The Canon of the New Testament: Its Origin, Development, and Significance (Paperback)

by Bruce M. Metzger (Author) "THROUGHOUT the Middle Ages questions were seldom raised as to the number and identity of the books comprising the canon of the New Testament..." (more)
Key Phrases: canon within the canon, catholic epistles, new prophecy, New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Revelation (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This beautifully produced volume...will take its place with the earlier two as the standard treatment of its subject, indispensable for instructors and students alike."--Princeton Seminary Bulletin
"A masterpiece of careful and lucid scholarship, certain to be the standard treatment of the NT canon well into the next century."--Religious Studies Review


Product Description
Completing his New Testament trilogy, eminent theologian Bruce Metzger provides information from Church history concerning the recognition of the canonical status of the several books of the New Testament.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 10, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198269544
• ISBN-13: 978-0198269540
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #241,375 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great analysis on a difficult issue, June 10, 2000

By	Timotheus Josephus - See all my reviews

This book was written by Bruce Metzger; one of the most respected Greek scholars of our modern day. While coming from a conservative viewpoint, Metzger is respected by scholars from all theological backgrounds. After reading "The Canon of the New Testament" I can understand why this man is so admired for his work. He devotes a very small portion of the book giving his opinion. Instead, he lays all of the facts on the table in such a compelling way as to almost force the reader to his conclusion before he even gives it.

The first section contains a brief overview of other literature that has been written on the topic of the New Testament (NT) canon.

The second section is where we are given all of the information regarding the development of the NT canon. Metzger examines the authority given by the apostolic fathers to the various NT books. He then proceeds to what I consider to be the most interesting part of the book - the influence of "heretics" on the development of the NT. Metzger demonstrates the fact that some NT books were already recognized as authoritative early in the second century because the orthodox and heretical writers of this time tried using passages of certain books to support their arguments.

This book goes a long way toward refuting those who think the NT canon was arbitrarily selected by church councils of the fourth century. Metzger clearly shows how nearly all of the NT books were recognized as authoritative from as early as can be historically detected.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Subject, September 20, 2005

By	Reader From Aurora - See all my reviews

Bruce Metzger's "The Cannon of the New Testament" is an introductory-level overview of the development of the New Testament. Metzger is one of the best-known and most-respected contemporary writers in this area.

The author approaches the subject from a conservative academic perspective - his comments are reflective of mainstream New Testament scholarship. Given the text's introductory nature it does not advocate for any particular historical school of thought, but rather provides a relatively neutral starting point for readers. For readers new to serious New Testament study it does offer a reasoned antidote to some of the silliness that periodically pops at the popular level (e.g. components of Christian Cannon were arbitrarily selected under Roman state direction, many equally valid historic Gospels were suppressed, etc.). Metzger rightly notes that there are no compelling reasons for doubting the traditional view of cannon development - i.e. books were canonized because of their wide spread use and acceptance by the early church.

Some earlier reviewers have criticised Metzger as being biased. I must say that I am a strong supporter of open and honest discourse - my concern with these specific comments is that they appear to be largely based on Metzger being a Christian rather than his work (their comments on the handling of Thomas and Mark are misleading - Metzger actually offers comparatively liberal comments on both points). This type of argument based on a writer's supposed religious beliefs are not helpful - it is prejudice. I appreciate that at times personal attacks can be tempting and even have some short-term success. In the long-run, however, they inhibit civil discourse and contribute to intolerance toward those who do not share our views.

Overall, the book is an excellent starting point for all readers interested in the development of the New Testament. I highly recommended it to all students of religious studies or ancient history as well as the general reader. For readers seeking further, F.F. Bruce also has done some good introductory level work in this area.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Clarification, September 10, 2004

By	Eric C. Rowe "Migook Saram" (Maryland USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is not a Christian apology. It is a discussion of the process in the early Church that resulted in the definition of the New Testament canon as the 27 books that are commonly known to comprise it. Metzger does not diverge much at all from the standard scholarly views on this issue. He mainly approaches it as a matter of Church history, as do most inquiries into the topic, placing great weight on the words of Church fathers and documents that have bearing on early beliefs about the books belonging to the New Testament. As do most scholars, Metzger contends that the New Testament canon developed via a lengthy process, finally becoming relatively settled after about four-hundred years. This faulty conclusion is a natural result of limtting the scope of evidence used to explicit statements about the canon extant from the early church. See the works of David Trobisch for a powerful challenge to this outdated paradigm.

Two previous reviewers mentioned Metzger's view on the long ending of Mark as an example proving this work to be a believer's apology. The only place in this book that discusses the long ending of Mark is on pp. 267-70. In that section, Metzger asserts quite clearly that the long ending is not genuine. He does not say anything at all about Mark's original intention for the end of his book (nothing about a death or a fire--strange that two "independant" reviewers both brought up the same false charge). Metzger's point in even bringing up the ending of Mark is to ask which ending should be considered "canonical," the short and genuine one, or the long one that has the support of the early church in its favor deeming it canonical (though not genuine). While it's true that believers are the ones who would be most interested in this question, Metzger's view can hardly be thought of as a buttress to the faith (contra the opinion of the previously mentioned reviewers).

For a lay person, this book is a relatively easy-to-read introduction. For something more thorough, that tows the same basic line, but with more erudition, try to get your hands on Westcott's work on the Canon of the NT (now out of print).