Episode 157 Show Notes
Should Paul's Lost Letters Be Accepted as Canon?
From the Show
If archeologist found Paul’s other letter to the Corinthians, should it be included in the Bible?
Not everything that an apostle said was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul told Timothy, “all scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16). But that doesn't mean that Peter’s shopping list was inspired. The Holy Spirit inspired the texts that he considered essential for our salvation and life. Since the writings of the apostles and the prophets are the foundation of the church, if we found the first Corinthian epistle next week…it would be superfluous, because we have everything that the Holy Spirit decided that we needed. The church has gotten along just fine without the first letter, wherever it is. The Holy Spirit didn't consider it essential as a part of the Canon, that foundation on which the church has based its doctrine and practice for 2000 years…. — Michael Horton
Questions in this Episode
1. In Matthew 10:38 Jesus says, “whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Does this mean that lots of people who think they are Christians won’t be saved because they aren’t really following Jesus?
2. What does Ephesians 2:1 mean by the idea that we’re born into the world “dead in trespasses and sins”?
3. If archeologists found other letters from Paul would we include those in the Bible?
4. If the Bible is not about us but about God, how is it the Bible practical for us?
5. In 1 John 2:22 it seems to say that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is an anti-Christ. What are your thoughts on that?
Resources
7 Things You Need to Know About the Formation of the New Testament
8 Ways to Practice Christianity Monday through Saturday
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