Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: vladimir998
Okay, so based on what authority, do you believe Matthew wrote an inspired gospel? If any Bible verse mentions Matthew wrote an inspired gospel please post it now.

I accept the universal early (East, West, Oriental)church's Canon because of how they recieved and recognized the scriptures, It was not a fiat pronouncement by a Pope.

"The criteria the church used for recognizing and collecting the Word of God are as follows:

1) Was the book written by a prophet of God?
2) Was the writer authenticated by miracles to confirm his message?
3) Does the book tell the truth about God, with no falsehood or contradiction?
4) Does the book evince a divine capacity to transform lives?
5) Was the book accepted as God's Word by the people to whom it was first delivered?

Of these criteria, the one of most importance was the first one--was the book written by a prophet? Its corollary, did the book receive apostolic approval?, was the chief test of canonicity in the early church. This criterion is a logical result of knowing what an "apostle" was. The apostles were gifted by God to be the founders and leaders of the church, so it is reasonable to accept that through them came the Word governing the church.

The apostles were promised the Spirit of truth who would bring to their remembrance what Christ had said (John 14:26) and guide them into "all truth" (John 16:13). After the ascension of Christ, the apostles received supernatural gifts to enable their work and confirm their message (Acts 2:4). God's household is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:20). Given the apostles' special commission, it only makes sense that the church made apostolicity the number-one test of canonicity. Thus, the Gospel of Matthew was considered canonical (it was written by an apostle); and the Gospel of Mark, with its close association with the Apostle Peter, was also accepted.

When the New Testament was being written, the individual books and letters were immediately accepted as God's Word and circulated for the benefits of others. The church of Thessalonica received Paul's word as the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Paul's epistles were circulating among the churches even during apostolic times (Colossians 4:16). Peter recognized Paul's writings as inspired by God and equated them with "the rest of the Scriptures" (2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul quoted the Gospel of Luke and called it "Scripture" (1 Timothy 5:18). This widespread acceptance stands in stark contrast to the few debated books, eventually rejected as non-canonical, that enjoyed a limited favor for a time.

Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/canonicity-scriptural.html#ixzz2egYkQxLq

708 posted on 09/12/2013 6:44:00 AM PDT by bkaycee (John 3:16)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 682 | View Replies ]


To: bkaycee

“I accept the universal early (East, West, Oriental)church’s Canon because of how they recieved and recognized the scriptures, It was not a fiat pronouncement by a Pope.”

So, you’re now claiming you accept Maccabees as scripture?

When you change your story - and I am certain you will - please also tell me why I should put any stock in your answers after that.


717 posted on 09/12/2013 11:56:08 AM PDT by vladimir998
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 708 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson