How the New Testament Became a Book

What gives rise to the New Testament as What gives rise to the New Testament as an authoritative word is that this an authoritative word is that this an authoritative word is that this person has come into the world and is person has come into the world and is person has come into the world and is claiming for himself an absolutely claiming for himself an absolutely claiming for himself an absolutely incredible authority that just blows incredible authority that just blows incredible authority that just blows your mind away. The last verse we read your mind away. The last verse we read your mind away. The last verse we read in our family devotions tonight was when in our family devotions tonight was when in our family devotions tonight was when the Pharisees the Pharisees the Pharisees said or the chief priest said, "Are you said or the chief priest said, "Are you said or the chief priest said, "Are you then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I am." And [music] after this you will see am." And [music] after this you will see am." And [music] after this you will see the son of man seated at the right hand the son of man seated at the right hand the son of man seated at the right hand of the Lord. Coming class. of the Lord. Coming class. of the Lord. Coming class. Have you ever wondered why the New Have you ever wondered why the New Have you ever wondered why the New Testament exists at all? Why did the Testament exists at all? Why did the Testament exists at all? Why did the early church need more scripture [music] early church need more scripture [music] early church need more scripture [music] after the Old Testament was already after the Old Testament was already after the Old Testament was already complete? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In complete? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In complete? I'm your host, Dan Kruever. In this episode of Light and Truth, John this episode of Light and Truth, John this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows that the rise [music] of the Piper shows that the rise [music] of the Piper shows that the rise [music] of the New Testament is rooted in the person of New Testament is rooted in the person of New Testament is rooted in the person of Jesus, whose words and [music] words Jesus, whose words and [music] words Jesus, whose words and [music] words demanded a trustworthy witness for the demanded a trustworthy witness for the demanded a trustworthy witness for the generations to come. This seminar was generations to come. This seminar was generations to come. This seminar was [music] originally delivered at [music] originally delivered at [music] originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in September Bethlehem Baptist Church in September Bethlehem Baptist Church in September 2001.

The New Testament assumed the existence The New Testament assumed the existence of canonical scriptures. The concept was of canonical scriptures. The concept was of canonical scriptures. The concept was not foreign to them. So I'm just going not foreign to them. So I'm just going not foreign to them. So I'm just going to set the stage with a series of to set the stage with a series of to set the stage with a series of arguments here for how we move towards arguments here for how we move towards arguments here for how we move towards the concept of a New Testament canon and the concept of a New Testament canon and the concept of a New Testament canon and then how we move towards the 27 books then how we move towards the 27 books then how we move towards the 27 books that are in it and no others. Even that are in it and no others. Even that are in it and no others. Even though you have the same phenomenon with though you have the same phenomenon with though you have the same phenomenon with New Testament New Testament New Testament apocrypha apocrypha apocrypha that apo the word apocrypha that apo the word apocrypha that apo the word apocrypha comes from the word secret comes from the word secret comes from the word secret and means books that were written later and means books that were written later and means books that were written later and some people thought they should be and some people thought they should be and some people thought they should be added or not added. Just like there were added or not added. Just like there were added or not added. Just like there were Old Testament books written after the Old Testament books written after the Old Testament books written after the prophets, there were New Testament prophets, there were New Testament prophets, there were New Testament claims claims claims written after the apostles. And and uh written after the apostles. And and uh written after the apostles. And and uh the question is the question is the question is should they get in? So I'm going to should they get in? So I'm going to should they get in? So I'm going to start by just saying in the early church start by just saying in the early church start by just saying in the early church they started with a concept of a closed they started with a concept of a closed they started with a concept of a closed cannon namely the Jewish cannon. So for cannon namely the Jewish cannon. So for cannon namely the Jewish cannon. So for example, Luke 24:27, example, Luke 24:27, example, Luke 24:27, beginning with Moses and with all the beginning with Moses and with all the beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, he explained to them the prophets, he explained to them the prophets, he explained to them the things concerning himself in all the things concerning himself in all the things concerning himself in all the scriptures.

scriptures. scriptures. So here have Jesus talking about all the So here have Jesus talking about all the So here have Jesus talking about all the scriptures and he walks them through scriptures and he walks them through scriptures and he walks them through them as it were to explain himself. So them as it were to explain himself. So them as it were to explain himself. So there it's kind of a given there's a there it's kind of a given there's a there it's kind of a given there's a there's a deposit there called the there's a deposit there called the there's a deposit there called the scriptures. John 5:39, you search the scriptures. John 5:39, you search the scriptures. John 5:39, you search the scriptures, Jesus says, because you scriptures, Jesus says, because you scriptures, Jesus says, because you think that in them you have eternal think that in them you have eternal think that in them you have eternal life, and it is these that bear witness life, and it is these that bear witness life, and it is these that bear witness of me. Or Acts 17:2, according to Paul's of me. Or Acts 17:2, according to Paul's of me. Or Acts 17:2, according to Paul's custom, he went to them and for three custom, he went to them and for three custom, he went to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures. So you have this concept of scriptures. So you have this concept of scriptures. So you have this concept of the scriptures in in the New Testament. the scriptures in in the New Testament. the scriptures in in the New Testament. Jesus was recognized by the early church Jesus was recognized by the early church Jesus was recognized by the early church as having authority equal to and beyond as having authority equal to and beyond as having authority equal to and beyond the Old Testament scriptures. That's the Old Testament scriptures. That's the Old Testament scriptures. That's going to become very crucial. If the going to become very crucial. If the going to become very crucial. If the Messiah has really come, then the Messiah has really come, then the Messiah has really come, then the Messiah is going to speak with an Messiah is going to speak with an Messiah is going to speak with an authority comparable to the book that authority comparable to the book that authority comparable to the book that prophesied he would come as king and prophesied he would come as king and prophesied he would come as king and truth bearer.

