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Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament
Despite the profound influence of the New Testament, a variety of questions related to its background and history remain common. Contemporary readers often find the subject of the canon’s origin and formation to be complicated and confusing, while scholars continue to struggle to find agreement about basic elements of the canon’s development. In this engaging study, Benjamin P. Laird explores several misunderstood, disputed, and overlooked topics in order to provide fresh insight and clarity about the canon’s creation and modern relevance. The volume addresses questions such Wide-ranging yet accessible, Creating the Canon offers an illuminating treatment of the composition, formation, and authority of the New Testament and serves as a valuable guide to those with limited prior study.
272 pages, Paperback
Published July 11, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 8, 2024
For a book I had to read in a class, this is definitely one that I really appreciate it. The canonicity of the New Testament is a topic that I was always not very familiar with, but after reading this more I only have greater confidence in God’s word being divinely inspired, holding true to what Paul says in 2 Timothy 3. Though the topic is complicated, Laird’s work is written in such a way where information doesn’t fly over your head. Definitely on the academic side of reading, but can’t recommend this book enough.
January 8, 2024
A good introduction to the study of the New Testament canon
September 2, 2024
Excellent overview and discussion of the key issues, if a little dry with a slightly misleading title.
October 22, 2023
Summary: A survey of the scholarly discussions about the production, formation, and authority of the New Testament Canon, including the composition and circulation of the books, the role of theological controversies and councils, and the importance of apostolicity.
How did the collection of books that we know as the New Testament come together and why these books and not others? Did they just reflect who had the most political power in the theological controversies of the early centuries of the church’s life? And why should these and not other sources be authoritative for the church? In recent years, scepticism has grown in some quarters about the particular collection of books we call the New Testament.
In this work Benjamin P. Laird offers a helpful introduction to the scholarly discussions concerning the canon that offers answers to many of these questions affirming this collection as it stands, showing that the basis for affirming the canon rests on much wider basis of evidence than church councils, and that the canonical books of the New Testament are not simply authorized but authoritative for the life of the church and the individual believer.
Laird’s book is broken into three parts. First is a discussion of the producfion of the New Testament writings. He shows how many of the documents arose from collaborative efforts including those often mentioned to be with the writer, secretaries who actually wrote (and often made copies of the documents), letter carriers who were often part of the company, eyewitnesses and oral traditions, perhaps written down upon which gospel writers drew. He discusses the difficulties of original autographs, not only their absence but also that there might be multiple autographs, ranging from copies retained by the writer to versions sent to different recipients that may have been edited accordingly. Textual criticism of Romans reveals, for instance, multiple locations for the doxology. What textual criticism does is establish what is likely the most accurate rendering while honestly showing the alternatives. As already suggested, the notion of a singular “intended” audience may be erroneous as well as letters often reflecting concerns of nearby congregations that may also read.
The second part of the book moves to the formation of the canon. Laird begins by surveying the different theological controversies of the second through fourth centuries and argues that the canon neither arose as a response to Marcion nor that any particular council definitively established the canon. The various lists of the time showed the growing consensus of the wider church of the books they recognized as authoritative. He buttresses this contention by considering the eyewitnesses, those who composed lists of canonical books that were prior to the councils, ranging from the Muratorian fragment to Origen, Clement, Eusebius, Cyril, Athanasius, Gregory and others, and of the various early codices. He notes the wide agreement upon all the books except for Hebrews, some of the Catholic letters, and Revelation, and that none of the other books pointed to by those who say the council excluded certain works are mentioned. An important part of this story is the canonical subcollections that began circulating in the early centuries including the thirteen epistles attested to Paul and Hebrews, the four gospels, Acts and the catholic epistles, and Revelation. Laird considers the testimony to each of these. He also notes the awareness of and rejection of pseudonymous writings, including the fact that none of the writings attested to Paul were rejected, though 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation were questioned by some. He draws a picture of growing consensus even concerning the contested writings, especially the catholic epistles.
