Where did the Bible come from?
Today, we look at Part 2 of the continuing study on a widely asked subject matter. The question many people ask is how the Bible came to be. Who decided what books would be in the Bible? How were the specific books chosen?
Have you ever asked those same questions? I know I have.
Let’s take a look at the second category for determining what books went into the Bible.
“Second category: Antilegomena
These were books that were initially spoken against. People said, “We’re not sure about this one. Should it really be in the Bible?”
There were five Old Testament Antilegomena books. People weren’t sure about the Song of Solomon at first because they thought it was too sensual.
Ecclesiastes was also doubted initially because people thought it was too cynical.
The book of Esther was questioned because it never mentions the name of God, though as people studied Esther, they came to see the thread of God’s sovereignty woven beautifully through its story.
The other two doubtful books were Proverbs and Ezekiel.
What about the New Testament?
The New Testament books initially included in the Antilegomena were Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation. Most of these were initially doubted on the grounds of authorship.
For example, until the early church fathers were convinced that John really wrote 2 and 3 John, they weren’t willing to say that it was God’s Word. All of these were initially questioned, but were eventually recognized as sacred Scripture.”
Next time we’re together, we’ll look at category #3 – Apocrypha.
Until then, remember to pick up your Bible and read it. It just may change your life!
Blessings my friend,
Jeanette Duby, The Teaching Lady
#theteachinglady #Godwroteabook #bibletrivia #whowrotethebible #canon
Where Did the Bible Come From Part 1
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