, emphasizing the story from the Gospel of Luke about two disciples encountering the Risen Christ and their discussion about the scriptures, which raises questions about the definition of 'scriptures' in the context of the early Christian era.

This paragraph delves into the New Testament authors' perspective on scriptures, distinguishing between the modern Christian understanding and that of the first-century writers. It explains that the authors, such as Luke, referred to the Old Testament when mentioning scriptures, which was not yet in its final form during their time. The paragraph also discusses the division of scriptures into the Law and the Prophets, as seen in the Gospels, and how this division reflects the Jewish understanding of their sacred texts. The speaker clarifies that the term 'scripture' in the New Testament does not include the entire Christian Bible as we know it today.

The discussion continues with the complexity of defining the contents of the Old Testament, especially considering the various books and scrolls that were considered authoritative at different times. The speaker mentions the challenge of determining which books were considered scripture by first-century writers and how this was a matter of debate for centuries. The paragraph also touches on the shorthand used by New Testament authors to refer to the scriptures, specifically 'Moses and all the prophets,' and how this phrase encapsulates the Jewish understanding of their sacred texts during that period.

This section examines the influence of Hellenistic culture on the development of Jewish and Christian scriptures, particularly in the context of the large Jewish diaspora community in Alexandria, Egypt. The speaker discusses how Jewish scholars, such as Philo and Josephus, as well as early Christian writers, engaged with Greek philosophy and culture, and how this influenced their interpretation of religious texts. The paragraph also highlights the significance of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which played a crucial role in shaping the Christian Old Testament.

The speaker discusses the early development of the Christian canon, noting the diversity of beliefs and texts within the early Christian communities. It describes how some communities, such as those influenced by Paul, began to regard his letters as scripture over time. The paragraph also touches on the emergence of various Christian sects and groups, each with their own texts and interpretations, and the gradual process by which certain texts came to be considered authoritative and were included in the Christian canon.

This section explores the impact of the Roman conquest on Jewish and Christian scriptures, particularly the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. The speaker explains how this event marked the end of the Second Temple period and the beginning of a new era for Judaism and Christianity. It also discusses the subsequent development of Rabbinic Judaism and the emergence of Christianity as the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, with the canonization of their respective scriptures.

The speaker delves into the canonization process, highlighting the challenges and inconsistencies in determining which texts should be included in the Bible. It discusses the criteria used by early Christian leaders, such as the attribution to an apostle or a companion of an apostle, and the importance of addressing an audience with a successful heir in later Christianity. The paragraph also touches on the reasons why certain texts were excluded from the canon, such as their association with heretical teachings or their lack of apostolic authority.

This section describes the role of church councils in finalizing the canon of the Bible. The speaker mentions the local council in North Africa, presided over by St. Augustine, which affirmed the list of books that make up the New Testament. It also discusses the Council of Carthage and the subsequent confirmation by the Pope in Rome, which solidified the New Testament canon in the Western church. The paragraph notes that the canon continued to evolve, with some variations persisting in Eastern and Oriental Christianity.

The speaker discusses the impact of the Protestant Reformation on the Bible, particularly the emphasis on translating the Bible into vernacular languages and making it accessible to the masses through the printing press. It explains how the Protestants sought to return to the original Greek and Hebrew texts, leading to the realization that the Catholic Old Testament included books not found in the Jewish Bible. As a result, the Protestants rejected these disputed books, known as the Apocrypha, and referred to them as 'hidden books,' distinguishing their canon from that of the Catholic and Orthodox churches.

The final paragraph emphasizes the ongoing relevance and evolution of the biblical canon. The speaker discusses the importance of understanding the historical context and the human response to divine revelation that is captured in the scriptures. It also touches on the idea that the canon should not be limited to a fixed set of texts but should be open to include additional writings that can provide guidance and insight for contemporary believers. The speaker expresses a personal preference for a more inclusive canon and the importance of studying scriptures responsibly.