The final part of the book, then, deals with the authority of the canon and the importance of apostolicity, that is, that the canonical books were the product of either apostles or those in the apostolic circle (such as Mark and Luke, making the assumption of this with the anonymous author of Hebrews). He demonstrates the evidence that apostolicity was a major concern, especially when it came to the disputed books, and that those books which were not disputed enjoyed that status because of their evidence of apostolicity. In the final chapter on apostolic authorship and the authority of the canon, he explores the ideas of God’s providential work in the formation of the canon including Brevard Childs’ ideas that focus on the authority of the canon as a whole rather than the status of individual books, which emphasizes the church’s role in the shaping of the canon and the importance of divine inspiration in the authority of the canon. He also notes and briefly engages the challenges to apostolicity and authority in contemporary scholarship, including broader definitions of apostolicity related to the reception of non-canonical works in some parts of the early church and the challenge to the idea of a “closed canon.”
No doubt, some will challenge this account of the production, formation, and authority of the twenty-seven books that were recognized as the canon of the New Testament, whether in the form of challenging the apostolic authorship of books, the recognition of other books circulating and used in some churches or arguing that the councils decided what was in and what was out to buttress their theological and perhaps political concerns. What this book particularly contributes is that such arguments must deal with the early, pre-conciliar evidence (much of it from as early as the second century), both from witnesses and circulating subcanonical texts that reflected the growing consensus of the church about what books were widely recognized as apostolic and authoritative. While the author advances this claim and the corollary of the continuing authority of these works, he recognizes the ongoing scholarly discussions and those who would disagree with his conclusion. For the reader wishing to read a scholarly account of the case for the canon cognizant of dissenting views, this is a clear and helpful account with notes and bibliography for those who wish to dig more deeply.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
How did the collection of books that we know as the New Testament come together and why these books and not others? Did they just reflect who had the most political power in the theological controversies of the early centuries of the church’s life? And why should these and not other sources be authoritative for the church? In recent years, scepticism has grown in some quarters about the particular collection of books we call the New Testament.
In this work Benjamin P. Laird offers a helpful introduction to the scholarly discussions concerning the canon that offers answers to many of these questions affirming this collection as it stands, showing that the basis for affirming the canon rests on much wider basis of evidence than church councils, and that the canonical books of the New Testament are not simply authorized but authoritative for the life of the church and the individual believer.
Laird’s book is broken into three parts. First is a discussion of the producfion of the New Testament writings. He shows how many of the documents arose from collaborative efforts including those often mentioned to be with the writer, secretaries who actually wrote (and often made copies of the documents), letter carriers who were often part of the company, eyewitnesses and oral traditions, perhaps written down upon which gospel writers drew. He discusses the difficulties of original autographs, not only their absence but also that there might be multiple autographs, ranging from copies retained by the writer to versions sent to different recipients that may have been edited accordingly. Textual criticism of Romans reveals, for instance, multiple locations for the doxology. What textual criticism does is establish what is likely the most accurate rendering while honestly showing the alternatives. As already suggested, the notion of a singular “intended” audience may be erroneous as well as letters often reflecting concerns of nearby congregations that may also read.
The second part of the book moves to the formation of the canon. Laird begins by surveying the different theological controversies of the second through fourth centuries and argues that the canon neither arose as a response to Marcion nor that any particular council definitively established the canon. The various lists of the time showed the growing consensus of the wider church of the books they recognized as authoritative. He buttresses this contention by considering the eyewitnesses, those who composed lists of canonical books that were prior to the councils, ranging from the Muratorian fragment to Origen, Clement, Eusebius, Cyril, Athanasius, Gregory and others, and of the various early codices. He notes the wide agreement upon all the books except for Hebrews, some of the Catholic letters, and Revelation, and that none of the other books pointed to by those who say the council excluded certain works are mentioned. An important part of this story is the canonical subcollections that began circulating in the early centuries including the thirteen epistles attested to Paul and Hebrews, the four gospels, Acts and the catholic epistles, and Revelation. Laird considers the testimony to each of these. He also notes the awareness of and rejection of pseudonymous writings, including the fact that none of the writings attested to Paul were rejected, though 2 Peter, 2 and 3 John, Jude, and Revelation were questioned by some. He draws a picture of growing consensus even concerning the contested writings, especially the catholic epistles.
