The Formation and Selection of the Gospels in the Bible

Many questions arise surrounding the formation and selection of the Gospels within the Bible. Understanding the historical context and the reasoning behind these choices is crucial for comprehending the development of early Christianity. This article delves into the process and reveals the intricate details behind how we arrived at the 27 canonical Gospels that we know today.

Historical Context and Origins

The creation of the Bible as we know it today began with the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE. This meeting aimed to address doctrinal differences within Christianity and establish a unified faith. Although the existence of many early narratives and writings about Jesus exists, none can claim direct eyewitness accounts or authentic writings from his disciples.

It is essential to note that the Gospels, as they exist today, were not written by the apostles themselves but by their followers or later authors. For example, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were assigned to the books in the 2nd century CE by Bishop Irenaeus. These texts were chosen for their popularity, but not necessarily for their authenticity or historical accuracy.

The Selection Process

The early Christian church had strict criteria for including or excluding certain writings. False gospels, which were often fabricated or exaggerated, did not meet these standards. These stories, like the apocryphal tales of George Washington throwing a dollar across the Potomac or stories of Jesus with Buddhist influences, were rejected. For instance, the Gospel of James espouses the perpetual virginity of Mary, while the Gospel of Thomas includes stories that seem to borrow from Buddhist teachings, both leading to their exclusion from the canon.

The 27 Canonical Gospels

Out of the numerous writings about Jesus, only 27 were selected to be included in the New Testament. These 27 books represent a diverse range of perspectives and intentions, reflecting the various needs and beliefs of early Christian communities. The process of selection was not solely based on historical accuracy but also on the ability to serve the theological and practical purposes of the church.

The dating of the Gospels also provides valuable insights into their origins. The Gospel of Mark is thought to have been written around 70-73 CE, a significant period after Jesus' death. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke were written in the 80-90s and 93-100s CE respectively, and the Gospel of John around 100-118 CE. These delays between the events of Jesus' life and the writings about them have led scholars to conclude that these texts are more aligned with storytelling traditions than eyewitness accounts.

Authenticity and Accuracy

The authenticity of the Gospels remains a subject of debate. Many scholars argue that the names of the authors and the authenticity of their writings are questionable. The earliest fragments of the Gospels, such as those of John, date to between 125-150 CE, and are remarkably brief. This suggests that the texts were heavily influenced by later additions and interpretations.

Additionally, words attributed to Jesus in these texts are often seen as highly stylized and not necessarily reflecting the original teachings or sayings. The process of transmission through oral and written traditions adds layers of complexity and uncertainty to the texts, making it difficult to trace the original teachings of Jesus accurately.

Other Early Christian Writings

Many other early Christian texts did not make it into the New Testament. The Gospel of Phillip, for instance, describes Jesus and a female partner practicing a sexual ritual called the "Bridal Chamber Rite," which likely contributed to its suppression by the early Church. Other rejected works include the Gospel of James, the Gospel of Thomas, and various letters purported to be from disciples or early church leaders.

These alternative texts provide fascinating insights into the diversity of early Christian thought and the efforts of the early Church to shape a cohesive narrative aligned with their beliefs. They serve as a reminder of the choices and compromises made in the formation of the Bible as we know it today.