truth bearer. truth bearer. So here are some examples of their So here are some examples of their So here are some examples of their conviction about Jesus authority. conviction about Jesus authority. conviction about Jesus authority. Matthew 7:29, Matthew 7:29, Matthew 7:29, he was teaching them as one having he was teaching them as one having he was teaching them as one having authority and not as their scribes. authority and not as their scribes. authority and not as their scribes. There was something different and unique There was something different and unique There was something different and unique about this man's authority. Matthew about this man's authority. Matthew about this man's authority. Matthew 5:38, you have heard that it was said, 5:38, you have heard that it was said, 5:38, you have heard that it was said, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist him who But I say to you, do not resist him who But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil, but whoever slaps you on the is evil, but whoever slaps you on the is evil, but whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other. Now, right cheek, turn to him the other. Now, right cheek, turn to him the other. Now, that's a quote from the Old Testament. I that's a quote from the Old Testament. I that's a quote from the Old Testament. I think what Jesus is doing is not think what Jesus is doing is not think what Jesus is doing is not contradicting the Old Testament, but contradicting the Old Testament, but contradicting the Old Testament, but contradicting contradicting contradicting a misuse of the Old Testament there. But a misuse of the Old Testament there. But a misuse of the Old Testament there. But these but I say to use is very powerful these but I say to use is very powerful these but I say to use is very powerful because when you speak into the Jewish because when you speak into the Jewish because when you speak into the Jewish context where the authoritative Jewish context where the authoritative Jewish context where the authoritative Jewish people are quoting people are quoting people are quoting quoting Bible at you, quoting Bible at you, quoting Bible at you, you better say something like, you better say something like, you better say something like, "No, you're misunderstanding the Bible." "No, you're misunderstanding the Bible." "No, you're misunderstanding the Bible." And what it says over here is this. And And what it says over here is this. And And what it says over here is this. And when you put the two together, the real when you put the two together, the real when you put the two together, the real meaning is this. But all Jesus said was, meaning is this. But all Jesus said was, meaning is this. But all Jesus said was, "I's what I say. This is what I say."

"I's what I say. This is what I say." "I's what I say. This is what I say." That's a very bold thing. Mark 13:31, That's a very bold thing. Mark 13:31, That's a very bold thing. Mark 13:31, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." You imagine words will not pass away." You imagine words will not pass away." You imagine some one of you standing up and saying some one of you standing up and saying some one of you standing up and saying that. Good night. that. Good night. that. Good night. Or me. Or me. Or me. John 14:6, I'm the way, the truth, and John 14:6, I'm the way, the truth, and John 14:6, I'm the way, the truth, and the life. So here's Jesus claiming to be the life. So here's Jesus claiming to be the life. So here's Jesus claiming to be the truth. Not just the way to God, but the truth. Not just the way to God, but the truth. Not just the way to God, but the truth about God in his own person. the truth about God in his own person. the truth about God in his own person. All the treasures of wisdom and All the treasures of wisdom and All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Paul says, are in him. knowledge, Paul says, are in him. knowledge, Paul says, are in him. Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and earth." given to me in heaven and earth." given to me in heaven and earth." Hebrews 1:1, "In these last days, God Hebrews 1:1, "In these last days, God Hebrews 1:1, "In these last days, God has spoken to spoken to us in a son." has spoken to spoken to us in a son." has spoken to spoken to us in a son." So, he's putting him, the writer to the So, he's putting him, the writer to the So, he's putting him, the writer to the Hebrews is putting Jesus alongside the Hebrews is putting Jesus alongside the Hebrews is putting Jesus alongside the prophets in many and various ways. God prophets in many and various ways. God prophets in many and various ways. God spoke to us in the prophets spoke to us in the prophets spoke to us in the prophets in these last days, alongside them as it in these last days, alongside them as it in these last days, alongside them as it were. equal authority, more authority.

were. equal authority, more authority. were. equal authority, more authority. He has spoken to us in his son. So all He has spoken to us in his son. So all He has spoken to us in his son. So all I'm doing is establishing right now that I'm doing is establishing right now that I'm doing is establishing right now that what what gives rise to the New what what gives rise to the New what what gives rise to the New Testament as an authoritative word is Testament as an authoritative word is Testament as an authoritative word is that this person has come into the world that this person has come into the world that this person has come into the world and is claiming for himself an and is claiming for himself an and is claiming for himself an absolutely incredible authority that absolutely incredible authority that absolutely incredible authority that just blows your mind away. The last just blows your mind away. The last just blows your mind away. The last verse we read in our family devotions verse we read in our family devotions verse we read in our family devotions tonight was when the Pharisees tonight was when the Pharisees tonight was when the Pharisees said or the chief priest said,"Are you said or the chief priest said,"Are you said or the chief priest said,"Are you then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I then the son of God?" And Jesus said, "I am." And after this you will see the son am." And after this you will see the son am." And after this you will see the son of man seated at the right hand of the of man seated at the right hand of the of man seated at the right hand of the Lord coming clouds. Lord coming clouds. Lord coming clouds. And they said, "We don't need any more And they said, "We don't need any more And they said, "We don't need any more witnesses. Blasphemy, he's worthy of witnesses. Blasphemy, he's worthy of witnesses. Blasphemy, he's worthy of death." death." death." So the point of those texts was that the So the point of those texts was that the So the point of those texts was that the teaching of Jesus would inevitably lead teaching of Jesus would inevitably lead teaching of Jesus would inevitably lead to an expansion of the canon. See how to an expansion of the canon. See how to an expansion of the canon. See how I'm thinking here. If Jesus is claiming I'm thinking here. If Jesus is claiming I'm thinking here. If Jesus is claiming these kinds of this kind of authority these kinds of this kind of authority these kinds of this kind of authority and this kind of identity, and this kind of identity, and this kind of identity, then he's going to start talking. And then he's going to start talking. And then he's going to start talking. And when he talks, we get to write this when he talks, we get to write this when he talks, we get to write this stuff down because this is God talking.

stuff down because this is God talking. stuff down because this is God talking. And then I don't want to get ahead of And then I don't want to get ahead of And then I don't want to get ahead of myself here. He's going to choose myself here. He's going to choose myself here. He's going to choose authoritative spokesman. The Old authoritative spokesman. The Old authoritative spokesman. The Old Testament would be supplemented by what Testament would be supplemented by what Testament would be supplemented by what Jesus taught and did. The challenges Jesus taught and did. The challenges Jesus taught and did. The challenges opened then for the early church how to opened then for the early church how to opened then for the early church how to limit what is inevitably opened by the limit what is inevitably opened by the limit what is inevitably opened by the coming and teaching of Jesus. So then coming and teaching of Jesus. So then coming and teaching of Jesus. So then the question became not will we add to the question became not will we add to the question became not will we add to the Old Testament. That's a given. The the Old Testament. That's a given. The the Old Testament. That's a given. The Messiah is here. We got to add because Messiah is here. We got to add because Messiah is here. We got to add because he's here and he's talking. He's he's here and he's talking. He's he's here and he's talking. He's teaching. He's sending. We got to add. teaching. He's sending. We got to add. teaching. He's sending. We got to add. But now we can't have everything. We But now we can't have everything. We But now we can't have everything. We can't just say everything is new can't just say everything is new can't just say everything is new revelation. So the issue of canon revelation. So the issue of canon revelation. So the issue of canon becomes utterly crucial. Now Jesus becomes utterly crucial. Now Jesus becomes utterly crucial. Now Jesus himself pointed himself pointed himself pointed pointed in this direction toward a pointed in this direction toward a pointed in this direction toward a cannon and prepared the early church to cannon and prepared the early church to cannon and prepared the early church to expect that he not only planned a cannon expect that he not only planned a cannon expect that he not only planned a cannon of teaching concerning himself and his of teaching concerning himself and his of teaching concerning himself and his word but that he would provide for it as word but that he would provide for it as word but that he would provide for it as well through authorized apostles well through authorized apostles well through authorized apostles and inspiration of those spokesmen. So and inspiration of those spokesmen. So and inspiration of those spokesmen. So here a few texts on that point.

here a few texts on that point. here a few texts on that point. Luke 6:13-16 as well as others. Luke 6:13-16 as well as others. Luke 6:13-16 as well as others. When day came, he called his disciples When day came, he called his disciples When day came, he called his disciples to him. He just prayed all night. This to him. He just prayed all night. This to him. He just prayed all night. This is very significant. He prayed all is very significant. He prayed all is very significant. He prayed all night. night. night. He called his disciples. Now, don't mix He called his disciples. Now, don't mix He called his disciples. Now, don't mix up the word disciple and apostle. A lot up the word disciple and apostle. A lot up the word disciple and apostle. A lot of Christians, they don't know the of Christians, they don't know the of Christians, they don't know the difference between those. Disciple difference between those. Disciple difference between those. Disciple simply means follower of Jesus. Apostle simply means follower of Jesus. Apostle simply means follower of Jesus. Apostle is a technical phrase in the mouth of is a technical phrase in the mouth of is a technical phrase in the mouth of Jesus that's very different from Jesus that's very different from Jesus that's very different from disciple. disciple. disciple. And he chose 12 of whom 12 of them whom And he chose 12 of whom 12 of them whom And he chose 12 of whom 12 of them whom he named he named he named apostles. And then he lists the 12 apostles. And then he lists the 12 apostles. And then he lists the 12 apostles. Apostle means an authoritative apostles. Apostle means an authoritative apostles. Apostle means an authoritative scent representative to speak on behalf scent representative to speak on behalf scent representative to speak on behalf of a king or a an authority. of a king or a an authority. of a king or a an authority. So when they go out from the king, they So when they go out from the king, they So when they go out from the king, they say, "Hear thee. Here ye, here ye, hear say, "Hear thee. Here ye, here ye, hear say, "Hear thee. Here ye, here ye, hear ye. Thus says the king." And then they ye. Thus says the king." And then they ye. Thus says the king." And then they say what the king once said. That's an say what the king once said. That's an say what the king once said. That's an apostle.

apostle. apostle. Acts 1:26, when Judas is gone, what do Acts 1:26, when Judas is gone, what do Acts 1:26, when Judas is gone, what do they do? They drew lots for them and the they do? They drew lots for them and the they do? They drew lots for them and the lot fell to Matias and he was numbered lot fell to Matias and he was numbered lot fell to Matias and he was numbered with the 11 apostles. with the 11 apostles. with the 11 apostles. So very significant. Paul So very significant. Paul So very significant. Paul said, "I came in as one who was born out said, "I came in as one who was born out said, "I came in as one who was born out of season." And God had to Jesus, the of season." And God had to Jesus, the of season." And God had to Jesus, the risen Christ, had to appear to him in a risen Christ, had to appear to him in a risen Christ, had to appear to him in a remarkable way. Now what about his remarkable way. Now what about his remarkable way. Now what about his preparation of these men so that they preparation of these men so that they preparation of these men so that they would speak with reliability? would speak with reliability? would speak with reliability? John 14:26 24-26. John 14:26 24-26. John 14:26 24-26. He who does not love me does not keep my He who does not love me does not keep my He who does not love me does not keep my words and he who and the word which you words and he who and the word which you words and he who and the word which you hear is not mine but the fathers who hear is not mine but the fathers who hear is not mine but the fathers who sent me. These things I have spoken to sent me. These things I have spoken to sent me. These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. But the you while abiding with you. But the you while abiding with you. But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you will send in my name, he will teach you will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things and bring to your remembrance all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Now, I know some all that I said to you. Now, I know some all that I said to you. Now, I know some of you have probably applied that to of you have probably applied that to of you have probably applied that to yourselves.

yourselves. yourselves. God was so merciful to bring to my mind God was so merciful to bring to my mind God was so merciful to bring to my mind what he's taught me in a situation of what he's taught me in a situation of what he's taught me in a situation of need and so on. And indirectly, it's need and so on. And indirectly, it's need and so on. And indirectly, it's okay, I think, probably to look to God okay, I think, probably to look to God okay, I think, probably to look to God to do that sort of thing. thinking that to do that sort of thing. thinking that to do that sort of thing. thinking that if he did it once, he might do it again. if he did it once, he might do it again. if he did it once, he might do it again. But in this context, I think he's mainly But in this context, I think he's mainly But in this context, I think he's mainly saying to these brothers, if you're saying to these brothers, if you're saying to these brothers, if you're worried that you're going to be left to worried that you're going to be left to worried that you're going to be left to yourselves to give yourselves to give yourselves to give an authoritative, reliable rendering of an authoritative, reliable rendering of an authoritative, reliable rendering of what you're hearing and seeing, I'm not what you're hearing and seeing, I'm not what you're hearing and seeing, I'm not going to leave you without help. Going going to leave you without help. Going going to leave you without help. Going to help you coming back. My spirit is to help you coming back. My spirit is to help you coming back. My spirit is going to be there and I will lead you going to be there and I will lead you going to be there and I will lead you and bring you bring these things to and bring you bring these things to and bring you bring these things to remembrance. Another one where he says a remembrance. Another one where he says a remembrance. Another one where he says a similar thing, John 16:12, I have many similar thing, John 16:12, I have many similar thing, John 16:12, I have many more things to say to you, but you more things to say to you, but you more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now, but when he, the cannot bear them now, but when he, the cannot bear them now, but when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, Spirit of truth, comes, Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. he will guide you into all truth. he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own For he will not speak on his own For he will not speak on his own initiative, but whatever he hears, he initiative, but whatever he hears, he initiative, but whatever he hears, he will speak, and he will disclose to you will speak, and he will disclose to you will speak, and he will disclose to you what is to come. He shall glorify me, what is to come. He shall glorify me, what is to come. He shall glorify me, for he shall take of mine, and shall for he shall take of mine, and shall for he shall take of mine, and shall disclose it to you. And again, I don't disclose it to you. And again, I don't disclose it to you. And again, I don't think that's mainly for you and me. I think that's mainly for you and me. I think that's mainly for you and me. I think that's mainly to the 12 to say think that's mainly to the 12 to say think that's mainly to the 12 to say when I'm gone, I have some more things when I'm gone, I have some more things when I'm gone, I have some more things I'm going to say to you so that you can I'm going to say to you so that you can I'm going to say to you so that you can round out the full council of God. And round out the full council of God. And round out the full council of God. And when you're dead and gone, they can be when you're dead and gone, they can be when you're dead and gone, they can be put in your writings, preserved, and the

put in your writings, preserved, and the put in your writings, preserved, and the church can stand on them like a rock for church can stand on them like a rock for church can stand on them like a rock for the rest of the centuries until I the rest of the centuries until I the rest of the centuries until I return. return. return. Now, what does the early church think Now, what does the early church think Now, what does the early church think about this? The early church saw about this? The early church saw about this? The early church saw the teaching that emerged from Jesus and the teaching that emerged from Jesus and the teaching that emerged from Jesus and the apostles as comprising a completed the apostles as comprising a completed the apostles as comprising a completed body of truth about faith. For example, body of truth about faith. For example, body of truth about faith. For example, Jude 1:3, Jude 1:3, Jude 1:3, "Beloved, I was making every effort to "Beloved, I was making every effort to "Beloved, I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation. I write you about our common salvation. I write you about our common salvation. I felt the necessity to write to you felt the necessity to write to you felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for appealing that you contend earnestly for appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all the faith which was once for all the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints." Now, that's delivered to the saints." Now, that's delivered to the saints." Now, that's not a precise word about the canon. It's not a precise word about the canon. It's not a precise word about the canon. It's just a conceptual word about the nature just a conceptual word about the nature just a conceptual word about the nature of the once-forallness of the faith of the once-forallness of the faith of the once-forallness of the faith that's emerging from Jesus and the that's emerging from Jesus and the that's emerging from Jesus and the apostles. The mindset of the writers is apostles. The mindset of the writers is apostles. The mindset of the writers is a a deposit, a body of truth is emerging a a deposit, a body of truth is emerging a a deposit, a body of truth is emerging from Jesus through his spokesman. I want from Jesus through his spokesman. I want from Jesus through his spokesman. I want you to contend for that. We we haven't you to contend for that. We we haven't you to contend for that. We we haven't defined it with precision yet, but the defined it with precision yet, but the defined it with precision yet, but the mindset is that's what's emerging.

mindset is that's what's emerging. mindset is that's what's emerging. That's what's there. And we shouldn't be That's what's there. And we shouldn't be That's what's there. And we shouldn't be surprised that the concept of a canon surprised that the concept of a canon surprised that the concept of a canon becomes strong. becomes strong. becomes strong. Paul saw the apostolic teaching as the Paul saw the apostolic teaching as the Paul saw the apostolic teaching as the unre repeatable foundation of the church unre repeatable foundation of the church unre repeatable foundation of the church or canon and saw his own teaching as the or canon and saw his own teaching as the or canon and saw his own teaching as the expression of the Lord's very words and expression of the Lord's very words and expression of the Lord's very words and commands. So let's notice this word commands. So let's notice this word commands. So let's notice this word foundation and then Paul's uh view of foundation and then Paul's uh view of foundation and then Paul's uh view of his own words as inspired by the spirit. his own words as inspired by the spirit. his own words as inspired by the spirit. Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 2:19, Ephesians 2:19, "You are no longer strangers and aliens, "You are no longer strangers and aliens, "You are no longer strangers and aliens, you Gentiles, Christians. you Gentiles, Christians. you Gentiles, Christians. You are fellow citizens with the saints You are fellow citizens with the saints You are fellow citizens with the saints and are of God's household, having been and are of God's household, having been and are of God's household, having been built built built upon the foundation of the apostles and upon the foundation of the apostles and upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." cornerstone." cornerstone." So the foundation of the apostles So the foundation of the apostles So the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and prophets, and prophets, there's three possible meanings for there's three possible meanings for there's three possible meanings for prophets there.

prophets there. prophets there. One is Old Testament prophets, One is Old Testament prophets, One is Old Testament prophets, one is New Testament prophets, and the one is New Testament prophets, and the one is New Testament prophets, and the one I lean toward is apostles and one I lean toward is apostles and one I lean toward is apostles and prophets is one phrase referring to the prophets is one phrase referring to the prophets is one phrase referring to the apostolic band. apostolic band. apostolic band. apostles and prophets, namely the apostles and prophets, namely the apostles and prophets, namely the apostles who are prophets. apostles who are prophets. apostles who are prophets. Um, the reason I think that is because Um, the reason I think that is because Um, the reason I think that is because in chapter 3 verse 5, the same phrase in chapter 3 verse 5, the same phrase in chapter 3 verse 5, the same phrase apostles and prophets is used for what apostles and prophets is used for what apostles and prophets is used for what is now being revealed. My point here is is now being revealed. My point here is is now being revealed. My point here is Paul thought in terms of the apostles Paul thought in terms of the apostles Paul thought in terms of the apostles as a foundation and foundations aren't as a foundation and foundations aren't as a foundation and foundations aren't repeatable. repeatable. repeatable. like you build on on foundations. like you build on on foundations. like you build on on foundations. Paul spent according to Acts 19, how Paul spent according to Acts 19, how Paul spent according to Acts 19, how many months? 18 months, renting the Hall many months? 18 months, renting the Hall many months? 18 months, renting the Hall of Tyrannis, teaching five hours a day of Tyrannis, teaching five hours a day of Tyrannis, teaching five hours a day for a year and a half. That's a lot of for a year and a half. That's a lot of for a year and a half. That's a lot of teaching. teaching. teaching. And during those times in which he And during those times in which he And during those times in which he planted this church, planted this church, planted this church, I don't doubt he taught everything he I don't doubt he taught everything he I don't doubt he taught everything he knew and every apostle he ever talked to knew and every apostle he ever talked to knew and every apostle he ever talked to knew about the life of Jesus. all knew about the life of Jesus. all knew about the life of Jesus. all sayings of Jesus, including the choosing sayings of Jesus, including the choosing sayings of Jesus, including the choosing of the 12, and that they're all over the of the 12, and that they're all over the of the 12, and that they're all over the world. Thomas may be in India by now.

world. Thomas may be in India by now. world. Thomas may be in India by now. Peter's come through. You've met him and Peter's come through. You've met him and Peter's come through. You've met him and his wife. So, yeah, I I think they probably know. So, yeah, I I think they probably know. They've been taught. You know, it is They've been taught. You know, it is They've been taught. You know, it is amazing. amazing. amazing. It is amazing what Paul assumes in these It is amazing what Paul assumes in these It is amazing what Paul assumes in these letters he writes to Gentiles in Rome, letters he writes to Gentiles in Rome, letters he writes to Gentiles in Rome, for example, what he assumes they know for example, what he assumes they know for example, what he assumes they know or are up to speed on in Old Testament or are up to speed on in Old Testament or are up to speed on in Old Testament thinking and in in christoologgical thinking and in in christoologgical thinking and in in christoologgical thinking. Absolutely incredible. It it thinking. Absolutely incredible. It it thinking. Absolutely incredible. It it encourages me not to put the cookie too encourages me not to put the cookie too encourages me not to put the cookie too low on the shelf when I'm preaching in low on the shelf when I'm preaching in low on the shelf when I'm preaching in here on Sunday morning. People say, "Oh, here on Sunday morning. People say, "Oh, here on Sunday morning. People say, "Oh, don't you know you have people from the don't you know you have people from the don't you know you have people from the neighborhood coming here and they don't neighborhood coming here and they don't neighborhood coming here and they don't know what you're talking about?" say, know what you're talking about?" say, know what you're talking about?" say, "Well, I try to say things in enough "Well, I try to say things in enough "Well, I try to say things in enough ways in enough uh enough times so that a ways in enough uh enough times so that a ways in enough uh enough times so that a a person with some willingness to try, I a person with some willingness to try, I a person with some willingness to try, I think, could get it. But I don't think think, could get it. But I don't think think, could get it. But I don't think I'm called to strip Romans of its I'm called to strip Romans of its I'm called to strip Romans of its expectations and demand upon my brain as expectations and demand upon my brain as expectations and demand upon my brain as I try to make it plain to your brain."

I try to make it plain to your brain." I try to make it plain to your brain." Because I'm just amazed at what Paul Because I'm just amazed at what Paul Because I'm just amazed at what Paul and Peter and James do with their and Peter and James do with their and Peter and James do with their letters in writing to Gentiles, most of letters in writing to Gentiles, most of letters in writing to Gentiles, most of whom probably had no whom probably had no whom probably had no uh big formal education, uh big formal education, uh big formal education, slaves. And and in those days, the women slaves. And and in those days, the women slaves. And and in those days, the women by and large didn't have routes towards by and large didn't have routes towards by and large didn't have routes towards education. And yet he's writing to education. And yet he's writing to education. And yet he's writing to women, he's writing to slaves. And he's women, he's writing to slaves. And he's women, he's writing to slaves. And he's he's writing these long complicated he's writing these long complicated he's writing these long complicated sentences with vocabulary blow your mind sentences with vocabulary blow your mind sentences with vocabulary blow your mind away and making assumptions that they away and making assumptions that they away and making assumptions that they know the Old Testament know the Old Testament know the Old Testament which may just say a lot about how we which may just say a lot about how we which may just say a lot about how we should plant churches. You got to change categories. You got to change categories. You've got to change categories. You You've got to change categories. You You've got to change categories. You know, we get all worried that in America know, we get all worried that in America know, we get all worried that in America today, we're in a post-Christian era in today, we're in a post-Christian era in today, we're in a post-Christian era in which there's no truth and people which there's no truth and people which there's no truth and people believe in the craziest things like this believe in the craziest things like this believe in the craziest things like this might be God and pens might be divine might be God and pens might be divine might be God and pens might be divine and oh, we're just returning to the and oh, we're just returning to the and oh, we're just returning to the first century.

first century. first century. Yeah. Where the gospel spread like Yeah. Where the gospel spread like Yeah. Where the gospel spread like wildfire. I mean, Americans have had for so long I mean, Americans have had for so long assumed this country is Christian and assumed this country is Christian and assumed this country is Christian and that everybody has the Christian that everybody has the Christian that everybody has the Christian categories in place, everybody has the categories in place, everybody has the categories in place, everybody has the basic knowledge, and they kind of get basic knowledge, and they kind of get basic knowledge, and they kind of get panicky like, "Oh dear, the Christian panicky like, "Oh dear, the Christian panicky like, "Oh dear, the Christian church can't do its work because the the church can't do its work because the the church can't do its work because the the country is not Christian anymore." They country is not Christian anymore." They country is not Christian anymore." They said, "Well, welcome to the first said, "Well, welcome to the first said, "Well, welcome to the first century. You you arrive in Ephesus where they've You you arrive in Ephesus where they've never heard of Jesus Christ. Every never heard of Jesus Christ. Every never heard of Jesus Christ. Every religion in the world is represented in religion in the world is represented in religion in the world is represented in Ephesus. Every sexual sin you can Ephesus. Every sexual sin you can Ephesus. Every sexual sin you can imagine is in Ephesus. Every rejection imagine is in Ephesus. Every rejection imagine is in Ephesus. Every rejection of truth is in Ephesus. I mean it is one of truth is in Ephesus. I mean it is one of truth is in Ephesus. I mean it is one cauldron of chaotic craziness. cauldron of chaotic craziness. cauldron of chaotic craziness. Homosexuality everywhere. Homosexuality everywhere. Homosexuality everywhere. Heterosexuality being abused everywhere. Heterosexuality being abused everywhere. Heterosexuality being abused everywhere. Every religion represented from all over Every religion represented from all over Every religion represented from all over the world there laughing. Same thing in the world there laughing. Same thing in the world there laughing. Same thing in in Athens. A lot of philosophical stuff in Athens. A lot of philosophical stuff in Athens. A lot of philosophical stuff going on. And Paul going on. And Paul going on. And Paul has a dream one night.

