Creating the Canon

How was the New Testament written, assembled, and approved? In Creating the Canon, Benjamin P. Laird discusses the composition, controversy, and authority of the New Testament.

This 250 page book is divided into three sections: (1) the production of the New Testament writings, (2) the formation of the New Testament canon, and (3) the authority of the new Testament canon. It is an academic read and absolutely fascinating.

Composition and Formation

I was most interested to read on the composition of the New Testament writings. Laird quickly dispels the myth that the authors wrote alone. He explains the roles of secretaries and also discusses how letters were disseminated and read. It gave me new context to understand the Scriptures and how they were written.

In regards to the formation of the canon, I learned that it is most likely that there was a growing consensus on the scope of the canon rather than pronouncements that played a consequential role in its formation. The “core elements” of the canon were established quickly. I also found it helpful to describe the New Testament as “a collection of collections.”

Our Divine Author

What I most appreciated was the way this book handles points of controversy. Laird keeps the fact straight while providing explanations. For instance, “What are we to make of the fact that the early church placed a significant emphasis on apostolic authority while simultaneously recognizing several works as Scripture that were not written by those directly commissioned by Christ as apostles?” Laird explains pseudonymity and authority, as well as the approach to apostolic authorship.

This book is an excellent introduction to understanding the canon, with a mix of classic and contemporary issues discussed. I was left with a greater love for the Word, and a heart of thankful appreciation to the Divine Author.

I received a media copy of Creating the Canon and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.