>>They can no more pick and choose a book or epistle to be inspired when they are not than the members of the council of Nicea can deny the Diety of Jesus Christ.
I’ve noticed that you have the rather uncharitable tendency to indicate by your remarks that I have made inferences which I haven’t made. For example, I’ve said nothing whatever to suggest that members of early church councils were picking and choosing (willy nilly, as you seem to suggest) which writings were inspired and which were not.
RE: I’ve said nothing whatever to suggest that members of early church councils were picking and choosing (willy nilly, as you seem to suggest) which writings were inspired and which were not.
OK, if I gave that impression, then I apologize.
All I am saying is this ( and I re-iterate ) -— Scriptures were recognized for what they are because the gospels, epistles and letters were BROADLY accepted by the church at large.
The local councils simply acknowledged it and formalized it for posterity, partly to counter the many false gospels and epistles that were being circulated out there, and partly for the benefit of posterity.
The Christian Church recognized what was Scripture. It did not establish it. This is a very important point. The Christian Church recognizes what God has inspired and pronounces that recognition. In other words, it discovers what is already authentic.
Jesus said “my sheep hear my voice and they follow me . . . “ (John 10:27). The church hears the voice of Christ; that is, it recognizes what is inspired, and it follows the word.