The Most Unique Book in the World

The biblical books were originally written on papyrus or parchment, and some portions were even carved into stone tablets. Papyrus sheets are formed by combining two layers of split papyrus reeds, and parchments are made from sheepskin or goatskin. Scrolls were formed by joining the edges of multiple papyri or parchments.

Throughout much of ancient Israel’s history, Old Testament scrolls were kept in the temple. As synagogues sprang up in the centuries before the birth of Christ, copies of scrolls were made for these assembly places.

The New Testament writings were originally penned on scrolls and sent to individuals (e.g., Timothy, Theophilus), individual churches (e.g., Corinth, Thessalonica), or groups of churches in a region (e.g., Galatians). Scribes soon made copies to be distributed to churches throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.

As early as the second century AD, most of the books had reached a number of churches, and Christians frequently compiled their writings into an early form of the book, known as a codex. This innovation allowed believers to carry a large amount of Scripture in a compact format, and it also elevated the need to identify which writings were authoritative and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Since that time, the Bible has been copied, translated, sold, and read more than any other book in history.

Recognizing the Canon

The collection of books in the Bible is referred to as the canon, from the Latin word for rule or standard. The 39 books of the Old Testament were largely agreed upon by the first century AD.

Circumstances in the second century AD necessitated the recognition of the New Testament canon to affirm which writings were authoritative and inspired by the Holy Spirit. The apostles and those who learned directly from them had died, and erroneous books were being written by people using the names of key biblical figures.

Except for a handful of books (Hebrews, 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation), there was practically unanimous acceptance of the New Testament writings as Scripture during the second century AD, and even the disputed books were accepted by most churches. In AD 367, Athanasius listed the 27 books of the New Testament as the complete canon, and the church councils at Hippo Regius (AD 393) and Carthage (AD 397) affirmed his list.

Ultimately, God determined which books belonged in the Bible, and the Holy Spirit inspired the writing of these books to teach and guide his people. The church does not determine the canon. Instead, believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit can recognize his voice (John 10:2–5) and discover which books were inspired by him.

Start planning your visit to the Creation Museum today, and be sure to learn more about God’s Word in our Biblical Authority exhibit.