The Canon of Scripture

By: F.F. Bruce

Narrated by: Michael Page

How did the books of the Bible come to be recognized as Holy Scripture? Who decided what shape the canon should take? What criteria influenced these decisions?

After nearly nineteen centuries the canon of Scripture still remains an issue of debate. Protestants, Catholics, and the Orthodox all have slightly differing collections of documents in their Bibles. And many Christians today, while confessing the authority of all of Scripture, tend to rely on only a few books and particular themes while ignoring the rest.

Research into second-century Gnostic texts have led some to argue that politics played a significant role in the formation of the Christian canon. Assessing the influence of ancient communities and a variety of disputes on the final shaping of the canon call for ongoing study.

In this significant historical study, F. F. Bruce brings the wisdom of a lifetime of reflection and biblical interpretation to bear in answering the questions and clearing away the confusion surrounding the Christian canon of Scripture. Adept in both Old and New Testament studies, he brings a rare comprehensive perspective to his task.

©1988 F. F. Bruce (P)2022 Tantor

Thoroughly researched and footnoted

I found his writing style very engaging, considering the detailed historical material that is covered. It could have been dry. But FF Bruce not only explains the who and when facts, but distilled the why as well as why it matters.

Fascinating Book

FF Bruce produces such a highly readable yet incredibly scholarly work on the Canon of scripture. How did we arrive at the modern day Bible The Old and New Testaments What are our traditions and where did they come from? A book for seekers.

Invaluable Resource

This work by F. F. Bruce is a thorough examination of the historical development of the Christian canon. Bruce navigates the complexities of early Christian debates, councils, and criteria for inclusion with clarity and accessibility. His comprehensive presentation addresses common questions and confusions surrounding the canon, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and those interested in understanding the origins and significance of the Bible.

So clarifying and helpful

Loved this book, it was long, but so so helpful in understanding the Bible, where it came from, and how to interpret it faithfully.

FF Bruce is a good biblical scholar

The book has biblical view of the canon, The narrator was easy to listen. I enjoyed his previous book The New Testament Documents, are they reliable? which covered the NT from all perspects of criticisms, such as higher criticism, textual criticism, source criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, tradition criticism, canonical criticism. This book gave a good insight of historical, source and canonical perspectives of both the OT and NT.