[fortheDeclaration]

...Though these writings were read in the churches from the time they first appeared, (emphasis added) So were many other writings that are not part of ANY Christian's canon today, like the Shepherd of Hermans or the First Letter of Clement to the Corinthians. Many different letters were read locally. It was not until the universal Church sat down to confront the ideas of such men as Marcion that the Canon was officially defined.

The local churches knew which books were canonical and which weren't.

The 'offical' lists only confirmed what was already accepted by the churches.

[jo kus]

The local churches knew which books were canonical and which weren't.

Maybe they didn't get the "memo", because a number of local churches thought that the First Letter of Clement was Scriptures - which is why they proclaimed it during the Mass. The idea of "canonization" didn't occur until the late 300's as a result of NOT KNOWING which was without doubt inspired by God. Otherwise, what would be the need to officially set down the Canon if it was just "known by everyone"?

Regards