Ping
There is overwhelming evidence for early recognition of the authority of the New Testament.
Reference to a collection of Paul’s letters as Scripture (2 Pet 3:15-16)
Reference to the authority of the prophets and apostles (2 Pet 3:2)
“And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read.” Justin
Paul’s reference to Luke 10:7 as Scripture (1 Tim 5:18)
Instructions for the public reading of texts: Col 4:16; 1 Thess 5:27; 2 Cor 10:9; Rev 1:3
Abundance of extant manuscripts
Frequent quotations to the NT by the church fathers
Content of early collections of the New Testament
NT Canon according to Eusebius (260-340 A.D.)
Group 1: Commonly recognized books (Gospels, Acts, Paul’s Letters, 1 John, 1 Peter, and Revelation)
Group 2: Disputed books (James, Jude, 2 Peter, and 2-3 John)
Group 3: Rejected books (Acts of Paul, Shepherd of Hermas, Revelation of Peter, Epistle of Barnabas)
Councils
Council Hippo (393): Affirmed the 27 vol. NT.
Council of Carthage (397): Affirmed the verdict of the Council of Hippo.