The Canon of the New Testament

This book provides information from Church history concerning the recognition of the canonical status of the several books of the New Testament. Canonization was a long and gradual process of sifting among scores of gospels, epistles, and other books that enjoyed local and temporary authority - some of which have only recently come to light among the discoveries of Nag Hammadi. After discussing the external pressures that led to the fixing of the limits of the canon, the author gives sustained attention to Patristic evidence that bears on the development of the canon not only in the West but also among the Eastern Churches, including the Syrian, Armenian, Georgian, Coptic, and Ethiopian. Besides considering differences as to the sequence of the books in the New Testament, Dr Metzger takes up such questions as which form of text is to be regarded as canonical; whether the canon is open or closed; to what extent a canon should be sought within the canon; and whether the canon is a collection of authoritative books or an authoritative collection of books.

ISBN 0198269544   Pages 336 ISBN13 9780198269540 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher Oxford University Press   Weight (grammes) 429 Imprint Clarendon Press   Published in Oxford Format Paperback   Height (mm) 216 Publication date 06 Mar 1997   Width (mm) 138 Library of Congress BS2320   Spine width (mm) 20 DEWEY 225.12   Academic level Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC21

		Introduction		1
I		Literature on the Canon Published Prior to the Twentieth Century		11
II		Literature on the Canon Published During the Twentieth Century		25
III		Period of Preparation: The Apostolic Fathers		39
IV		Influences Bearing on the Development of the Canon		75
V		Development of the Canon in the East		113
VI		Development of the Canon in the West		143
VII		Books of Temporary and Local Canonicity: Apocryphal Literature		165
VIII		Two Early Lists of the Books of the New Testament		191
IX		Attempts at Closing the Canon in the East		209
X		Attempts at Closing the Canon in the West		229
XI		Problems Confronting the Early Church Concerning the Canon		251
XII		Questions Concerning the Canon Today		267
App. I		History of the Word [actual symbol not reproducible]		289
App. II		Variations in the Sequence of the Books of the New Testament		295
App. III		Titles of the Books of the New Testament		301
App. IV		Early Lists of the Books of the New Testament		305
		Index		316

Metzger's opinions throughout are judicious and moderate... The richly detailed factual information carefully organized here, and the bibliographical footnotes will make this a volume of continuing benefit and lasting value. Journal of Theological Studies this book is of great value, not only as a careful survey of the issues historically but also as a contribution to the current scene. American Historical Review this volume, along with [Metzger's] earlier books on the text and early versions, is destined to become the standard in this field. Restoration Quarterly

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