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Who decided which books would be included in the Bible?

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The determination of which books would be included in the Bible, called the canon, came about gradually. There was some disagreement about a few of the books, but even very early on, the Church and Church Fathers were using the books we find in our Bibles today as authoritative. In AD 367, Athanasius, the Bishop of Alexandria, listed the books he thought should be included in the Bible. His list corresponds exactly to those found in Protestant Bibles today. (The Roman Catholic Church and some Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches include additional books called the Apocrypha. These books are not divinely inspired, not canonical, and should not be considered authoritative.)

 

Alex McFarland

Alex has preached in over 2,200 churches throughout North America and numerous more internationally. He also speaks at Christian events, conferences, debates, and other venues to teach biblical truths and preach the gospel.

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