What is Christianity Wiki

Jump to: navigation, search

How the New Testament Became the New Testament

During the first and second centuries A.D., the only "Scriptures" available to the Church, were those books we know today as the Old Testament. Gradually, certain letters and books became circulated throughout the known world. It began to be evident which of these were inspired by God.

Over the next few centuries, certain books were gradually accepted, while others were rejected. The following progression should be seen as an overview of the making of the New Testament. Once a book has been accepted, it is shown in yellow. Until then, it is shown in white.


90 - 160 A.D. All the New Testament has been written,
but there is almost no sense of a closed collection.

Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation

160 - 250 A.D. There is an awareness of a collection of inspired
writings, and the phrase New Testament is first used.

Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation

250 - 325 A.D. All the letters of Paul are now accepted.

Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation

325 A.D. The Council of Nicea.

Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation

325 - 397 A.D. In 367 A.D., Athanasius first lists the current
number and order of the New Testament books.
In 397 A.D., at the Council of Carthage,
the collection of the New Testament is finally closed.

Matthew Ephesians Hebrews
Mark Philippians James
Luke Colossians 1 Peter
John 1 Thessalonians 2 Peter
Acts 2 Thessalonians 1 John
Romans 1 Timothy 2 John
1 Corinthians 2 Timothy 3 John
2 Corinthians Titus Jude
Galatians Philemon Revelation