The Influences and Criteria of Canonization of the New Testament

The early Christians had no holy book except the Jewish Bible. Apostles and Apostolic Fathers wrote down and explained the the teachings of Jesus Christ and early Christian's beliefs. Although their writings were not intended to have a holy property, they gradually gained Authenticity and sanctity. The differences in some texts and also the rise of gnostic writings have caused theological disputes and accordingly the church determined which of these writings are canonical. In the process of canonization, the authentic and Apostolic writings were separated from pseudonymous writings, and the church, used certain criteria to recognize the canonical books of the New Testament. Using historical analysis, this research aims at investigating the influences, context and criteria of canonization. The criteria of canonization include: Apostolicity, orthodoxy, Antiquity, Use, Adaptability with the common belief of the church and inspiration.