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~ (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...)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
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Editorial Reviews

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"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 (19 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #319,716 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Bruce M. Metzger
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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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THROUGHOUT the Middle Ages questions were seldom raised as to the number and identity of the books comprising the canon of the New Testament. Read the first page
Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
canon within the canon, catholic epistles, new prophecy, authoritative collection
Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New Testament, Old Testament, Book of Revelation, New York, Clement of Alexandria, Apostolic Fathers, Asia Minor, Muratorian Canon, Gospel of Thomas, Nag Hammadi, Shepherd of Hermas, Jesus Christ, Apocalypse of Peter, Book of Acts, Grand Rapids, Acts of Paul, Epistle of Barnabas, Neue Testament, Theological Studies, Clement of Rome, Gospel of Peter, Neuen Testaments, Harvard Theological Review, Apocalypse of John, Acts of Peter
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4.2 out of 5 stars (19 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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98 of 103 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great analysis on a difficult issue, June 10, 2000
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.

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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Subject, September 20, 2005
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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.
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43 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Source on the Formation of the Canon, April 10, 2003
Bruce Meztger seems to be the reigning scholar as far as early New Testament books are concerned. He's writen over ten books on that subject alone. From all information about the "Q" document to different textual versions of the gospels, he's your man.

This book, however, is not specifically about where the individual books of the New Testament Canon came from. Meztger does talk about who wrote them, to be sure, but he is more concerned with how they actually came to be canonized. He discuses the outside elements that brought the church to seperate certain books as authoritative(canonize), and investigates various books that were eventually rejected. One thing Meztger seems to stress is that the decision to include books in the canon was not done over night in one council; but gradually over roughly 300 years of various(though similar) 'lists' of books. Eventually he concludes with the excellent illustration:"If, for example, all the academies of music in the world were to unite in declaring Bach and Beethoven to be great musicians, we should reply, 'Thank you for nothing; we knew that already.'" Same thing with the canon.

I found this book to be extremly boring in places; I'm not very proficient in scholarly works. This book seems to be meant for college students. Its very helpful, though, for those who want to know how the New Testament came to be labeled as authoritative, hence the five stars. Don't miss the concluding essays on modern questions concerning the canon. I recomend this to budding Bible scholars or mature Christians.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reference work, with a few caveats.
The origin of the Biblical canon is one of the most fascinating and critical subjects in Christianity, yet most people don't give it the attention it deserves. Read more
Published 1 month ago by J. Michael

5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable, accessible scholarly work
The late Dr. Metzger left several subdisciplines related to New Testament interpretation far richer than he found them. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Samuel M Smith

5.0 out of 5 stars How did we get the New Testament?
Metzger's careful examination of the origins and formative influences upon the various texts and canons of what we call the New Testament serves as an invaluable resource for... Read more
Published on August 12, 2007 by matt

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on the subject
The name "Metzger" is well known in any New Testament scholar circles. His numerous decades of work on New Testament studies makes him more than qualified to write on a subject... Read more
Published on May 17, 2007 by Jeremiah Courter

5.0 out of 5 stars first-rate scholar
This is an excellent study of a complex topic. The book is not intended for the general reader who will find that it deals with more esoteric issues than the typical... Read more
Published on May 15, 2007 by R. Armour

4.0 out of 5 stars Metzger - a scholar par excellence - honest if a bit apologetic
B. M. Metzger is a scholar well suited to the task of discussing the
history of the canon of the New Testament, the NT being his specialty. Read more
Published on December 12, 2006 by G. D. Grubbs

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb! Thorough, readable, interesting scholarship.
I was both impressed and relieved by the author's obvious efforts to be impartial and examine the evidence that is available. Read more
Published on July 10, 2006 by Dana Lashway

4.0 out of 5 stars Clarification
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... Read more
Published on September 10, 2004 by Eric C. Rowe

4.0 out of 5 stars Church Father citations and book summaries are valuable
Some critical reviews associated with this title mention Metzger's approach to Mark on "page 92" of this book. Read more
Published on March 11, 2004 by R. W. Brannan

1.0 out of 5 stars Believers slant.
Metzger in an ordained Christian minister. This book is theology prettied up to pass as scholarship. Read more
Published on May 7, 2003

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