Biblical Canon and Scripture Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the Latin meaning of the word 'canon'?

Measuring stick (correct)

Apostolic fathers

Agreed criteria

Bible

What were the 3 major criteria for accepting a book as part of the New Testament Canon?

Self-authenticating, historical evidence, directly linked to an apostle

Self-authenticating, became established as a vital part of Christian worship, directly linked to an apostle (correct)

Directly linked to an apostle, historical evidence, became established as a vital part of Christian worship

Fulfilled prophecy, became established as a vital part of Christian worship, self-authenticating

What is the definition of 'persecution' according to the text?

Strengthening and growth of the early church

Development of strong profession of faith

Infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed (correct)

Set of beliefs guiding someone's actions

What was NOT one of the ways God was involved with the early church?

He created obstacles to challenge them Signup and view all the answers

Scripture is useful for:

Rebuking, equipping and training in righteousness Signup and view all the answers

What event in 64 AD led to the Roman persecution of Christians ramping up?

The burning of Rome Signup and view all the answers

Who was blamed for the burning of Rome in 64 AD?

The Christians Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Edict of Toleration issued in 311 AD?

It legalized and protected Christianity Signup and view all the answers

Why did Emperor Constantine issue the Edict of Toleration?

To unite the Empire and because he became a Christian himself Signup and view all the answers

What event marked the end of widespread persecution of Christians and the legalization of Christianity?

The issuing of the Edict of Toleration in 311 AD Signup and view all the answers

What events in 64 AD and 70 AD led to increased Roman persecution of Christians?

The burning of Rome in 64 AD and the burning of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for leading troops to destroy the church and scriptures in 303 AD, and what was the result?

Emperor Diocletian was responsible for leading the troops, and the result was the 'Great persecution' of Christians for 8 years. Signup and view all the answers

What were the reasons historians argue for Emperor Constantine's issuance of the Edict of Toleration?

Historians argue that Emperor Constantine had political motives to unite his empire, while some believed it was because he became a Christian himself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Bible's Authority

All Scripture is God-breathed, making it useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.
The Bible equips God's servants for every good work.

Canon Formation

Canon comes from the Latin word meaning “measuring stick” or ruler.
The New Testament Canon consists of books written by apostles that "measured up" to the church's criteria.
The church's apostolic fathers established three criteria for a book to be part of the New Testament Canon: • Self-authenticating • Became established as a vital part of Christian worship • Directly linked to an apostle

Evidence for the Bible's Truth

Fulfilled prophecy supports the Bible's truth.
Archaeological support confirms the Bible's historical accuracy.
Historical evidence verifies the Bible's authenticity.

The Early Church

The early church faced significant persecution.
Despite persecution, the church grew, and believers developed a strong profession of faith and perseverance.

God's Work in the Early Church

God strengthened the faith of believers during the early years of the church.
God gave believers boldness to speak about their faith.
The church continued to grow despite persecution.
Believers learned to defend their beliefs.

Key Terms

Persecution: the infliction of loss, pain, or death for adherence to a particular creed.
Creed: a set of beliefs that guides someone's actions.

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Description

Explore the development of the biblical canon and the concept of God-breathed scripture. Understand the criteria agreed upon by the church's apostolic fathers for including books in the canon. Test your knowledge on the formation of the biblical canon and its significance in teaching and training.