How was it decided what books made it into the bible and which didn't?

Question

Was there any verification for some of the material?

Answer 1

Yes you should research the development of the canon. Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai and the Counsel of Jamnia 90AD had alot do do with it. Also look into the Synod of Hippo in AD 393 and the Synod of Carthag.

Here are the 4 criterion for canonicity.
1.Apostolic Origin - attributed to and/or based on the preaching/teaching of the first-generation apostles (or their closest companions).

2.Universal Acceptance - acknowledged by all major Christian communities in the Mediterranean world (by the end of the fourth century).

3.Liturgical Use - read publicly along with the OT when early Christians gathered for the Lord's Supper (their weekly worship services).

4.Consistent Message - containing theological ideas compatible with other accepted Christian writings (incl. the divinity and humanity Jesus).

Remember this: Humans did not decided which book would be accepted into the canon. God revealed them. The inscripturated words of God were recognized as canonical words immediately. [1 Cor. 14:37, 2 Cor. 10:1-16, (v. 13 contains G. Kanon); Gal. 1:6-12; 2 Thess. 3:6-14, 2 Pet. 3:2, 15-16]
The Apostles and OT prophets knew when they were receiving words from God that were to be recorded. [2 Pet. 3:1-2]
Luke and Deuteronomy were called Scripture by Paul [1 Tim. 5:18].
Paul’s books called Scripture by Peter. [2Pe. 3:16]

Please ignore anything that you read heard or saw about the Da Vinci code.

Answer 2

In 367 A.D. Athanasius of Alexandria published a list of 27 New Testament books which were accepted in his time, and these are the same twenty-seven which are recognized today. They had to be connected to an apostle, and thought to be inspired by God. The last book to get in was Gospel of John, Thought to be too Gnostic.
Synod of Hippo Regius in North Africa (A.D. 393) was the first council to accept this form of Bible (canon).
Hope this helps
Min. William

Answer 3

The books had 3 qualifiers:

1. Written by a prophet (ie Moses (Gen. Ex. Lev. Num. Duet.))

2. Every word in the book speaks to all men at all time and will live on no matter what happens on earth or in any individual country, it is not dependent on individuals, culture, or politics.

3. Not one word can contradict itself or any other book

Answer 4

for the old testament, a bunch of men sat around and decided which books were "inspired" by God (in other words, which books fit in with what they wanted to believe). For the New Testament, same thing only later. This is why I am not entirely convinced that it is all inspired (and don't be ignorant enough to quote Timothy at me--at the time that was written "Scripture" constituted the Pentateuch)--too much political/selfish motivations. Plus, if you know anything about Psychology, there is the added danger of "group think."

Answer 5

The books were selected by consensus... a process much like determining the canon of classic literature for schools. Here are a couple of websites that discusses the process.

Aloha

Answer 6

4 gospels of MANY!
4 directions of wind
4 corners of the earth
I think most of the books were decided upon in or around 300 Anno Domini. Chosen by the Catholic church guys, and not the god they claim.

Answer 7

The Council of Nicene

Answer 8

the voice in your ear.

thanks for the heads up B. Clinton but some were born stuborn.

Answer 9

only god knows the answer to that question

Answer 10

everyone texted thier vote