
The Canon of the Bible:
Preface.
Chapter I. Introductory.
Chapter II. The Old Testament Canon From Its Beginning To Its Close.
Chapter III. The Samaritan And Alexandrian Canons.
Chapter IV. Number And Order Of The Separate Books.
Chapter V. Use Of The Old Testament By The First Christian Writers, And By The Fathers Till The Time Of Origen.
Chapter VI. The New Testament Canon In The First Three Centuries.
Chapter VII. The Bible Canon From The Fourth Century To The Reformation.
Chapter VIII. Order Of The New Testament Books.
This work offers a clear‑headed survey of how the books of the Bible came to be gathered into the canon we know today. The author sets out to trace the historical steps, from early collections to the settled lists, while weighing the evidence without leaning toward any single school of thought. Readers will find a measured discussion that respects both scholarly inquiry and the enduring questions of faith.
The study covers the Old and New Testaments alike, examining topics such as inspiration, authenticity, and the age of the Scriptures. Drawing on recent critical research, the author presents the material in a concise, accessible format, showing where consensus has been reached and where debate still lingers. The narrative remains rooted in documented developments, avoiding speculation beyond the early phases of canon formation.
For anyone curious about the background of the biblical books, this concise yet thorough account provides a solid foundation. It equips listeners with the historical context needed to understand why certain texts were accepted, how they were debated, and what that means for contemporary theological reflection.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (265K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2009-09-29
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1806–1898
An Irish biblical scholar and minister, he became known for bringing rigorous historical criticism to the study of scripture. His career mixed serious scholarship with public controversy, helping mark a turning point in 19th-century religious thought.
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