The final part of the book, then, deals with the authority of the canon and the importance of apostolicity, that is, that the canonical books were the product of either apostles or those in the apostolic circle (such as Mark and Luke, making the assumption of this with the anonymous author of Hebrews). He demonstrates the evidence that apostolicity was a major concern, especially when it came to the disputed books, and that those books which were not disputed enjoyed that status because of their evidence of apostolicity. In the final chapter on apostolic authorship and the authority of the canon, he explores the ideas of God’s providential work in the formation of the canon including Brevard Childs’ ideas that focus on the authority of the canon as a whole rather than the status of individual books, which emphasizes the church’s role in the shaping of the canon and the importance of divine inspiration in the authority of the canon. He also notes and briefly engages the challenges to apostolicity and authority in contemporary scholarship, including broader definitions of apostolicity related to the reception of non-canonical works in some parts of the early church and the challenge to the idea of a “closed canon.”
No doubt, some will challenge this account of the production, formation, and authority of the twenty-seven books that were recognized as the canon of the New Testament, whether in the form of challenging the apostolic authorship of books, the recognition of other books circulating and used in some churches or arguing that the councils decided what was in and what was out to buttress their theological and perhaps political concerns. What this book particularly contributes is that such arguments must deal with the early, pre-conciliar evidence (much of it from as early as the second century), both from witnesses and circulating subcanonical texts that reflected the growing consensus of the church about what books were widely recognized as apostolic and authoritative. While the author advances this claim and the corollary of the continuing authority of these works, he recognizes the ongoing scholarly discussions and those who would disagree with his conclusion. For the reader wishing to read a scholarly account of the case for the canon cognizant of dissenting views, this is a clear and helpful account with notes and bibliography for those who wish to dig more deeply.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
July 31, 2023
How was the New Testament written, assembled, and approved? In Creating the Canon, Benjamin P. Laird discusses the composition, controversy, and authority of the New Testament.
This 250 page book is divided into three sections: (1) the production of the New Testament writings, (2) the formation of the New Testament canon, and (3) the authority of the new Testament canon. It is an academic read and absolutely fascinating.
Composition and Formation
I was most interested to read on the composition of the New Testament writings. Laird quickly dispels the myth that the authors wrote alone. He explains the roles of secretaries and also discusses how letters were disseminated and read. It gave me new context to understand the Scriptures and how they were written.
In regards to the formation of the canon, I learned that it is most likely that there was a growing consensus on the scope of the canon rather than pronouncements that played a consequential role in its formation. The “core elements” of the canon were established quickly. I also found it helpful to describe the New Testament as “a collection of collections.”
Our Divine Author
What I most appreciated was the way this book handles points of controversy. Laird keeps the fact straight while providing explanations. For instance, “What are we to make of the fact that the early church placed a significant emphasis on apostolic authority while simultaneously recognizing several works as Scripture that were not written by those directly commissioned by Christ as apostles?” Laird explains pseudonymity and authority, as well as the approach to apostolic authorship.
This book is an excellent introduction to understanding the canon, with a mix of classic and contemporary issues discussed. I was left with a greater love for the Word, and a heart of thankful appreciation to the Divine Author.
I received a media copy of Creating the Canon and this is my honest review.
This 250 page book is divided into three sections: (1) the production of the New Testament writings, (2) the formation of the New Testament canon, and (3) the authority of the new Testament canon. It is an academic read and absolutely fascinating.
Composition and Formation
I was most interested to read on the composition of the New Testament writings. Laird quickly dispels the myth that the authors wrote alone. He explains the roles of secretaries and also discusses how letters were disseminated and read. It gave me new context to understand the Scriptures and how they were written.
In regards to the formation of the canon, I learned that it is most likely that there was a growing consensus on the scope of the canon rather than pronouncements that played a consequential role in its formation. The “core elements” of the canon were established quickly. I also found it helpful to describe the New Testament as “a collection of collections.”
