The selection of the Holy Books of the Bible…

The original “canon,” (books that are Divinely inspired the Holy Spirit) of the Old Testament were arranged by Jewish Rabbis, at the counsel of Gamnia. Their selection process was based upon, (1)the content of each book which had to harmonize with the Jewish Law. (2) Had to have been written between 1450 B.C. and 450 B.C. since Prophetic inspiration was believed to have begun with Moses (1450 B.C.) and ended with Ezra, (450 B.C.) (3) The language of the text had to have been in Hebrew, (4) and the Book must have had been written in the geographical boundaries of Palestine. Any manuscript which met these criteria were included in the original 39 books of the Old Testament. Extra Biblical Books that were written around this time were the “Apocrypha,” or “Pseudepigrapha,” which means false teachings. These books included The Didache, the Epistle of Barnabas, 1 and 2 Clement, the Shepherd of Hermas, the Apocalypse of Peter, and the Acts of Paul. Which did bare some truth but were not believed to have been Divinely inspired by God. At the beginning of the third century 22 new books , (which would comprise our New Testament) became widely accepted. The criteria for the New Testament books were, (1) Was the Book written by an Apostle, (2) Was the content of the book Spiritual? (3) Was the Book received by the Church? And (4) did the text bare witness to Divine inspiration? Which later led to the inclusion of five more books, (Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, and 3 John) which became the authorative Holy Bible. Even though the selection process was done by man lets not forget that all scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21), who even after inspiring man to record the Word of God. Carefully guided each thereafter on selection process for Our study. Be Blessed…