
The Canon of the New Testament
Its Origin, Development, and Significance
Bruce M. Metzger(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 6. March 1997
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-0-19-826954-0 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 19 mm
Weight
427 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-826954-0 (9780198269540)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
03/1997
OUP eBook
€27.49
Available for download

E-Book
03/1997
OUP eBook
€27.49
Available for download
Person
Bruce M. Metzger (1914-2007) was George L. Collord Professor of New Testament Language and Literature Emeritus at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is the author of numerous works including The Text of the New Testament, Lexical Aids to New Testament Greek, and Reminiscences of an Octogenarian. He was President of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas.
Author
former George L. Collard Professor of New Testament Language and Literatureformer George L. Collard Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Princeton Theological Seminary