The Biblical Canon: Which Books Truly Belong?
Do we really have the right 66 books in the Bible? Or were important texts deliberately left out? Many theories surround the so-called biblical canon—some well-founded, others purely speculative. You can find plenty of information online, but not all of it is reliable.
What is a canon? The word “canon” refers to a collection of sacred writings that a religious community recognizes as authoritative.
This article provides a clear overview:
When was the biblical canon established? Who decided which books to include? And why were some, like the Gospel of Thomas, excluded?
These questions are not only historically fascinating but also theologically important. It’s often claimed that so-called apocryphal writings are equal to biblical books. Some conspiracy theories—like those in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code—suggest this and stir doubts about whether the Bible contains the right books.
👉 Here you’ll find a concise, well-researched summary so you don’t have to wade through lengthy academic articles. If you want to dive deeper, there are further reading sources at the end.
Do you generally doubt the reliability of the Bible? Then I recommend these two articles:
The Bible – Is It Correctly Delivered?
Is the Bible Credible?
Who Decided Which Books Belong in the Old Testament?
The Jewish Canon (Tanakh)
The Jewish Bible, the Tanakh, contains the same writings as the Christian Old Testament but arranges them differently, totaling 24 books. Jewish scribes compiled this canon. While the exact date of completion is uncertain, scholars believe the current order was finalized by the 2nd century AD. But even earlier, there was broad agreement on which writings should be included.
“Much points to the first steps toward this fixed textual form being taken by Ezra, the scribe.”
Source: Jewish Life Erfurt
By around 450 BC (the time of Ezra), the core of the Tanakh was already established. This was affirmed by Jesus and the apostles. Paul confirms the authority of Jewish scholars in his letter to the Romans:
“What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew? … First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.”
Romans 3:2
Apocryphal texts—those outside the Tanakh—were never accepted as equal in Judaism. These include 1 and 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Baruch, Letter of Jeremiah, Prayer of Manasseh, and additions to Esther and Daniel.
Why Are the Old Testament Apocrypha Missing from Most Bibles?
The Apocrypha were excluded from the Hebrew canon for several valid reasons:
- They contain historical inaccuracies.
- They feature legendary and mythical stories.
- They contradict accepted biblical teachings.
- They include superstitious elements (e.g., in Tobit).
- They are not quoted in the New Testament.
- They were only declared canonical in 1546 at the Council of Trent.
More on this: Why the Apocrypha isn’t in the Bible
Differences Between the Protestant and Catholic Canons
The Protestant Old Testament includes 39 books, matching the Jewish canon. The Catholic Bible adds seven so-called deuterocanonical books.
These were added in 1546 during the Counter-Reformation at the Council of Trent—likely to support church traditions and doctrines like prayers for the dead, which had been challenged by the Reformation.
How Did the New Testament Come Together?
Recognized as Early as the 1st Century
As early as AD 95, Clement of Rome quotes from the Gospel of Matthew.
Polycarp became a Christian around AD 70. He quotes from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (chapter 4:26), calling it “Holy Scripture.” In a letter to the Philippians, he refers to 16 New Testament writings (see Brian H. Edwards: “Nothing But the Truth”).
How Was the New Testament Canon Determined?
The canon was not decided by a church council but was recognized much earlier. In AD 367, Athanasius listed exactly the 27 books we now find in the New Testament in his Easter letter. The Council of Carthage merely confirmed this list. Key milestones:
- AD 115: Ignatius of Antioch names the four Gospels; Ignatius and Polycarp mention the 13 Pauline epistles (including Hebrews, which was then still attributed to Paul).
- AD 140: Marcion’s heretical views prompted clarification of the canon.
- AD 265–340: Church historian Eusebius notes that the canon was “recognized by the majority of churches.”
Some letters—2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, James, and Jude—were debated but eventually included.
Why Aren’t New Testament Apocrypha in the Bible?
These writings were usually composed much later and contain teachings that contradict Jesus’ message. The so-called Infancy Gospel of Thomas, for example, was written in the 2nd century—too late to be by the biblical Thomas. It depicts Jesus cursing a playmate, which starkly contrasts with the biblical image of Jesus.
One of these stories even made its way into the Quran (e.g., Surah 3:49), which some cite as evidence that the Gospels were falsified. However, the early Church never accepted this text.
Did the Church Arbitrarily Choose the Canon?
The selection of biblical books was not driven by church politics. In fact, many biblical teachings contradict Church practices. The Council of Trent added the Apocrypha in 1546 to support Church doctrines—not to manipulate the canon.
Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code” spread false claims about supposed hidden gospels. A factual rebuttal is offered here: Answers in Genesis about The Da Vinci Code.
Why Does This All Matter?
If someone bases teachings on books that were never widely accepted as biblical, you should be cautious. The canonical Scriptures are sufficient, clear, and verifiable.
Conclusion: Trust the Original—The Biblical Canon Contains the Right Books
The Apocrypha are not secret; you can find them online. But here’s my advice: spend your time reading the recognized biblical books. Apocryphal texts are often speculative, contradictory, and theologically questionable. The 66 books of the Bible offer you enough truth, depth, and guidance for your faith.
Sources:
Further Reading:
- The Bible – Is It Correctly Delivered?
- Is the Bible Credible?
- Brian H. Edwards: “Nothing But the Truth”
Bildquellen / Image Sources
- Canon-Books-Bible: https://christlicheperlen.wordpress.com/
