Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 10:1 (Winter 1967)
Article: Factors Promoting The Formation Of The New Testament Canon
Author: Wilber T. Dayton

BETS 10:1 (Winter 1967) p. 28

Factors Promoting The Formation Of The New Testament Canon

Wilber T. Dayton, Th.D.

The topic assigned for this paper might imply a rather thorough analysis of the historical steps by which the canon came into its present form. Some may be disappointed not to be led over that beaten path. Others who do not agree with the method used may accuse the writer of begging the question. But there are certain convictions which have been growing upon the writer that he believes are germane to the question of canon and that must be given more attention if a satisfactory solution is to be found. Since these are fundamental issues, they will, with their application, consume a considerable portion of the allotted time. But it is hoped that a background will be formed for better use of the historical data alluded to.

The relevance of a purely secular historical approach is minimized by a presupposition with which the paper begins. It is assumed that no church council had the power or prerogative to authorize the canon. Therefore no decisive inference can be made from the Third Council of Carthage in 397 A.D. There is interest in Westcott’s assertion that “from the time of Irenaeus the New Testament was composed essentially of the same books which we receive at present, and that they were regarded with the same reverence as is now shown them.” 1 But there will be an attempt to probe farther back than the end of the second century. Marcion’s heretical canon is worthy of note, but it will not be taken for granted as the “first New Testament canon of which we have any knowledge.” 2 Nor will it be assumed with Harnack that the New Testament canon was assembled as an ecclesiastical counter-measure to offset the tide of Gnostic heresy. 3 Nor will time be taken to give all the reasons why it is believed that the majority of the New Testament books had long been recognized at Rome prior to the time of Marcion. 4 Attention will be given, rather, to matters of principle on which it is believed that the whole matter of canon rests. Observations will then be made in the light of those principles.

Early Existence of the Canon Concept

It is not necessary to duplicate the material of other panel members to prove that Jesus and His Apostles were familiar with an Old Testament canon that was already considered ancient. Prophecy, both written and

BETS 10:1 (Winter 1967) p. 29

oral, was a familiar phenomenon among the Hebrews. Josephus gives graphic testimony to the reverence in which the books of the Old Testa...