The Bible Jesus Read

There is no record of any dispute There is no record of any dispute between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of his day over what the extent of the his day over what the extent of the his day over what the extent of the scriptures was. He seemed to assume that scriptures was. He seemed to assume that scriptures was. He seemed to assume that their Bible was his Bible and he made their Bible was his Bible and he made their Bible was his Bible and he made remarkable claims about its [music] remarkable claims about its [music] remarkable claims about its [music] authority. authority. authority. >> Have you ever stopped to think about the >> Have you ever stopped to think about the >> Have you ever stopped to think about the Bible Jesus read? Not just whether he Bible Jesus read? Not just whether he Bible Jesus read? Not just whether he [music] quoted it, which he actually [music] quoted it, which he actually [music] quoted it, which he actually did, but what he actually thought about did, but what he actually thought about did, but what he actually thought about it, because whatever Jesus [music] it, because whatever Jesus [music] it, because whatever Jesus [music] believed about scripture ought to matter believed about scripture ought to matter believed about scripture ought to matter a great deal to those of us who follow a great deal to those of us who follow a great deal to those of us who follow him. I'm your host, Dan Kroover. In this him. I'm your host, Dan Kroover. In this him. I'm your host, Dan Kroover. In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper episode of Light and Truth, John Piper episode of Light and Truth, John Piper explores the Bible Jesus read and explores the Bible Jesus read and explores the Bible Jesus read and revered and shows why Jesus's view of revered and shows why Jesus's view of revered and shows why Jesus's view of scripture should determine our scripture should determine our scripture should determine our confidence in God's [music] word today. confidence in God's [music] word today. confidence in God's [music] word today. The seminar was originally delivered at The seminar was originally delivered at The seminar was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in September Bethlehem Baptist Church in September Bethlehem Baptist Church in September 2001.

Which books make up the Bible and why? Which books make up the Bible and why? We talk about the Old Testament canon We talk about the Old Testament canon We talk about the Old Testament canon and the New Testament canon. And and and the New Testament canon. And and and the New Testament canon. And and what we mean by canon what we mean by canon what we mean by canon which means rule, measuring stick is which means rule, measuring stick is which means rule, measuring stick is that the canon is the limit of the books that the canon is the limit of the books that the canon is the limit of the books that function as the measuring rod of that function as the measuring rod of that function as the measuring rod of your life and your philosophy and your your life and your philosophy and your your life and your philosophy and your world view and your principles and world view and your principles and world view and your principles and standards. So the Bible is spoken of as standards. So the Bible is spoken of as standards. So the Bible is spoken of as canon. So the question is which books canon. So the question is which books canon. So the question is which books belong to the canon or if you teach belong to the canon or if you teach belong to the canon or if you teach literature you talk about the the the literature you talk about the the the literature you talk about the the the western cannon meaning what books form western cannon meaning what books form western cannon meaning what books form the great books of the western culture the great books of the western culture the great books of the western culture that's the cannon and and every li that's the cannon and and every li that's the cannon and and every li liberal arts student ought to be exposed liberal arts student ought to be exposed liberal arts student ought to be exposed to the canon of western literature that to the canon of western literature that to the canon of western literature that sort of thing and it means just the sort of thing and it means just the sort of thing and it means just the standard stock reliable standard stock reliable standard stock reliable uh great literature but in the Bible It uh great literature but in the Bible It uh great literature but in the Bible It means which books are authoritative. So means which books are authoritative. So means which books are authoritative. So that's what we're trying to to answer.

that's what we're trying to to answer. that's what we're trying to to answer. And we'll start with the Old Testament And we'll start with the Old Testament And we'll start with the Old Testament and then I've got one on the on the New and then I've got one on the on the New and then I've got one on the on the New Testament. So, I'm going to try to Testament. So, I'm going to try to Testament. So, I'm going to try to develop an argument develop an argument develop an argument that the 39 books of the Old Testament that the 39 books of the Old Testament that the 39 books of the Old Testament are the only books that are the only books that are the only books that should be credited should be credited should be credited as part of the Bible and therefore as part of the Bible and therefore as part of the Bible and therefore inspired and reliable. That's my aim in inspired and reliable. That's my aim in inspired and reliable. That's my aim in the next few minutes here. And then I'll the next few minutes here. And then I'll the next few minutes here. And then I'll do the same thing with the New do the same thing with the New do the same thing with the New Testament. So, I'm going to just lay out some So, I'm going to just lay out some reasons as they come and I hope they reasons as they come and I hope they reasons as they come and I hope they pile on top of each other and become pile on top of each other and become pile on top of each other and become increasingly compelling as we go along. increasingly compelling as we go along. increasingly compelling as we go along. Jewish understanding of canon between Jewish understanding of canon between Jewish understanding of canon between the testaments. Let's think about that the testaments. Let's think about that the testaments. Let's think about that for a minute. So, between the end of the for a minute. So, between the end of the for a minute. So, between the end of the Old Testament, several hundred years now Old Testament, several hundred years now Old Testament, several hundred years now passed and then the New Testament passed and then the New Testament passed and then the New Testament history starts. history starts. history starts. Jewish books besides the ones we have in Jewish books besides the ones we have in Jewish books besides the ones we have in our Old Testament were written after the our Old Testament were written after the our Old Testament were written after the Old Testament times, for example. And Old Testament times, for example. And Old Testament times, for example. And then there's a list of them right there.