has a dream one night. has a dream one night. Don't be afraid. You keep talking. I Don't be afraid. You keep talking. I Don't be afraid. You keep talking. I have many people in this city. have many people in this city. have many people in this city. Here's Paul's claim. This is amazing. Here's Paul's claim. This is amazing. Here's Paul's claim. This is amazing. Now, Paul is one of these apostles who Now, Paul is one of these apostles who Now, Paul is one of these apostles who is forming a foundation on which the is forming a foundation on which the is forming a foundation on which the church will be built. So that if you ask church will be built. So that if you ask church will be built. So that if you ask me today now, uh, where's the foundation me today now, uh, where's the foundation me today now, uh, where's the foundation since they're all dead and gone? I would since they're all dead and gone? I would since they're all dead and gone? I would say they're writings. The writings. And say they're writings. The writings. And say they're writings. The writings. And we'll talk about the fact that some of we'll talk about the fact that some of we'll talk about the fact that some of these were not written by apostles, but these were not written by apostles, but these were not written by apostles, but don't want to get ahead of myself. 2 don't want to get ahead of myself. 2 don't want to get ahead of myself. 2 Corinthians 3:13:3, Corinthians 3:13:3, Corinthians 3:13:3, you are seeking for proof of the Christ you are seeking for proof of the Christ you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me. The Christ who speaks who speaks in me. The Christ who speaks who speaks in me. The Christ who speaks in me and who is not weak toward you. So in me and who is not weak toward you. So in me and who is not weak toward you. So there he's claiming Christ speaks in me. there he's claiming Christ speaks in me. there he's claiming Christ speaks in me. 1 Corinthians 14:37, if anyone thinks 1 Corinthians 14:37, if anyone thinks 1 Corinthians 14:37, if anyone thinks he's a prophet or spiritual, let him he's a prophet or spiritual, let him he's a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write recognize that the things which I write recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment. In to you are the Lord's commandment. In to you are the Lord's commandment. In other words, he says, "The litmus paper other words, he says, "The litmus paper other words, he says, "The litmus paper of whether you claim of whether you claim of whether you claim to speak prophetically truth is whether to speak prophetically truth is whether to speak prophetically truth is whether it agrees with what I say." it agrees with what I say." it agrees with what I say." I said, "Whoa, who do you think you I said, "Whoa, who do you think you I said, "Whoa, who do you think you are?" Answer: An authorized, God- sent are?" Answer: An authorized, God- sent are?" Answer: An authorized, God- sent spokesman of the living King, Jesus.

spokesman of the living King, Jesus. spokesman of the living King, Jesus. That's who I am. That's who I am. That's who I am. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13. 1 Corinthians 2:12-13. Now we have received not the spirit of Now we have received not the spirit of Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit who is from God the world but the spirit who is from God the world but the spirit who is from God that we might know the things freely that we might know the things freely that we might know the things freely given to us by God given to us by God given to us by God which things we also speak here come the which things we also speak here come the which things we also speak here come the key words not in words taught by human key words not in words taught by human key words not in words taught by human wisdom but in those taught by the wisdom but in those taught by the wisdom but in those taught by the spirit. So Paul says, "I'm speaking to spirit. So Paul says, "I'm speaking to spirit. So Paul says, "I'm speaking to you not mere human ideas, but I'm you not mere human ideas, but I'm you not mere human ideas, but I'm speaking to you what Christ promised I'd speaking to you what Christ promised I'd speaking to you what Christ promised I'd be speaking to you when he said, "I'll be speaking to you when he said, "I'll be speaking to you when he said, "I'll give you the Holy Spirit and bring to my give you the Holy Spirit and bring to my give you the Holy Spirit and bring to my mind the things I once said." Peter saw mind the things I once said." Peter saw mind the things I once said." Peter saw Paul's writings as part of an enlarging Paul's writings as part of an enlarging Paul's writings as part of an enlarging cannon of scripture alongside the Old cannon of scripture alongside the Old cannon of scripture alongside the Old Testament. This is an amazing testimony Testament. This is an amazing testimony Testament. This is an amazing testimony from Peter to Paul. from Peter to Paul. from Peter to Paul. Paul wrote to you, Peter says, in all Paul wrote to you, Peter says, in all Paul wrote to you, Peter says, in all his letters, speaking in them of the his letters, speaking in them of the his letters, speaking in them of the things in which are some things things in which are some things things in which are some things hard to understand, which the unttaught hard to understand, which the unttaught hard to understand, which the unttaught and unstable distort, as they do also and unstable distort, as they do also and unstable distort, as they do also the rest, or the other scriptures to the rest, or the other scriptures to the rest, or the other scriptures to their own destruction.

