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CANONIZATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
The apostles’ claim for their writings a public use(I
Thessalonians 5:27; Colosians 4:16; Revelation 22:19)and authoritative
power(I Timothy 4:1; II Thessalonians 2:6; Revelation 22:19) and Peter(II
Peter 3:15-16) places the epistles of Paul in significant connection with
"the other Scriptures."
Apostolic fathers in AD 70-120, acknowledge all the
epistles as clearly known, and used by them.
Apologist during AD 120 to AD 170 recognized the
canonical gospels as definitely separated form the mass of similar
narratives.
From AD 170 to AD 350, the testimony of Iranaeus,
Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian extends to the four gospels, Acts, I
Peter, I John, thirteen epistles of Paul and the Apocalypse.
From AD 303 to AD 397, the canon of the New Testament
as commonly received at present, was ratified by the third Council of
Carthage in AD 397.
Note:
*Martin Luther(In defense of why he did not
implement his house church structure) "But as yet, I neither can, nor
desire to begin such a congregation, for I have not yet the people for it,
nor do I see many who want it. But if I should be requested to do it and
could not refuse with a good conscience, I should gladly do my part and
help as best I can."
*John Wesley(According to historina Howard E.
Snyder in his book on Wesley, "The Radical Wesley") "The
classes were in effect house churches. In weekly midweek meetings, which
lasted an hour or so, each person reported their spiritual progress,
shared on particular needs and problems, and most conversions occurred
here."
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