then there's a list of them right there. then there's a list of them right there. Apocrypha, pseudapigria, Apocrypha, pseudapigria, Apocrypha, pseudapigria, Ezras, Tobit, Judith, Ezras, Tobit, Judith, Ezras, Tobit, Judith, book of addition to Esther, Wisdom of book of addition to Esther, Wisdom of book of addition to Esther, Wisdom of Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Barrack and so Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Barrack and so Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, Barrack and so on. The Jews did not accord to the on. The Jews did not accord to the on. The Jews did not accord to the Apocrypha the authority of the econical Apocrypha the authority of the econical Apocrypha the authority of the econical books. For example, let me show you that. You For example, let me show you that. You might say, "Well, who cares whether they might say, "Well, who cares whether they might say, "Well, who cares whether they did or not?" Well, it matters what the did or not?" Well, it matters what the did or not?" Well, it matters what the what the atmosphere was when Jesus comes what the atmosphere was when Jesus comes what the atmosphere was when Jesus comes into the world to see how he responds to into the world to see how he responds to into the world to see how he responds to what other people are saying to correct what other people are saying to correct what other people are saying to correct it or leave it or not. it or leave it or not. it or leave it or not. The rabbitical literature, the The rabbitical literature, the The rabbitical literature, the literature of the rabbis, Babylonian literature of the rabbis, Babylonian literature of the rabbis, Babylonian Talmud, Talmud, Talmud, this entry Yoma 9b says, "After the this entry Yoma 9b says, "After the this entry Yoma 9b says, "After the latter prophets, Haggi, Zachariah, and latter prophets, Haggi, Zachariah, and latter prophets, Haggi, Zachariah, and Malachi," so the the last prophesying Malachi," so the the last prophesying Malachi," so the the last prophesying prophets of the Old Testament had died, prophets of the Old Testament had died, prophets of the Old Testament had died, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel, the Holy Spirit departed from Israel, but they still availed themselves of the but they still availed themselves of the but they still availed themselves of the Bat. So Batal Bat. So Batal Bat. So Batal daughter of the voice. In other words, daughter of the voice. In other words, daughter of the voice. In other words, there was a a lesser kind of subjective there was a a lesser kind of subjective there was a a lesser kind of subjective revelatory sense of God's leading. But revelatory sense of God's leading. But revelatory sense of God's leading. But as far as the prophets and the way they as far as the prophets and the way they as far as the prophets and the way they communicated and spoke and wrote, the communicated and spoke and wrote, the communicated and spoke and wrote, the Jewish conviction reflected in the Jewish conviction reflected in the Jewish conviction reflected in the Talmud, the rabbitic literature was the Talmud, the rabbitic literature was the Talmud, the rabbitic literature was the Holy Spirit departed from Israel. So God

Holy Spirit departed from Israel. So God Holy Spirit departed from Israel. So God was working, inspiring, guiding, raising was working, inspiring, guiding, raising was working, inspiring, guiding, raising up prophets, delivering his up prophets, delivering his up prophets, delivering his authoritative word, and then he withdrew authoritative word, and then he withdrew authoritative word, and then he withdrew for season. Same point in first Mcabes for season. Same point in first Mcabes for season. Same point in first Mcabes 4:45 and so on. So they tore down the 4:45 and so on. So they tore down the 4:45 and so on. So they tore down the altar and stored the stone in a altar and stored the stone in a altar and stored the stone in a convenient place on the temple hill convenient place on the temple hill convenient place on the temple hill until there should come a prophet to until there should come a prophet to until there should come a prophet to tell what to do with them. And so on. tell what to do with them. And so on. tell what to do with them. And so on. There are other other quotations we There are other other quotations we There are other other quotations we could find in the intertestamental could find in the intertestamental could find in the intertestamental Jewish Jewish Jewish literature. What was the makeup of this Jewish What was the makeup of this Jewish cannon? cannon? cannon? In other words, the Jews operated on the In other words, the Jews operated on the In other words, the Jews operated on the assumption inspiration stopped with assumption inspiration stopped with assumption inspiration stopped with Malachi. Malachi. Malachi. So what was included then? because that So what was included then? because that So what was included then? because that obviously shows they care about not just obviously shows they care about not just obviously shows they care about not just letting any old claim during the letting any old claim during the letting any old claim during the interpestamental period qualify as interpestamental period qualify as interpestamental period qualify as authoritative. They want to discern well authoritative. They want to discern well authoritative. They want to discern well what can we go to for God's word if we what can we go to for God's word if we what can we go to for God's word if we don't go to Mcabes and Edris and don't go to Mcabes and Edris and don't go to Mcabes and Edris and addition to Esther and Ecclesiasticus.

addition to Esther and Ecclesiasticus. addition to Esther and Ecclesiasticus. What do we go to? What do we go to? What do we go to? The Hebrew cannon has traditionally had The Hebrew cannon has traditionally had The Hebrew cannon has traditionally had 24 books which include all of our 39 and 24 books which include all of our 39 and 24 books which include all of our 39 and no more. And these are divided into no more. And these are divided into no more. And these are divided into three sections. The reason the number is three sections. The reason the number is three sections. The reason the number is different is because they lumped some different is because they lumped some different is because they lumped some together that we break out. together that we break out. together that we break out. They're divided into three sections. They're divided into three sections. They're divided into three sections. Law, prophets, writings, Law, prophets, writings, Law, prophets, writings, summed up as the Tanakh. summed up as the Tanakh. summed up as the Tanakh. Torah is the Hebrew word for law. Nabim Torah is the Hebrew word for law. Nabim Torah is the Hebrew word for law. Nabim for prophets. Katuim for writings. And for prophets. Katuim for writings. And for prophets. Katuim for writings. And you put those that T, that N, and that you put those that T, that N, and that you put those that T, that N, and that ch together with A's in between, you get ch together with A's in between, you get ch together with A's in between, you get Tanakh. So if you hear the word Tanakh, Tanakh. So if you hear the word Tanakh, Tanakh. So if you hear the word Tanakh, it's an acronym for law, prophets, and it's an acronym for law, prophets, and it's an acronym for law, prophets, and writings referring to the Hebrew Old writings referring to the Hebrew Old writings referring to the Hebrew Old Testament. So what were the books in the Testament. So what were the books in the Testament. So what were the books in the Torah? It included Genesis, Exodus, Torah? It included Genesis, Exodus, Torah? It included Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, exactly Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, exactly Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, exactly like ours, same books. In the prophets, like ours, same books. In the prophets, like ours, same books. In the prophets, the section called Naveim, it included the section called Naveim, it included the section called Naveim, it included Joshua, Judges, Samuel, both one and two Joshua, Judges, Samuel, both one and two Joshua, Judges, Samuel, both one and two counted as one. Kings, both one and two counted as one. Kings, both one and two counted as one. Kings, both one and two counted as one. Isaiah, Jeremiah, counted as one. Isaiah, Jeremiah, counted as one. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the minor prophets Ezekiel, the minor prophets Ezekiel, the minor prophets counted as one book though it's 12 for counted as one book though it's 12 for counted as one book though it's 12 for us.

us. us. Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadai, Jonah, Micah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadai, Jonah, Micah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadai, Jonah, Micah, Naam, MC, Zephaniah, Hagi, Zachchariah, Naam, MC, Zephaniah, Hagi, Zachchariah, Naam, MC, Zephaniah, Hagi, Zachchariah, Malachi. That's that's the prophets. You Malachi. That's that's the prophets. You Malachi. That's that's the prophets. You see where the numbers are different. see where the numbers are different. see where the numbers are different. Then comes the writings which include Then comes the writings which include Then comes the writings which include Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Psalms, Job, Proverbs, Ruth, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Solomon, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, one Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, one Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, one book, Chronicles, one book, not two as book, Chronicles, one book, not two as book, Chronicles, one book, not two as of thus. So that's how you get 24 books of thus. So that's how you get 24 books of thus. So that's how you get 24 books in the Jewish cannon, 39 books, same in the Jewish cannon, 39 books, same in the Jewish cannon, 39 books, same books in our English or Hebrew cannon. books in our English or Hebrew cannon. books in our English or Hebrew cannon. Thus the can of the Jews began with Thus the can of the Jews began with Thus the can of the Jews began with Genesis and ended Genesis and ended Genesis and ended with 2 Chronicles. with 2 Chronicles. with 2 Chronicles. They put didn't put them in the same They put didn't put them in the same They put didn't put them in the same order because they grouped the order because they grouped the order because they grouped the Chronicles you can see is the end of the Chronicles you can see is the end of the Chronicles you can see is the end of the writings writings writings and the writings was the third group. and the writings was the third group. and the writings was the third group. So, Chronicles comes at the end of the So, Chronicles comes at the end of the So, Chronicles comes at the end of the Jewish Bible. Jewish Bible. Jewish Bible. That becomes very significant for That becomes very significant for That becomes very significant for something Jesus said that tips us off something Jesus said that tips us off something Jesus said that tips us off that Jesus used the Hebrew canon and that Jesus used the Hebrew canon and that Jesus used the Hebrew canon and endorsed it as canon rather than the endorsed it as canon rather than the endorsed it as canon rather than the Septuagent which has apocryphal books in Septuagent which has apocryphal books in Septuagent which has apocryphal books in it. Septuagent is the Greek translation it. Septuagent is the Greek translation it. Septuagent is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament translated of the Hebrew Old Testament translated of the Hebrew Old Testament translated sometime in the intertestamental period sometime in the intertestamental period sometime in the intertestamental period probably in Egypt by the Alexandrian probably in Egypt by the Alexandrian probably in Egypt by the Alexandrian Greekeaking Jews and they added some of Greekeaking Jews and they added some of Greekeaking Jews and they added some of the apocryphal books and they changed the apocryphal books and they changed the apocryphal books and they changed the order so that the order was like

