The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance

by Bruce M. Metzger

Overview

This book provides information from Church history concerning the recognition of the canonical status of the several books of the New Testament. Canonization was a long and gradual process of sifting among scores of gospels, epistles, and other books that enjoyed local and temporary authority - some of which have only recently come to light among the discoveries of Nag Hammadi. After discussing the external pressures that led to the fixing of the limits of the canon, the author gives sustained attention to Patristic evidence that bears on the development of the canon not only in the West but also among the Eastern Churches, including the Syrian, Armenian, Georgian, Coptic, and Ethiopian. Besides considering differences as to the sequence of the books in the New Testament, Dr Metzger takes up such questions as which form of text is to be regarded as canonical; whether the canon is open or closed; to what extent a canon should be sought within the canon; and whether the canon is a collection of authoritative books or an authoritative collection of books.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780191606878
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	03/06/1997
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	318,903
File size:	18 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Princeton Theological Seminary (Emeritus)

Editorial Reviews

"This beautifully produced volume...will take its place with the earlier two as the standard treatment of its subject, indispensable for instructors and students alike."—Princeton Seminary Bulletin

"A masterpiece of careful and lucid scholarship, certain to be the standard treatment of the NT canon well into the next century."—Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher