Prophecy and the Closed Canon (Part 2)
February 8th, 2007
(By John MacArthur)
How the Biblical Canon Was Chosen and Closed
Jude 3 is a crucial passage on the completeness of our Bibles. This statement, penned by Jude before the New Testament was complete, nevertheless looked forward to the completion of the entire canon:
Beloved, while I was making every effort to write to you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. (Jude 3)
In the Greek text the definite article preceding “faith” points to the one and only faith: “the faith.” There is no other. Such passages as Galatians 1:23 (“He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith”) and 1 Timothy 4:1 (“In latter times some will fall away from the faith”) indicate this objective use of the expression “the faith” was common in apostolic times. Greek scholar Henry Alford wrote that the faith is “objective here: the sum of that which Christians believe” (Alford’s Greek Testament, 4:530).
Note also the crucial phrase “once for all” in Jude 3. The Greek word here is hapax, which refers to something done for all time, with lasting results, never needing repetition. Nothing needs to be added to the faith that has been delivered “once for all.”
George Lawlor, who has written an excellent work on Jude, made the following comment:
The Christian faith is unchangeable, which is not to say that men and women of every generation do not need to find it, experience it, and live it; but it does mean that every new doctrine that arises, even though its legitimacy may be plausibly asserted, is a false doctrine. All claims to convey some additional revelation to that which has been given by God in this body of truth are false claims and must be rejected. (Jude, 45).
Also important in Jude 3 is the word “delivered.” In the Greek it is an aorist passive participle, which in this context indicates an act completed in the past with no continuing element. In this instance the passive voice means the faith was not discovered by men, but given to men by God. How did He do that? Through His Word—the Bible.
And so through the Scriptures God has given us a body of teaching that is final and complete. Our Christian faith rests on historical, objective revelation. That rules out all inspired prophecies, seers, and other forms of new revelation until God speaks again at the return of Christ (cf. Acts 2:16–21; Rev. 11:1–13).
In the meantime, Scripture warns us to be wary of false prophets. Jesus said that in our age “false christs and false prophets will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect” (Matt. 24:24). Signs and wonders alone are no proof that a person speaks for God. John wrote, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
Ultimately, Scripture is the test of everything; it is the Christian’s standard. In fact, the word canon means “a rule, standard, or measuring rod.” The canon of Scripture is the measuring rod of the Christian faith, and it is complete.
Let me begin by saying that I consider the canon of the Greek scriptures closed. Even if I did believe there was a book that was left out that should have been included (which I do not), it would be a colossal waste of time to lobby for its inclusion.
Most details regarding the canon’s formation are not startling, but are informative. There were only two books that had the support of significant leaders, but did not make it into the canon–”The Shepherd of Hermas” and “The Didache” (or “The Teachings of the Twelve Apostles”).
[http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/shepherd.html] [http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/didache.html]
The main texts whose inclusion was disputed but were eventually included in the canon are Jude, II Peter, and Revelation. It’s interesting that the two main texts supporting a closed canon are from books whose inclusion was disputed (Jude and Revelation).
I suspect that priorities which necessitated the formation of an authoritative canon would have still eventuated in an authoritative canon had those convenient (though meager) proofs not existed.
We generally have faith that God superintended the selection of the books eventually labeled authoritative for Christians.
Our faith in the selection process is not based on Scripture, however. The Revelation passage, as Scott G. points out, is very weak support for a closed canon. Jude’s words about “the faith once delivered” is a bit vague–Paul wrote similar words to the effect, “if anyone comes to you with a gospel,” etc.
It is reasonable to develop logical arguments for the formation and existence of the canon. It is reasonable to develop an apologetic for people who have reasonable questions about the reliability of the canonization process and to answer ignorant and exaggerated attacks on the canon.
It is not reasonable, however, to deny the human element in the formation of the canon.
Sorry folks, I’ve been working 10 to 13 hrs. a day and haven’t had time to post any responses lately. Here’s a little bit about Tuesday’s post about prophets. I’ll try to find time to post something later on apostles, etc.
This argument about prophets and prophecy based on Eph. 2:2:19-22 seems particularly weak. You’re making a lot of assumptions here.
You are saying that prophets (and by extension prophecy) was only for the foundation of the church and not intended to continue. Problem is the text doesn’t say that. You added the concept of “only.” I Cor. 4:5 says, “he that prophesieth edifieth (builds up) the church.” That’s not just laying a foundation, it’s build up the church on that foundation. It also says in v3 that prophecy is for, “edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” There is an ongoing need for that also.
I need to point out that when we discussed I Cor. 1:7 “So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (The When Question – Part 3), you were quick to point out that the verse was simply not addressing the continuation/cessation issue and refused to accept the addition of continuationist elements. Frankly, this portion of scripture, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” isn’t addressing the continuation/ cessation issue either. It’s disappointing that you are now so quick to add cessationist elements into this verse. The verse simply states that we are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. This is true of course, but it doesn’t say that therefore there aren’t going to be any more apostles and prophets, or that laying a foundation was the only reason for apostles and prophets to exist, or that therefore apostles and prophets no longer exist. That’s a lot of assumptions. You may wish it to be so but this verse doesn’t say that it is so. You said, “Thus, it is reasoned, the gift of prophecy has ceased.” Yes, you’re right, it is a reasoning, but it isn’t scripture.
In fact Eph. 4:11 says, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting (equipping) of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” Vincent’s Word Studies says that the preposition “For” (Greek-“pros”) beginning verse 12 denotes the ultimate purpose (for the listed ministries). And that purpose is not merely foundational. This verse says that apostles and prophets as well as the rest of the list are for the perfecting or equipping of the saints. Perfecting or equipping is something ongoing. Are we yet doing the work of ministry as we should? Have we attained to a perfect man yet? What the foundation begins this “perfecting” seeks to complete. This equipping is “for” (2nd occurrence of “for” in the verse – Greek-“eic”-unto) the result of enabling the saints to do the work of the ministry. Obviously this an ongoing task also.
This list of 5 ministries is presented as a whole. It is artificial to imply a break between prophets and evangelists that is not in the text as if some ministries will cease while others continue. This unified list implies that apostles and prophets have the same purpose of perfecting the saints that the rest of the list has. The purpose of laying a foundation may be finished but the purpose of perfecting the saints certainly has not. As long as this purpose continues, and it still continues today, there is no justification for saying some of the ministries no longer continue.
When looking for the purpose of the apostles and prophets more than one scripture (Eph. 2:19-22) needs to be examined. The definition of the purpose of the apostles and prophets as only foundational is too restrictive. Such restrictive definitions set up a nice easy argument for cessationism but fail to hold up in the light of other scriptures about the purpose of apostles and prophets.
I’ve got to go to work now. I will not be able to reply to responses to this post until tonight or maybe tomorrow.
Yours in Christ,
Riley
Amen.
Tremendous comfort for us here. Having confidence, brings us safety, and also His peace will rule our hearts, knowing and understanding the canon is closed.
What a gracious God, and faithfully sovereign over His truth.
I am sure you will cover this Nathan, and Jude 3 is astounding to look at and even more astounding when it is overlooked. But, Hebrews 1:1,2 seems to be even more evidenced at it points to the prophets of longs ago and then to the last days to the apostles in Christ. So if there is an open canon then we must ask, “Was Christ not enough? Is there more revelation that Christ couldn’t give or wasn’t able to give?”
It would seem as though Christ’s first coming wasn’t enough for us if the canon is still open. But that would fly in the face of 2 Peter 1:3 that says God HAS granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the TRUE knowledge.
If the canon isn’t closed didn’t Christ fail? Or we must contend that God isn’t omniscient and had to react to our culture and times to give us more knowledge.
This can’t be!
forever O God, Your word is settled in heaven
Psalm 119:89
Whyte,
Welcome back. It’s good to hear from you.
Thanks, Scott. I dip in from time to time. I’m open to the exercise of all the gifts of the Spirit today, but that’s pretty much a settled issue for me.
The problem with many issues, spiritual gifts for example, is how closely they are tied to our membership in our individual communities of faith. If my congregation or denomination is strongly pro- or anti-spirititual gifts, that really limits how much latitude I have as an individual.
If a person begins to question the dominant position in their community, it causes others to feel uncomfortable with them, and they in turn begin to question the questioner’s soundness, fidelity, salvation, etc.
It is particularly difficult if the initial questioner is ordained. Let’s say you’re ordained in your mid-twenties–fresh out of seminary. In your mid-thirties you begin to think for yourself (finally) and you find the simple answers of your late adolescence (seminary time) aren’t as satisfactory as they seemed then.
The denominational system that snagged you first has you for ten years or so, then keeps you hooked (enticed by advancement to bigger churches, membership in various councils, tenure and retirement benefits) until they reel you in and you can’t think, act, or minister as the Spirit (or the Bible) leads anymore.
Ah, Scott–another rant! (Just because it’s a rant doesn’t mean it’s not true. . . it’s like paranoia!)
Anyway, I haven’t wanted to get bogged down in a game of Bible Halo. I don’t wanna play sniper!
Some of you claim that there are apostles in the modern church. I assume you are speaking about apostles of the kind equal to the authority of the Twelve.
First, can you identify them?
Second, what biblical standards are you using to decide that these individuals qualify to be called apostles?
Third, if they are truly divinely appointed apostles, do they possess authority commensurate with that of the Twelve? If so, we had better listen closely to what they say don’t you think?
Amen, Seth!!! I think sometimes we ALL like to sound important with debate, large words, and compound sentence structures in order to sound philosophical. One only has to read the OT and the NT to see that the OT was a type and shadow of things to come and the NT was that fulfillment, thus the end of the story…closed cannon. In case we were slow in seeing this, God was kind to us to give us Scripture like Deut, Proverbs, Reve, Jude, etc. He is so gracious and patient with us all!
Riley,
Thanks for your comment.
You wrote: Frankly, this portion of scripture [Eph. 2:20], “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,” isn’t addressing the continuation/ cessation issue either. It’s disappointing that you are now so quick to add cessationist elements into this verse. The verse simply states that we are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
I would agree with you that Paul’s main point in this verse is not the continuation or cessation of spiritual gifts. At the same time, I do believe this verse has implications for the topic, and continuationists like Wayne Grudem agree.
Ephesians 2:20, in my own view, is only a small part of a much larger argument in favor of the cessationist perspective. When asked, Why would gifts like prophecy cease?, the cessationist will look to passages like Ephesians 2:20, and answer — because, just like the apostles, the role of the prophets was to establish the foundation of the church; and also like the apostles, that role was temporary.
Thanks again for your interaction.
- NB
Hi, Nate,
You wrote:
When asked, Why would gifts like prophecy cease?, the cessationist will look to passages like Ephesians 2:20, and answer — because, just like the apostles, the role of the prophets was to establish the foundation of the church; and also like the apostles, that role was temporary.
I would agree that the role of establishing the foundation of the Church was a temporary role.
Paul said, “After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that is Jesus Christ.” (ISV) 1Co 3:11 The foundation is already laid. Nothing needs to be added to it. The canon is closed. Most everyone agrees with this. But it still seems obvious that there are other purposes for apostles and prophets as we see in Eph. 4:11-13 that would continue.
Yours in Christ,
Riley
There are a number of “apostles” named in the Greek canon who are not among the Twelve. They are often explained as being evangelists, who would be “messengers” or “sent ones.” (I don’t have them at my fingertips, sorry.)
Authority is not the exclusive, defining element of an apostle. Of course, if an apostolic individual or an apostolic couple are church planters (as was Paul), their understanding of the Christian faith will understandably have more weight with their churches than will the understandings and doctrinal positions of others.
For my charismatic brothers…
What significance is the closong of the canon? It means that special revelation from God has ceased. The only type of prophecy given in scripture is inerrant, infallible, and authoritative. Prophets become the mouthpiece of God, and errors are not allowed. Their words carry the same weight as the Bible itself. (See Deut. 18:18-22).
Therefore, in order to maintain continuing revelation today, there must be some defense of a different, lesser sort of prophecy. I just cannot find this in Scripture. If you can make the case, I’ll consider it.
God Bless,
PL
Riley,
Thanks for your response. It seems, from your comment, that you believe the office of apostle is still in operation today.
If so, would you also say that today’s apostles are essentially equivalent (in office) to the Twelve or the apostle Paul?
I am curious if this is your position because it would be a key point of departure. The cessationist will argue that the office of “apostle” (in the specific sense of a directly-appointed representative of the resurrected Christ–such as Paul) has ceased. This, then, serves as a precedent (in principle) for the fact that other offices (and the gifts associated with those offices) will cease.
Thanks again for your willingness to interact.
- NB
Speaking of the authority of The Twelve, I wonder if there are any fragments of The Gospel of Judas mouldering in the archives of the Vatican library. Or perhaps in a bricked off closet in the dry Sinai desert somewhere.
I wonder how authoritative it would be.
Frankly, I’d settle for an epistle.
Nate, wouldn’t you agree that because of the various greek meanings of prophecy, not all of prophecy has ceased. For instance, in 1Cor. 12&13 the greek definition is to publicly proclaim a truth or in other words preaching of God’s Word. In other sections of the Bible, OT and NT, hand-picked men of God received revelations from God and wrote them down (the Bible) and also proclaimed them. Wouldn’t it just be the later that has ceased and not necessarily the former? I do believe God gives certain men the gift of proclaiming and teaching His Word. Also, the OT and Acts says the the young men and women will prophesy have vision etc in the last days which are yet to come. Because new revelation has ceased, don’t you believe that the prophesying going on here in the last days is a great multitude of people proclaiming His truths and not the receiving of new info? If so, then I believe this certain type of prophesying, which is a gift, carries through until the end.
Puritan Lad (and John MacArthur for that matter),
The revelation of Scripture is unique among all revelation. It is not simply inerrant, infallible, authoritative prophecy, as you put it. The Bible carries a specific story line and makes specific (and sufficient!) points – it is not, according to itself, an exhaustive volume of every inerrant, infallible, authoritative word from God (John 21:25, with further examples if you like).
To wit, Scripture makes it clear that it is above inerrant, infallible, authoritative prophecy. 1 Cor 14:37 says, “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.”
Those who think they are prophets of course include those who are actually prophets. And Paul tells these inspired prophets to “acknowledge that the things I am writing (a.k.a. Scripture)… are a command of the Lord.”
Clearly then, Scripture is greater and higher than Biblical prophecy.
Furthermore, there is no need, Scripturally, to believe that the writing of Scripture is anything like prophecy or any of the other charismatic gifts. I think it is significant that Scripture never mentions the inspiration of Scripture as a sort of gift to be had.
I hope that makes sense and clears up your problem with the charismatic position on modern-day revelation.
Robert
Robert,
You missed the point. 1 Corithians 14 was written (obviously) before the close of the canon. There was no New Testament for these believers, at least as a complete canon.
The point is that biblical prophecy is a Word from the Lord. The Lord is directly speaking through the mouth of the prophet.
“…And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” (Deuteronomy 18:18)
This being the case, the words of the prophet carried the same weight as Scripture does today. They were words directly from the mouth of God. With the close of the canon, this type of revelation is no longer needed. We have all the Words of the Lord that we will ever need, and they are to be found only in the Holy writ.
Steve Lamm,
Good ironic point.
In Christ,
Phil Perkins.
J Piper recently claimed that he heard the voice of God…he published,
The Morning I Heard the Voice of God. It begins,
Let me tell you about a most wonderful experience I had early Monday morning, March 19, 2007, a little after six o’clock. God actually spoke to me. There is no doubt that it was God. I heard the words in my head just as clearly as when a memory of a conversation passes across your consciousness.
The Morning I Heard the Voice of God.
http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2007/2021_The_Morning_I_Heard_the_Voice_of_God/