their own destruction. their own destruction. Even liberals Even liberals Even liberals take this to be a testimony that the take this to be a testimony that the take this to be a testimony that the writer of second Peter and none of them writer of second Peter and none of them writer of second Peter and none of them believe Peter wrote it. believe Peter wrote it. believe Peter wrote it. They think it's too late and too They think it's too late and too They think it's too late and too different from first Peter. But if Peter different from first Peter. But if Peter different from first Peter. But if Peter wrote this, and I believe he did, then wrote this, and I believe he did, then wrote this, and I believe he did, then Peter himself is saying Peter himself is saying Peter himself is saying Paul's writings are scriptures. Paul's writings are scriptures. Paul's writings are scriptures. They've come in alongside the They've come in alongside the They've come in alongside the scriptures, the Old Testament, and you scriptures, the Old Testament, and you scriptures, the Old Testament, and you should be reading them in worship, should be reading them in worship, should be reading them in worship, preaching from them, measuring your preaching from them, measuring your preaching from them, measuring your family life and your business life by family life and your business life by family life and your business life by them. They are the the constitution or them. They are the the constitution or them. They are the the constitution or the Magna Carta of the church of Jesus the Magna Carta of the church of Jesus the Magna Carta of the church of Jesus Christ along with the the Old Testament. Christ along with the the Old Testament. Christ along with the the Old Testament. with this built-in trajectory toward a with this built-in trajectory toward a with this built-in trajectory toward a new canon, new canon, new canon, a larger cannon that includes the New a larger cannon that includes the New a larger cannon that includes the New Testament that would give an authorized Testament that would give an authorized Testament that would give an authorized record of the life and teaching of Jesus record of the life and teaching of Jesus record of the life and teaching of Jesus and the foundational teachings of his and the foundational teachings of his and the foundational teachings of his authoritative spokesman. What remained authoritative spokesman. What remained authoritative spokesman. What remained for the early church to do was to for the early church to do was to for the early church to do was to discern which writings were the discern which writings were the discern which writings were the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the apostles. The rise of heretical apostles. The rise of heretical apostles. The rise of heretical teachings and the use of distorted books teachings and the use of distorted books teachings and the use of distorted books like Marcian in 140 AD spurred the like Marcian in 140 AD spurred the like Marcian in 140 AD spurred the process of canonization. In other words, process of canonization. In other words, process of canonization. In other words, immediately once the apostles were off immediately once the apostles were off immediately once the apostles were off the scene, the early church began to the scene, the early church began to the scene, the early church began to experience tremendous conflict and experience tremendous conflict and experience tremendous conflict and distortion and heresy.

distortion and heresy. distortion and heresy. Marcian would be an example of that. and Marcian would be an example of that. and Marcian would be an example of that. and they knew we've got to decide what our they knew we've got to decide what our they knew we've got to decide what our measuring rod is as to whether Marcian measuring rod is as to whether Marcian measuring rod is as to whether Marcian and others like him can be credited or and others like him can be credited or and others like him can be credited or not as a faithful teacher. not as a faithful teacher. not as a faithful teacher. How do you do any church discipline? How How do you do any church discipline? How How do you do any church discipline? How do you decide how um doctrinal issues if do you decide how um doctrinal issues if do you decide how um doctrinal issues if you don't have a measurable thing? The you don't have a measurable thing? The you don't have a measurable thing? The the apostles are gone. What are we going the apostles are gone. What are we going the apostles are gone. What are we going to do? Every John Blow that comes along to do? Every John Blow that comes along to do? Every John Blow that comes along going to claim to have a prophetic word going to claim to have a prophetic word going to claim to have a prophetic word from Jesus and we'll get things settled. from Jesus and we'll get things settled. from Jesus and we'll get things settled. You do it that way. You do it that way. You do it that way. You do it that way. You do it that way. You do it that way. Anybody who has this charismatic Anybody who has this charismatic Anybody who has this charismatic experience, they got a word from God. experience, they got a word from God. experience, they got a word from God. And how in the world are we going to And how in the world are we going to And how in the world are we going to settle anything? How are we going to settle anything? How are we going to settle anything? How are we going to teach and preach with authority? And teach and preach with authority? And teach and preach with authority? And Jesus had had said, I'm going to make Jesus had had said, I'm going to make Jesus had had said, I'm going to make sure I've got apostles. They teach. They sure I've got apostles. They teach. They sure I've got apostles. They teach. They write down. Now, it's the church's write down. Now, it's the church's write down. Now, it's the church's responsibility to watch and see which responsibility to watch and see which responsibility to watch and see which one of those is of God. Main criterion one of those is of God. Main criterion one of those is of God. Main criterion was apostolicity. was apostolicity. was apostolicity. I say aposttolicity not just was the I say aposttolicity not just was the I say aposttolicity not just was the book written by an apostle book written by an apostle book written by an apostle but also was it written in the company but also was it written in the company but also was it written in the company of an apostle presumably with his help of an apostle presumably with his help of an apostle presumably with his help and endorsement for example let's just and endorsement for example let's just and endorsement for example let's just walk through the books and see what what walk through the books and see what what walk through the books and see what what they are they are they are Matthew apostle Mark not an apostle Matthew apostle Mark not an apostle Matthew apostle Mark not an apostle Peter's interpreter and assistant Peter's interpreter and assistant Peter's interpreter and assistant according to Papius 60 to 140 AD according to Papius 60 to 140 AD according to Papius 60 to 140 AD who became Peter's interpreter.

who became Peter's interpreter. who became Peter's interpreter. So as he wrote and recorded things, his So as he wrote and recorded things, his So as he wrote and recorded things, his authority would be linked to Peter's. authority would be linked to Peter's. authority would be linked to Peter's. Luke, close associate and partner with Luke, close associate and partner with Luke, close associate and partner with Paul, had two years to do all kinds of Paul, had two years to do all kinds of Paul, had two years to do all kinds of research, which he says he did in uh research, which he says he did in uh research, which he says he did in uh Luke 1 1:5. Luke was with him. We know Luke 1 1:5. Luke was with him. We know Luke 1 1:5. Luke was with him. We know that from the Wii sections in the book that from the Wii sections in the book that from the Wii sections in the book of Acts. And so here's Luke poking of Acts. And so here's Luke poking of Acts. And so here's Luke poking around finding out all about Mary. around finding out all about Mary. around finding out all about Mary. You ever wonder why it says in Luke, You ever wonder why it says in Luke, You ever wonder why it says in Luke, Mary kept all these things and pondered Mary kept all these things and pondered Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her hearts? Twice it says that them in her hearts? Twice it says that them in her hearts? Twice it says that Mary kept all these things. Mary kept Mary kept all these things. Mary kept Mary kept all these things. Mary kept all these things. I think it's because all these things. I think it's because all these things. I think it's because Luke interviewed Mary. Luke knew Mary Luke interviewed Mary. Luke knew Mary Luke interviewed Mary. Luke knew Mary two years he knew Mary, talked with Mary two years he knew Mary, talked with Mary two years he knew Mary, talked with Mary and a lot of other people that knew and a lot of other people that knew and a lot of other people that knew Jesus face to face and she was telling Jesus face to face and she was telling Jesus face to face and she was telling all these amazing stories and he very all these amazing stories and he very all these amazing stories and he very carefully discerned what should go in carefully discerned what should go in carefully discerned what should go in the Bible, what shouldn't go in the the Bible, what shouldn't go in the the Bible, what shouldn't go in the Bible. Bible. Bible. John, apostle, John, apostle, John, apostle, 13 epistles of Paul, apostle. Hebrews, 13 epistles of Paul, apostle. Hebrews, 13 epistles of Paul, apostle. Hebrews, not an apostle. Probably almost all the not an apostle. Probably almost all the not an apostle. Probably almost all the early church thought Paul wrote Hebrews.