the order so that the order was like the order so that the order was like ours. Which one did Jesus credit ours. Which one did Jesus credit ours. Which one did Jesus credit acknowledge as authoritative? And the acknowledge as authoritative? And the acknowledge as authoritative? And the fact that this order in the Jewish fact that this order in the Jewish fact that this order in the Jewish cannon ends with Chronicles becomes cannon ends with Chronicles becomes cannon ends with Chronicles becomes significant. I'll I'll show you in a significant. I'll I'll show you in a significant. I'll I'll show you in a minute why. minute why. minute why. There are New Testament pointers to the There are New Testament pointers to the There are New Testament pointers to the existence and extent of the Old existence and extent of the Old existence and extent of the Old Testament canon. Here are four or five. Testament canon. Here are four or five. Testament canon. Here are four or five. Paul assumed the legitimacy of the Paul assumed the legitimacy of the Paul assumed the legitimacy of the scriptures. The scriptures, scriptures. The scriptures, scriptures. The scriptures, not all scriptures not all scriptures not all scriptures of every religion, but the scriptures of every religion, but the scriptures of every religion, but the scriptures assumed in this text that were being assumed in this text that were being assumed in this text that were being taught to Jewish children. We just read taught to Jewish children. We just read taught to Jewish children. We just read this text about the sacred writings this text about the sacred writings this text about the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for which are able to instruct you for which are able to instruct you for salvation and are inspired. So when he salvation and are inspired. So when he salvation and are inspired. So when he writes to Timothy whose mother is writes to Timothy whose mother is writes to Timothy whose mother is Jewish, whose dad is is Greek, he he Jewish, whose dad is is Greek, he he Jewish, whose dad is is Greek, he he refers without explanation to the the refers without explanation to the the refers without explanation to the the sacred writings. And you know he's not sacred writings. And you know he's not sacred writings. And you know he's not talking about the Greek gods who might talking about the Greek gods who might talking about the Greek gods who might have a few sacred writings circulating have a few sacred writings circulating have a few sacred writings circulating around. He's talking about a a set group around. He's talking about a a set group around. He's talking about a a set group of writings. So he's assuming there was of writings. So he's assuming there was of writings. So he's assuming there was something fixed and set in the Jewish something fixed and set in the Jewish something fixed and set in the Jewish community. Here's a second observation.

community. Here's a second observation. community. Here's a second observation. There is no record of any dispute There is no record of any dispute There is no record of any dispute between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of between Jesus and the Jewish leaders of his day over what the extent of the his day over what the extent of the his day over what the extent of the scriptures was. He seemed to assume that scriptures was. He seemed to assume that scriptures was. He seemed to assume that their Bible was his Bible. And he made their Bible was his Bible. And he made their Bible was his Bible. And he made remarkable claims about its authority. remarkable claims about its authority. remarkable claims about its authority. We're going to talk about that later We're going to talk about that later We're going to talk about that later where we where we show how Jesus credits where we where we show how Jesus credits where we where we show how Jesus credits the Old Testament. All I'm doing now is the Old Testament. All I'm doing now is the Old Testament. All I'm doing now is trying to show that the Old Testament he trying to show that the Old Testament he trying to show that the Old Testament he dealt with was the same one we have. dealt with was the same one we have. dealt with was the same one we have. And when he dealt with it, he didn't And when he dealt with it, he didn't And when he dealt with it, he didn't criticize it. He didn't say, "You got criticize it. He didn't say, "You got criticize it. He didn't say, "You got books in your Bible that are misleading. books in your Bible that are misleading. books in your Bible that are misleading. They talk about purgatory." One of the reasons the Catholic Church One of the reasons the Catholic Church believes in purgatory is they've got a believes in purgatory is they've got a believes in purgatory is they've got a different Old Testament than we do. different Old Testament than we do. different Old Testament than we do. They include the apocryphal They include the apocryphal They include the apocryphal and we don't. and we don't. and we don't. So which one did Jesus include? Big So which one did Jesus include? Big So which one did Jesus include? Big question. The three-part Jewish division of the The three-part Jewish division of the Old Testament was assumed by Jesus. It Old Testament was assumed by Jesus. It Old Testament was assumed by Jesus. It looks like for example Luke 24:44.

looks like for example Luke 24:44. looks like for example Luke 24:44. Now he said to them, this is after his Now he said to them, this is after his Now he said to them, this is after his resurrection. These are my words which I resurrection. These are my words which I resurrection. These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you spoke to you while I was still with you spoke to you while I was still with you that all things which are written about that all things which are written about that all things which are written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets me in the law of Moses and the prophets me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled. Now I and the psalms must be fulfilled. Now I and the psalms must be fulfilled. Now I know it says psalms instead of writings know it says psalms instead of writings know it says psalms instead of writings but that was not unusual to take the but that was not unusual to take the but that was not unusual to take the main central writing book and use it as main central writing book and use it as main central writing book and use it as the name over the whole group right the the name over the whole group right the the name over the whole group right the writings i.e the psalms. So, he's got writings i.e the psalms. So, he's got writings i.e the psalms. So, he's got this three-fold thing that fits exactly this three-fold thing that fits exactly this three-fold thing that fits exactly with the Jewish understanding of the Old with the Jewish understanding of the Old with the Jewish understanding of the Old Testament, which causes you I mean, Testament, which causes you I mean, Testament, which causes you I mean, every Jew who read this would ignore every Jew who read this would ignore every Jew who read this would ignore exactly what he's saying. They'd say, exactly what he's saying. They'd say, exactly what he's saying. They'd say, "Oh, he's talking about the whole Old "Oh, he's talking about the whole Old "Oh, he's talking about the whole Old Testament. Testament. Testament. All the things written about me in our All the things written about me in our All the things written about me in our Jewish Old Testament." And he didn't add Jewish Old Testament." And he didn't add Jewish Old Testament." And he didn't add and a whole bunch of apocryphal books and a whole bunch of apocryphal books and a whole bunch of apocryphal books that have emerged since Malachi. that have emerged since Malachi. that have emerged since Malachi. Here's the fourth observation. the Here's the fourth observation. the Here's the fourth observation. the Jewish order of the closed Jewish Jewish order of the closed Jewish Jewish order of the closed Jewish cannon. Closed meaning they're not going cannon. Closed meaning they're not going cannon. Closed meaning they're not going to add any more books to this that come to add any more books to this that come to add any more books to this that come along later after Malachi is assumed by along later after Malachi is assumed by along later after Malachi is assumed by Jesus. The Jewish order is assumed by Jesus. The Jewish order is assumed by Jesus. The Jewish order is assumed by Jesus. Now here comes that issue about Jesus. Now here comes that issue about Jesus. Now here comes that issue about the last book of the the last book of the the last book of the writings and thus the last book of the writings and thus the last book of the writings and thus the last book of the old testament in the Jewish order not old testament in the Jewish order not old testament in the Jewish order not the septuagent and not our bible the septuagent and not our bible the septuagent and not our bible was chronicles. The last book in our old

was chronicles. The last book in our old was chronicles. The last book in our old testament is what? testament is what? testament is what? The last book in our old testament is The last book in our old testament is The last book in our old testament is >> good. You you thought I was trying to >> good. You you thought I was trying to >> good. You you thought I was trying to trick you and I wasn't. trick you and I wasn't. trick you and I wasn't. It's Malachi. It wasn't Malachi in the It's Malachi. It wasn't Malachi in the It's Malachi. It wasn't Malachi in the Jewish Old Testament. It was Chronicles. Jewish Old Testament. It was Chronicles. Jewish Old Testament. It was Chronicles. Now, why is that significant? Here's Now, why is that significant? Here's Now, why is that significant? Here's what Jesus said in Luke 11:49-51. what Jesus said in Luke 11:49-51. what Jesus said in Luke 11:49-51. Therefore, also the wisdom of God said, Therefore, also the wisdom of God said, Therefore, also the wisdom of God said, I will send them prophets and apostles, I will send them prophets and apostles, I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill. And I think some of whom they will kill. And I think some of whom they will kill. And I think he means himself here because that's the he means himself here because that's the he means himself here because that's the parallel in the other gospel. I will parallel in the other gospel. I will parallel in the other gospel. I will send them prophets and apostles, some of send them prophets and apostles, some of send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute, whom they will kill and persecute, whom they will kill and persecute, that the blood of all the prophets that the blood of all the prophets that the blood of all the prophets shed from the foundation of the world shed from the foundation of the world shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, from may be required of this generation, from may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to the blood of the blood of Abel to the blood of the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachchariah, Zachchariah, Zachchariah, who perished between the altar and the who perished between the altar and the who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.

Now Now if you read our order of the books of if you read our order of the books of if you read our order of the books of the Old Testament, Zechariah is not the the Old Testament, Zechariah is not the the Old Testament, Zechariah is not the last martyr last martyr last martyr which causes a historical problem for which causes a historical problem for which causes a historical problem for Jesus statement here. But if you take the Jewish cannon which But if you take the Jewish cannon which ends with the book of Chronicles, ends with the book of Chronicles, ends with the book of Chronicles, Zechariah is the last one recorded. Zechariah is the last one recorded. Zechariah is the last one recorded. So what Jesus is doing here is not So what Jesus is doing here is not So what Jesus is doing here is not saying I'm thinking on a historical saying I'm thinking on a historical saying I'm thinking on a historical timeline. I'm thinking on a canonical timeline. I'm thinking on a canonical timeline. I'm thinking on a canonical timeline. I'm saying if you take the timeline. I'm saying if you take the timeline. I'm saying if you take the whole Old Testament as you Jews embrace whole Old Testament as you Jews embrace whole Old Testament as you Jews embrace it, it, it, the first martyr mentioned and the last the first martyr mentioned and the last the first martyr mentioned and the last martyr mentioned, all that blood's going martyr mentioned, all that blood's going martyr mentioned, all that blood's going to come upon you. to come upon you. to come upon you. And therefore, this is a very strong And therefore, this is a very strong And therefore, this is a very strong argument that it was the Jewish canon argument that it was the Jewish canon argument that it was the Jewish canon that Jesus was dealing with and that that Jesus was dealing with and that that Jesus was dealing with and that whenever he quoted the Old Testament, whenever he quoted the Old Testament, whenever he quoted the Old Testament, whenever he said the scriptures are whenever he said the scriptures are whenever he said the scriptures are fulfilled in me, he wasn't thinking fulfilled in me, he wasn't thinking fulfilled in me, he wasn't thinking apocrypha or pseudapigrapher or apocrypha or pseudapigrapher or apocrypha or pseudapigrapher or intertestamental writings or the intertestamental writings or the intertestamental writings or the Septuagent. He was thinking of that Septuagent. He was thinking of that Septuagent. He was thinking of that strict and carefully defined strict and carefully defined strict and carefully defined Jewish Jewish Jewish cannon.

cannon. cannon. And I have here the text to prove what I And I have here the text to prove what I And I have here the text to prove what I just said from 2 2 Chronicles 24 20-21 just said from 2 2 Chronicles 24 20-21 just said from 2 2 Chronicles 24 20-21 and Jeremiah 26 20-23. The last one in and Jeremiah 26 20-23. The last one in and Jeremiah 26 20-23. The last one in in our Bible, the last prophet recorded in our Bible, the last prophet recorded in our Bible, the last prophet recorded to be put to death. But you can check to be put to death. But you can check to be put to death. But you can check that out for yourself. Jeremiah 26:20-23 that out for yourself. Jeremiah 26:20-23 that out for yourself. Jeremiah 26:20-23 would be the last martyrdom would be the last martyrdom would be the last martyrdom historically. and 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 historically. and 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 historically. and 2 Chronicles 24:20-21 would be the last martyr in the would be the last martyr in the would be the last martyr in the canonical timeline of the Hebrew order canonical timeline of the Hebrew order canonical timeline of the Hebrew order of the of the books. So I conclude this of the of the books. So I conclude this of the of the books. So I conclude this strongly suggests that the canon Jesus strongly suggests that the canon Jesus strongly suggests that the canon Jesus was familiar with and was crediting as was familiar with and was crediting as was familiar with and was crediting as he said so many powerful affirming he said so many powerful affirming he said so many powerful affirming things about it was the Jewish Old things about it was the Jewish Old things about it was the Jewish Old Testament cannon that includes the books Testament cannon that includes the books Testament cannon that includes the books we have today. we have today. we have today. One more argument or observation about Jesus use of the Hebrew Old about Jesus use of the Hebrew Old Testament cannon, which is what's in our Testament cannon, which is what's in our Testament cannon, which is what's in our Bible, even though in a different order.

Bible, even though in a different order. Bible, even though in a different order. According to one count by Roger Nicole, According to one count by Roger Nicole, According to one count by Roger Nicole, the New Testament quotes various parts the New Testament quotes various parts the New Testament quotes various parts of the Old Testament as divinely of the Old Testament as divinely of the Old Testament as divinely authoritative over 295 times. authoritative over 295 times. authoritative over 295 times. But not once do they cite any statement But not once do they cite any statement But not once do they cite any statement from the books of the Apocrypha or any from the books of the Apocrypha or any from the books of the Apocrypha or any other writings as having divine other writings as having divine other writings as having divine authority. authority. authority. I wanted to make sure you heard that I wanted to make sure you heard that I wanted to make sure you heard that because people are going to say, "Oh, I because people are going to say, "Oh, I because people are going to say, "Oh, I can think of one or two places where the can think of one or two places where the can think of one or two places where the apocrypha is alluded to and so I'll just apocrypha is alluded to and so I'll just apocrypha is alluded to and so I'll just show you where they are." Jude 14-15 show you where they are." Jude 14-15 show you where they are." Jude 14-15 does quote First Enoch. Enoch, that's a does quote First Enoch. Enoch, that's a does quote First Enoch. Enoch, that's a pretty old book if he wrote it. first pretty old book if he wrote it. first pretty old book if he wrote it. first Enoch and Paul quotes pagan authors Enoch and Paul quotes pagan authors Enoch and Paul quotes pagan authors in Acts 17:28 in Titus 1:12. in Acts 17:28 in Titus 1:12. in Acts 17:28 in Titus 1:12. But these citations both from the But these citations both from the But these citations both from the Intertestamental books and from pagan Intertestamental books and from pagan Intertestamental books and from pagan poets are not said to be from scripture poets are not said to be from scripture poets are not said to be from scripture or to be authoritative because of their or to be authoritative because of their or to be authoritative because of their sources. So be like me sources. So be like me sources. So be like me Wednesday night and I made a big deal Wednesday night and I made a big deal Wednesday night and I made a big deal out of it coming from CS Lewis. But out of it coming from CS Lewis. But out of it coming from CS Lewis. But suppose suppose I had just said in my in suppose suppose I had just said in my in suppose suppose I had just said in my in my message on Wednesday night just my message on Wednesday night just my message on Wednesday night just weaving in with scripture quotes and CS weaving in with scripture quotes and CS weaving in with scripture quotes and CS Lewis said God Lewis said God Lewis said God whispers to us in our pleasures and whispers to us in our pleasures and whispers to us in our pleasures and shouts at us in our pain and then went shouts at us in our pain and then went shouts at us in our pain and then went on. Well, somebody reading this in about on. Well, somebody reading this in about on. Well, somebody reading this in about 300 years,

300 years, 300 years, [snorts] [snorts] [snorts] I'm sure, will say, "Aha, John Piper I'm sure, will say, "Aha, John Piper I'm sure, will say, "Aha, John Piper considered CS Lewis an authority considered CS Lewis an authority considered CS Lewis an authority alongside with the Bible." alongside with the Bible." alongside with the Bible." So Lewis is inspired. That would be a So Lewis is inspired. That would be a So Lewis is inspired. That would be a invalid argument invalid argument invalid argument because I didn't say as Lewis says, "Who because I didn't say as Lewis says, "Who because I didn't say as Lewis says, "Who is inspired or something?" I I I I did is inspired or something?" I I I I did is inspired or something?" I I I I did allude to him and I did quote him. And allude to him and I did quote him. And allude to him and I did quote him. And so Paul, he quotes pagan poets a couple so Paul, he quotes pagan poets a couple so Paul, he quotes pagan poets a couple of times at least. And he quotes, I of times at least. And he quotes, I of times at least. And he quotes, I mean, Jude quotes at least once from an mean, Jude quotes at least once from an mean, Jude quotes at least once from an interestal book. Nothing wrong with interestal book. Nothing wrong with interestal book. Nothing wrong with quoting from non-inspired books. You quoting from non-inspired books. You quoting from non-inspired books. You mean you can read non-inspired books mean you can read non-inspired books mean you can read non-inspired books today. Mine are non- inspired today. Mine are non- inspired today. Mine are non- inspired and sure put them on any kind of and sure put them on any kind of and sure put them on any kind of authoritative level with the Bible. authoritative level with the Bible. authoritative level with the Bible. Here's one corroborating observation. Here's one corroborating observation. Here's one corroborating observation. [snorts] the early Christian witness to [snorts] the early Christian witness to [snorts] the early Christian witness to the completed Old Testament canon. So the completed Old Testament canon. So the completed Old Testament canon. So about AD 170, you have the first about AD 170, you have the first about AD 170, you have the first complete complete complete listing of the Old Testament cannon by listing of the Old Testament cannon by listing of the Old Testament cannon by the Christian church. And I I don't the Christian church. And I I don't the Christian church. And I I don't think I'll read that to you, but uh it think I'll read that to you, but uh it think I'll read that to you, but uh it confirms that that early anyway, you confirms that that early anyway, you confirms that that early anyway, you know, about 80 or 90 years after the know, about 80 or 90 years after the know, about 80 or 90 years after the apostles were off the scene, apostles were off the scene, apostles were off the scene, you have the church affirming our Old you have the church affirming our Old you have the church affirming our Old Testament book is the same book as the Testament book is the same book as the Testament book is the same book as the Jewish cannon. No apocryphal books are Jewish cannon. No apocryphal books are Jewish cannon. No apocryphal books are mentioned. And the only missing book

mentioned. And the only missing book mentioned. And the only missing book from our Old Testament canon in that from our Old Testament canon in that from our Old Testament canon in that list there from 80 170 is Esther list there from 80 170 is Esther list there from 80 170 is Esther which was controverted argued about for which was controverted argued about for which was controverted argued about for some time and may have been suppressed some time and may have been suppressed some time and may have been suppressed for political reasons at the time for political reasons at the time for political reasons at the time because it spoke of a Jewish uprising. because it spoke of a Jewish uprising. because it spoke of a Jewish uprising. In fact, it's an incredibly political In fact, it's an incredibly political In fact, it's an incredibly political book and and and an incredibly offensive book and and and an incredibly offensive book and and and an incredibly offensive book in a situation of conflict because book in a situation of conflict because book in a situation of conflict because you have the political powers that be you have the political powers that be you have the political powers that be trying to wipe out the Jews. The tables trying to wipe out the Jews. The tables trying to wipe out the Jews. The tables are turned and the king gives the are turned and the king gives the are turned and the king gives the permission to the Jews to wipe out their permission to the Jews to wipe out their permission to the Jews to wipe out their enemies and oh, this is just a terrible enemies and oh, this is just a terrible enemies and oh, this is just a terrible thing to publish as authoritative in a thing to publish as authoritative in a thing to publish as authoritative in a situation where it might feed the situation where it might feed the situation where it might feed the flames. So there may be historical flames. So there may be historical flames. So there may be historical reasons why it was it was just dealt reasons why it was it was just dealt reasons why it was it was just dealt with quietly. Another reason is the word with quietly. Another reason is the word with quietly. Another reason is the word the word God is never used in in the the word God is never used in in the the word God is never used in in the book of in book of Esther. It's the only book of in book of Esther. It's the only book of in book of Esther. It's the only book in the Bible where the word God book in the Bible where the word God book in the Bible where the word God isn't used. isn't used. isn't used. And I had that I had that thrown back at And I had that I had that thrown back at And I had that I had that thrown back at me this summer. Interestingly enough, me this summer. Interestingly enough, me this summer. Interestingly enough, this is kind of a parenthesis but might this is kind of a parenthesis but might this is kind of a parenthesis but might be interesting and helpful.

be interesting and helpful. be interesting and helpful. I'm a real believer that God doesn't I'm a real believer that God doesn't I'm a real believer that God doesn't like to be taken for granted like to be taken for granted like to be taken for granted and therefore I'm always on people's and therefore I'm always on people's and therefore I'm always on people's case to talk about him with words and case to talk about him with words and case to talk about him with words and not just imply that he's there. not just imply that he's there. not just imply that he's there. And they threw that back at me. Esther And they threw that back at me. Esther And they threw that back at me. Esther didn't mention him. The book of Esther didn't mention him. The book of Esther didn't mention him. The book of Esther doesn't mention God. What do you do with doesn't mention God. What do you do with doesn't mention God. What do you do with that? Is that okay to be in the Bible? that? Is that okay to be in the Bible? that? Is that okay to be in the Bible? Can I be like Esther? Can I be like Esther? Can I be like Esther? The book of Esther never mentioned God The book of Esther never mentioned God The book of Esther never mentioned God at work. at work. at work. H and I my thought about that has been and I my thought about that has been over the years that over the years that over the years that Esther Esther Esther is written is written is written for a community of Jewish believers who were so steeped who were so steeped in the providence of God in the providence of God in the providence of God that in a politically sensitive that in a politically sensitive that in a politically sensitive moment.

It almost is more effective It almost is more effective to write in such a way that they see God to write in such a way that they see God to write in such a way that they see God everywhere without mentioning him than everywhere without mentioning him than everywhere without mentioning him than to be blatant that God did this, God did to be blatant that God did this, God did to be blatant that God did this, God did this, God did this. I mean, when you this, God did this. I mean, when you this, God did this. I mean, when you read the book of Esther read the book of Esther read the book of Esther and you see the incredible turns of and you see the incredible turns of and you see the incredible turns of events, events, events, the king can't sleep at night. He wakes the king can't sleep at night. He wakes the king can't sleep at night. He wakes up. He calls one of his chamberlins. I up. He calls one of his chamberlins. I up. He calls one of his chamberlins. I can't sleep. Read me something. can't sleep. Read me something. can't sleep. Read me something. He flops open the book of the Chronicles He flops open the book of the Chronicles He flops open the book of the Chronicles of the Kings and he reads that once upon of the Kings and he reads that once upon of the Kings and he reads that once upon a time a few years ago there was a man a time a few years ago there was a man a time a few years ago there was a man named Mori sitting outside your gate who named Mori sitting outside your gate who named Mori sitting outside your gate who spotted some rascals who were about to spotted some rascals who were about to spotted some rascals who were about to com assassinate you and he told you com assassinate you and he told you com assassinate you and he told you about it and he said, "Oh, has anything about it and he said, "Oh, has anything about it and he said, "Oh, has anything been done to bless that guy?" No. So he been done to bless that guy?" No. So he been done to bless that guy?" No. So he gets up. As he gets up, Hmon, Hmon is gets up. As he gets up, Hmon, Hmon is gets up. As he gets up, Hmon, Hmon is walking into the room and he says, walking into the room and he says, walking into the room and he says, "Hmon, what would you do if there was "Hmon, what would you do if there was "Hmon, what would you do if there was somebody great that I wanted to honor?"

somebody great that I wanted to honor?" somebody great that I wanted to honor?" And Hmon think he's talking about And Hmon think he's talking about And Hmon think he's talking about himself. And Hmon says, "I think you himself. And Hmon says, "I think you himself. And Hmon says, "I think you ought to put him on a on the king's ought to put him on a on the king's ought to put him on a on the king's donkey and lead him through the city, donkey and lead him through the city, donkey and lead him through the city, saying, "This is the kind of man whom saying, "This is the kind of man whom saying, "This is the kind of man whom the king," he says, "Okay, go do that the king," he says, "Okay, go do that the king," he says, "Okay, go do that for Morai." for Morai." for Morai." He hates Morai. I mean, every Jew who's He hates Morai. I mean, every Jew who's He hates Morai. I mean, every Jew who's reading this story say, "Yes, reading this story say, "Yes, reading this story say, "Yes, [screaming] yes. Way to go, God. You [screaming] yes. Way to go, God. You [screaming] yes. Way to go, God. You woke him up. You got them just to the woke him up. You got them just to the woke him up. You got them just to the right page. You had Hmon walking in right page. You had Hmon walking in right page. You had Hmon walking in there just at the right time. God is all there just at the right time. God is all there just at the right time. God is all over this place." Now, why he's not over this place." Now, why he's not over this place." Now, why he's not mentioned? mentioned? mentioned? Well, we should think about that. Well, we should think about that. Well, we should think about that. It just may have to do with It just may have to do with It just may have to do with here's my theological guess and just a here's my theological guess and just a here's my theological guess and just a guess in captivity in captivity and exile. and exile. and exile. It looks as if God is absent It looks as if God is absent It looks as if God is absent lots of times lots of times lots of times and he's never absent. And that's the and he's never absent. And that's the and he's never absent. And that's the point of making him verbally absent in a point of making him verbally absent in a point of making him verbally absent in a story where he's in every paragraph. I story where he's in every paragraph. I story where he's in every paragraph. I think that's that's my guess as to why think that's that's my guess as to why think that's that's my guess as to why the writer did it the way he did it. But the writer did it the way he did it. But the writer did it the way he did it. But I have to admit it created problems for I have to admit it created problems for I have to admit it created problems for the book of Esther getting into the the book of Esther getting into the the book of Esther getting into the cannon.

cannon. cannon. Cuz not everybody, I guess, guessed the Cuz not everybody, I guess, guessed the Cuz not everybody, I guess, guessed the way I guess. But it it made it. And I'm way I guess. But it it made it. And I'm way I guess. But it it made it. And I'm glad it did because what a powerful glad it did because what a powerful glad it did because what a powerful testimony to the uh sovereignty and testimony to the uh sovereignty and testimony to the uh sovereignty and allervading providence of God it is. allervading providence of God it is. allervading providence of God it is. I want to thank you for listening to I want to thank you for listening to I want to thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth. As you this episode of Light and Truth. As you this episode of Light and Truth. As you know, we are committed to providing God- know, we are committed to providing God- know, we are committed to providing God- centered teaching to help you see Christ centered teaching to help you see Christ centered teaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. So, clearly and treasure him truly. So, clearly and treasure him truly. So, thank you for joining us. I'm your host, thank you for joining us. I'm your host, thank you for joining us. I'm your host, Dan Kroover. On our next [music] Dan Kroover. On our next [music] Dan Kroover. 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 [music] session titled How the with a [music] session titled How the with a [music] session titled How the New Testament Became a Book. I hope New Testament Became a Book. I hope New Testament Became a Book. I hope you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, you'll join us. For more resources, [music] visit desiring.org.