Our Divine Author
What I most appreciated was the way this book handles points of controversy. Laird keeps the fact straight while providing explanations. For instance, “What are we to make of the fact that the early church placed a significant emphasis on apostolic authority while simultaneously recognizing several works as Scripture that were not written by those directly commissioned by Christ as apostles?” Laird explains pseudonymity and authority, as well as the approach to apostolic authorship.
This book is an excellent introduction to understanding the canon, with a mix of classic and contemporary issues discussed. I was left with a greater love for the Word, and a heart of thankful appreciation to the Divine Author.
I received a media copy of Creating the Canon and this is my honest review.
July 13, 2023
Dr. Benjamin P. Laird's "Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament" is a masterstroke in theological scholarship. This succinct work dissects complex issues surrounding the composition, formation, and authority of the New Testament canon.
Two chapters were of particular note. In the first chapter, Laird immerses readers in the socio-cultural context of the New Testament era, brilliantly delving into the creation and dissemination of written works common to the Graeco-Roman world during the time of the formation of the New Testament. This insightful chapter builds a critical foundation for a deeper comprehension of the subsequent canon formation.
A particular standout is Chapter 4, where Laird disrupts common assumptions regarding the formation of the canon. By deconstructing widely held beliefs and presenting his findings in an accessible and relatable manner, this chapter offers a unique contribution to the field, which would be particularly fruitful to laity.
Laird's exploration of the diverse canonical collection is skillfully balanced and pragmatic, recognizing the texts' heterogeneity while identifying unifying threads. His analysis of the canon's enduring authority is academically rigorous, providing a scholarly foundation for its contemporary relevance.
In sum, "Creating the Canon" is an exceptional blend of meticulous scholarship, intellectual rigor, and approachable narration. Dr. Laird offers a fresh, comprehensive, and enlightened perspective on the New Testament canon, which is readily accessible to students, scholars, and laity. It is a critically important addition to any library or collection.
Two chapters were of particular note. In the first chapter, Laird immerses readers in the socio-cultural context of the New Testament era, brilliantly delving into the creation and dissemination of written works common to the Graeco-Roman world during the time of the formation of the New Testament. This insightful chapter builds a critical foundation for a deeper comprehension of the subsequent canon formation.
A particular standout is Chapter 4, where Laird disrupts common assumptions regarding the formation of the canon. By deconstructing widely held beliefs and presenting his findings in an accessible and relatable manner, this chapter offers a unique contribution to the field, which would be particularly fruitful to laity.
Laird's exploration of the diverse canonical collection is skillfully balanced and pragmatic, recognizing the texts' heterogeneity while identifying unifying threads. His analysis of the canon's enduring authority is academically rigorous, providing a scholarly foundation for its contemporary relevance.
In sum, "Creating the Canon" is an exceptional blend of meticulous scholarship, intellectual rigor, and approachable narration. Dr. Laird offers a fresh, comprehensive, and enlightened perspective on the New Testament canon, which is readily accessible to students, scholars, and laity. It is a critically important addition to any library or collection.
January 31, 2024
Book Review from Eleutheria, Liberty Divinity Journal (vol. 7, no. 2)
Benjamin P. Laird completed a PhD at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and teaches biblical studies and Greek at Liberty University. His latest work tells the story of the New Testament canon: namely, the process by which the writings of the New Testament came to be regarded as the inspired Word of God. Applying an evangelical, historical-critical approach, Laird answers a variety of questions on the subject of the New Testament canon. How were the books of the New Testament composed? What controversies led to the formation of an inspired and authoritative canon of writings in the early church? How does apostolic authority factor into the discussion? Laird tackles these issues with a practiced hand and an approachable tone. Readers who are new to the conversation will find little difficulty following his argumentation. Much confusion exists in classrooms, pulpits, and pews regarding canonicity, and it is the author’s intention that the book serves as “an accessible guide” for navigating these conversations (4). It is strongly recommended to both students and veteran scholars alike.