early church thought Paul wrote Hebrews. early church thought Paul wrote Hebrews. I I I doubt it. It's not signed. The closest doubt it. It's not signed. The closest doubt it. It's not signed. The closest you come is at the end. It says, "I urge you come is at the end. It says, "I urge you come is at the end. It says, "I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of you, brethren, bear with this word of you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you exhortation, for I have written to you exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. Take notice that our brother briefly. Take notice that our brother briefly. Take notice that our brother Timothy Timothy Timothy has been released with whom if he comes has been released with whom if he comes has been released with whom if he comes to you I shall see you soon. So whoever to you I shall see you soon. So whoever to you I shall see you soon. So whoever this is very close relationship with the this is very close relationship with the this is very close relationship with the Pauline band. The fact that you have a Pauline band. The fact that you have a Pauline band. The fact that you have a pointer that the author came from among pointer that the author came from among pointer that the author came from among the band of the apostles at least the band of the apostles at least the band of the apostles at least Timothy being typical of that band Timothy being typical of that band Timothy being typical of that band uh tipped the scales. But what really, I uh tipped the scales. But what really, I uh tipped the scales. But what really, I would argue, tipped the scales is this would argue, tipped the scales is this would argue, tipped the scales is this book's own intrinsic message is so book's own intrinsic message is so book's own intrinsic message is so profoundly apostolic, rooted in the Old profoundly apostolic, rooted in the Old profoundly apostolic, rooted in the Old Testament, coherent with the other Testament, coherent with the other Testament, coherent with the other writings of the apostolic, and so writings of the apostolic, and so writings of the apostolic, and so powerfully used of the Holy Spirit to powerfully used of the Holy Spirit to powerfully used of the Holy Spirit to credit itself in the lives of believers, credit itself in the lives of believers, credit itself in the lives of believers, etc., that it made its way in that way.

etc., that it made its way in that way. etc., that it made its way in that way. James, Jesus' brother, called an James, Jesus' brother, called an James, Jesus' brother, called an apostle, apostle, apostle, probably in Galatians 1:19. probably in Galatians 1:19. probably in Galatians 1:19. There you got a flexing of the use of There you got a flexing of the use of There you got a flexing of the use of the word apostle. And whether that's the the word apostle. And whether that's the the word apostle. And whether that's the strict sense being expanded like Paul or strict sense being expanded like Paul or strict sense being expanded like Paul or the more loose sense, the more loose sense, the more loose sense, I'm not sure. I'm not sure. I'm not sure. First and second Peter, apostle, first First and second Peter, apostle, first First and second Peter, apostle, first Third John, apostle. Jude, brother of Third John, apostle. Jude, brother of Third John, apostle. Jude, brother of James, Revelation, John, Apostle. So you James, Revelation, John, Apostle. So you James, Revelation, John, Apostle. So you have a few, Mark, Luke, Hebrews, have a few, Mark, Luke, Hebrews, have a few, Mark, Luke, Hebrews, James, and Jude who are not explicitly James, and Jude who are not explicitly James, and Jude who are not explicitly among the authorized apostles, but in among the authorized apostles, but in among the authorized apostles, but in whom the New Testament church recognized whom the New Testament church recognized whom the New Testament church recognized apostolicity, either by relationship or apostolicity, either by relationship or apostolicity, either by relationship or by content and spirit. The first list by content and spirit. The first list by content and spirit. The first list known to us with all 27 books is the known to us with all 27 books is the known to us with all 27 books is the festival letter of Athanasius AD 367.

festival letter of Athanasius AD 367. festival letter of Athanasius AD 367. However, the list the core list apart However, the list the core list apart However, the list the core list apart from the controverted books right there from the controverted books right there from the controverted books right there was known at least at the end of the was known at least at the end of the was known at least at the end of the latter 2 century about 180 and probably latter 2 century about 180 and probably latter 2 century about 180 and probably goes back much earlier. Did the church goes back much earlier. Did the church goes back much earlier. Did the church create the canon? That's what I've been create the canon? That's what I've been create the canon? That's what I've been trying to answer in referring to Scott's trying to answer in referring to Scott's trying to answer in referring to Scott's question. So here's my last point. What question. So here's my last point. What question. So here's my last point. What is the New Testament canon? is the New Testament canon? is the New Testament canon? Five books of narrative. Matthew, Mark, Five books of narrative. Matthew, Mark, Five books of narrative. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Luke, John, Acts, Luke, John, Acts, 21 letters. You see them listed there. 21 letters. You see them listed there. 21 letters. You see them listed there. Book of Visions, the Revelation. We'll Book of Visions, the Revelation. We'll Book of Visions, the Revelation. We'll start tomorrow with step three. Do we start tomorrow with step three. Do we start tomorrow with step three. Do we have the very words written in the Bible have the very words written in the Bible have the very words written in the Bible that the authors were inspired with? In that the authors were inspired with? In that the authors were inspired with? In other words, 2,000 years of other words, 2,000 years of other words, 2,000 years of transmission, transmission, transmission, 1500 of them before the printing press. 1500 of them before the printing press. 1500 of them before the printing press. Any hope we've got what they ever said. Any hope we've got what they ever said. Any hope we've got what they ever said. Thank you for listening to this episode Thank you for listening to this episode Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are of Light and Truth, where we are committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered committed to providing God- centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Kruever. On our next [music] Dan Kruever. On our next [music] Dan Kruever. On our next [music] episode, John Piper continues our episode, John Piper continues our episode, John Piper continues our eight-part series, The Bible We Trust, eight-part series, The Bible We Trust, eight-part series, The Bible We Trust, with a session titled, "Can we trust the with a session titled, "Can we trust the with a session titled, "Can we trust the text?" I hope you'll join us. For more text?" I hope you'll join us. For more text?" I hope you'll join us. For more resources, [music] visit desiring.org.