Benjamin P. Laird completed a PhD at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and teaches biblical studies and Greek at Liberty University. His latest work tells the story of the New Testament canon: namely, the process by which the writings of the New Testament came to be regarded as the inspired Word of God. Applying an evangelical, historical-critical approach, Laird answers a variety of questions on the subject of the New Testament canon. How were the books of the New Testament composed? What controversies led to the formation of an inspired and authoritative canon of writings in the early church? How does apostolic authority factor into the discussion? Laird tackles these issues with a practiced hand and an approachable tone. Readers who are new to the conversation will find little difficulty following his argumentation. Much confusion exists in classrooms, pulpits, and pews regarding canonicity, and it is the author’s intention that the book serves as “an accessible guide” for navigating these conversations (4). It is strongly recommended to both students and veteran scholars alike.
July 7, 2025
I found this book very helpful in wrestling with the question of how the biblical canon developed and was recognized with authoritative status. It is written in a very understandable way for lay readers. The most interesting portion is Part 3 on Questions Related to the Authority of the NT Canon. It considered the question of whether we accept the biblical canon as it has been received today because of (a) God's providence in preserving the text, (b) the natural inspired character of the writings, or (c) because of the apostolic authority bound up in the writings (the "apostolic community" comprising both apostles and their immediate associates). While all three contain some truth to them, the test of apostolic authorship seems to be the most objective standard in separating canonical writings from non-canonical writings.
Laird also explored some interesting issues, such as:
(a) Whether the original autographs of the NT involved single documents or multiple copies transcribed for the author's record as well as his recipients.
(b) The idea of canonical "subcollections" (i.e. the Gospels, the Pauline epistles, the Catholic Epistles, and Revelation). Because these subcollections were circulated and regarded as canonical much earlier than the entire canon itself, the construction of the canon was little more than gathering together previously accepted subcollections and presenting them as a whole.
(c) The question of whether theological controversies were the cause or motive behind the canonization of Scripture, as well as a collection of early voices attesting the authority of canonical books and subcollections.
Laird also explored some interesting issues, such as:
(a) Whether the original autographs of the NT involved single documents or multiple copies transcribed for the author's record as well as his recipients.
(b) The idea of canonical "subcollections" (i.e. the Gospels, the Pauline epistles, the Catholic Epistles, and Revelation). Because these subcollections were circulated and regarded as canonical much earlier than the entire canon itself, the construction of the canon was little more than gathering together previously accepted subcollections and presenting them as a whole.
(c) The question of whether theological controversies were the cause or motive behind the canonization of Scripture, as well as a collection of early voices attesting the authority of canonical books and subcollections.
August 4, 2023
Having Dr. Laird as a professor in college his lectures on canon were some of my favorite and interesting into the background of the New Testament. This book covers in more depth that what did in those few lectures. He address some of the issues with how statements of faith Need to pay attention to how the canon was formed and how the books were composed. He argues that we have imported how we currently write into how the apostles wrote their works. Instead we need to examine their contemporary world to understand how letters were composed that this should inform our statements of faith.
December 29, 2023
I’ve had the honor of taking multiple classes with Dr. Laird in my time at Liberty. This book reflects much of the tangents our class Greek classes would inevitably find itself in, which was often more interesting to me than syntax.
Dr. Laird seems to know just about everything there is to know about New Testament canon formation and he has a deep love for scripture, which makes this book the gold standard for a conservative view on New Testament canon as far as I’m concerned.
Dr. Laird seems to know just about everything there is to know about New Testament canon formation and he has a deep love for scripture, which makes this book the gold standard for a conservative view on New Testament canon as far as I’m concerned.
July 26, 2025
I studied under Dr. Laird, so I'm obviously going to give 5/5! Great book. Not particularly "light" reading, but full of relevant biblical scholarship, theological reflection, and fun facts.
August 4, 2025
4.5. Very helpful.
March 14, 2024
Excellent book covering various aspects of the development of the canon that are not often discussed. The chapters on composition and apostolic authority were quite valuable.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews