The Canon and How Much Did Early Christians Refer to the New Testament?

(October 2006 version)

 

   People have made lots of money selling books claiming early Christianity believed in a different Bible from today. It is not only the movie the Da Vinci Code, but other authors have made outrageous claims, based on the assumption that nobody really knows what early Christians believed anyway. Who could you tell what books early Christians recognized as scripture, without actually asking them? You could tell by observing what scriptural books they referred to when they wrote their religious letters, commentaries, and treatises. This is not a very good way, because they might consider some books scripture that they never happened to mention. (For example, if somebody tape-recorded most of your religious conversations, how often have you mentioned the book of Philemon?) Nevertheless, this method shows at a minimum some of what they accepted as scripture. Looking at the table below there are not many surprises. Note that books with few pages (in English) generally refer to only a few New Testament books, as one would expect. Early Christians referred to by name and quoted from every books of the New Testament, and they never referred to any other books as possibly being in the New Testament canon, with only a few exceptions, one of which, Tatian’s Diatessaron, was a harmony of the four gospels together that Syrians used. There were many other books out there, of Greek philosophy, paganism, and Gnostic works, but these were considered “poisons” or at the least “foreign food” to avoid. The red rows are persecutions of Christians during this time, and green rows are heresies or major controversies. Here is the legend.

W = Books and quotes mentioned by name or by writer       J = Quotes mentioned as the words of Jesus/Savior     I = Implied. ex: ‘14 letters of Paul” or “4 Gospels”

B = Mentioned as scripture, gospel, or by the apostle(s).     Q = Quote of 1 or more verses.                                   ½  = quote of ½ a verse

A = Allusion.                                                                    4G = Mention of 4 gospels,                                         - = no reference blank = not researched yet

Writer

Pages

Date A.D.

NT

Gospels

Mt

Mk

Lk

Jn

Ac

Rm

1C

2C

Ga

Ep

Pp

Cl

1Th

2Th

1Tm

2Tm

Tt

Pm

He

Jm

1P

2P

1J

2J

3J

Jude

Re

Positive reference to other book after Christ that could be scripture

Writer

Nero & Domitian persecute Christians

 

50 and 95/96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nero & Domitian persecute Christians

Clement of Rome

16 ¼

97/98

-

-

J

J

½

-

¼

Q

W

-

-

-

-

A

A

-

A

-

Q

-

Q

Q

Q

A

-

-

-

-

Q

-

Clement of Rome

Ignatius disciple of John (shortest version)

13

c.100-117

-

-

Q

-

-

A

-

-

¼

A

-

W

-

-

Q

-

¼

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

Ignatius disciple of John (shortest version)

Trajan persecutes Christians

 

107

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trajan persecutes Christians

Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

4 ¾

Before 125

-

-

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Didache (Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)

p46 70% of Paul+Heb in 1 ms. 1,680 verses

 

100-150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

p46 70% of Paul+Heb in 1 manuscript

Apology of Aristides (Greek version)

c.17

125 or138-161

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Apology of Aristides (Greek version)

Quadratus of Athens fragment

1/8

126

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Quadratus of Athens fragment

Letter to Diognetus

5 ¼

c.130

-

W

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

A

-

A

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Letter to Diognetus

Hadrian persecutes Christians

 

118 & 134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hadrian persecutes Christians

Letter of Barnabas

12 ½

100-150

-

-

Q

½

Q

A

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

Q

A

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

Letter of Barnabas

Polycarp to the Philippians

3 ½

100-155

-

-

Q

½

Q

-

½

Q

Q

A

¼

Q

W

-

Q

½

Q

Q

-

-

-

-

Q

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

Polycarp to the Philippians

Papias of Hierapolis, disciple of John

2

130-150

-

-

W

W

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

A

-

-

-

?

-

Papias of Hierapolis, disciple of John

“Presbyters” (Papias?)

½

-150

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

“Presbyters” (Papias?)

Shepherd of Hermas

46 ½

160

-

-

Q

-

Q

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

Q

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Shepherd of Hermas

Justin Martyr

137

138-165

W

W

J

J

J

J

A

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

Justin Martyr

Evarestus’ Martyrdom of Polycarp

5

c.169

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Evarestus’ Martyrdom of Polycarp

Hegesippus

2 ½

170

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Hegesippus

Dionysius of Corinth

1/3

170

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dionysius of Corinth

Melito/Meleto of Sardis

11

170-177/180

-

-

A

B

B

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

¼

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Melito/Meleto of Sardis

Tatian, Encratite heretic, disciple of Justin

18+86

died 172

-

-

Q

Q

Q

Q

-

A

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tatian, Encratite heretic, disciple of Justin

Tatian’s Diatessaron (The Four)

 

170 A.D.

-

-

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Tatian’s Diatessaron (The Four)

Gnostic heresies become widespread

 

c.170

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gnostic heresies become widespread

Persecution of Marcus Aurelius

 

177

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persecution of Marcus Aurelius

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum (Lyons)

6 ½

177

-

-

-

-

Q

J

¼

¾

-

A

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

Christians of Vienna and Lugdunum (Lyons)

Claudius Apollinaris of Hierapolis

½

177, 160-180

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Claudius Apollinaris of Hierapolis

Athenagoras

19 ½

177

-

-

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

Q

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Athenagoras

p75 (Bodmer 14/15) 808 ½ verses

 

175-225

-

-

-

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

p75 (Bodmer 14/15)

Theophilus of Antioch

32

168-181/188

-

W

Q

-

Q

W

Q

Q

Q

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

Q

Shepherd of Hermas

Theophilus of Antioch

Irenaeus of Lyons, disciple of Polycarp

262

182-188

W

4G

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

Q

W

¼

W

W

-

A

W

Preaching of Peter, Hermas

Irenaeus of Lyons, disciple of Polycarp

Rhodon

½

180

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rhodon

Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs

¾

180-202

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Passion of the Scillitan Martyrs

Maximus of Jerusalem

5

185-196

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Maximus of Jerusalem

Caius and the Muratorian Canon

3

190-217

-

4G

I

I

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

W

W

-

W

W

Some accept Apocalypse of Peter

Caius and the Muratorian Canon

Polycrates of Ephesus (Paschal Synod)

½

196

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Polycrates of Ephesus (Paschal Synod)

Sabellian heresies

 

200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sabellian heresies

Persecution of Septimus Severus

 

202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Persecution of Septimus Severus

Serapion of Antioch

1/3

200-210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

X Gospel of Peter

Serapion of Antioch

Minucius Felix

25

210

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Minucius Felix

Apollonius of Ephesus (against Montanists)

1

c.210

-

-

J

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Apollonius of Ephesus (Against Montanists)

p45 Gospels+Acts in 1 ms. 833 verses

 

200-225

 

 

W

W

W

W

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

p45 Gospels+Acts in 1 manuscript

Tertullian (Montanist)

741

200-240

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

Q

Q

W

Q

W

A

-

W

W

-

Tertullian (Montanist)

Tertullian’s 5 Books Against Marcion

194

207/8

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

patched together Gal 3:15 & 4:3

Tertullian’s 5 Books Against Marcion

Clement of Alexandria

424

193-217/220

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

B

W

W

W

B

W

W

W

-

W

Q

W

½

W

W

-

W

W

Preaching of Peter, Hermas, Gospel of the Egyptians

Clement of Alexandria

Bardaisan/Bardesan of Syria

11 ½

-224/232

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Bardaisan/Bardesan of Syria

Asterius Urbanus (against Montanists)

2 ¾

c.232

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Asterius Urbanus (against Montanists)

Hippolytus, disciple of Irenaeus

225

222-235/6

W

W

J

W

J

W

Q

W

B

W

W

B

W

W

W

W

W

Q

½

-

A

-

Q

W

W

-

-

W

W

-

Hippolytus, disciple of Irenaeus

Maximim persecutes Christians

 

235

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maximim persecutes Christians

Commodianus

16

c.240

-

-

-

A

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

Commodianus

Julius Africanus

9

232-245

-

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Julius Africanus

Second Clement

5 ¾

200-250

-

-

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

A

Q

A

-

-

-

-

-

Gospel of the Egyptians

Second Clement

Alexander of Cappadocia (Clem. A’.s pupil)

¾

233-251

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Alexander of Cappadocia (Clem. A’.s pupil)

Origen (heterodox teacher)

622

225-254

W

4G

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

Q

W

?

W

-

-

W

W

~ Hermas (disputed)

Origen

Severe persecution by Decius - Gallus

 

250-251 - 253

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Severe persecution by Decius and Gallus

Novatian the schismatic

38 ½

250/254-256/7

W

-

J

-

W

W

¾

W

W

W

W

W

B

B

-

-

W

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

Novatian the schismatic

Valerian continues persecuting Christians

 

253-260

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valerian continues persecuting Christians

Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian

6 ½

c.248-258

-

-

J

-

J

W

-

Q

Q

-

-

B

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Q

½

-

-

Q

-

-

-

W

-

Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian

Anonymous Treatise on Rebaptism

11

c.248-258

W

-

-

W

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

Anonymous Treatise on Rebaptism

Cyprian of Carthage

270

c.246-258

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

A

-

W

W

W

W

-

-

W

-

Cyprian of Carthage

Caldonius to Cyprian (letter 18)

¾

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Caldonius to Cyprian (letter 18)

Celerinus to Lucian (letter 20)

1 ¼

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Celerinus to Lucian (letter 20)

Lucian to Celerinus (letter 21)

¾

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Lucian to Celerinus (letter 21)

Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25)

2 ½

c.246-256

-

-

J

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

½

-

Moyses, et al. to Cyprian (letter 25)

Cornelius to Cyprian (letters 45,47)

1 ¼

c.246-256

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Cornelius to Cyprian (letters 45,47)

Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (ltr 49)

¼

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Maximus, et al. to Cyprian (ltr 49)

Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (74)

7 ¼

c.246-256

-

-

J

½

J

J

-

Q

B

B

W

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

Firmilian of Caesarea to Cyprian (74)

Nemesianus, et al. to Cyprian (77)

¾

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Nemesianus, et al. to Cyprian (77)

Lucius and the brethren to Cyprian (78)

½

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Lucius and the brethren to Cyprian (78)

Felix & the rest of the martyrs to Cyprian (79)

¼

c.246-256

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Felix & the rest of the martyrs to Cyprian (79)

Theognostus of Alexandria

½

260

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Theognostus of Alexandria

Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisputed writings)

28 ½

240-265

-

-

J

Q

Q

-

-

-

B

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

Gregory Thaumaturgus (undisput. writings)

Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist)

39 ½

246-256

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

B

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

Q

-

-

W

W

W

-

*

-

Dionysius of Alexandria (Origenist)

Seventh Council of Carthage (85 bishops)

7 ¼

258

-

-

Q

-

-

J 

-

B

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

Seventh Council of Carthage (85 bishops)

Dionysius of Rome

1

259-269

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dionysius of Rome

Malchion

2 ½

270

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Malchion

Aurelian Persecution

 

270

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aurelian Persecution

Pierius of Alexandria (fragment)

½

275

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Pierius of Alexandria (fragment)

Archelaus (against Manichaeans)

56

262-278

W

-

J

-

J

Q

-

Q

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

Q

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Archelaus (against Manichaeans)

Diodorus (in Archelaus’ Disput. with Manes)

2 ¾

262-278

W

W

J

½

Q

-

-

W

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Diodorus (Archelaus’ Disput. with Manes)

Anatolius of Alexandria (mathematician)

7 ½

270-280

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Anatolius of Alexandria (mathematician)

Theonas of Alexandria

3

282-300

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Theonas of Alexandria

Alexander of Lycopolis Of the Manichaeans

12

301

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Alexander of Lycopolis Of the Manichaeans

Arnobius Against the Heathen

126 ½

297-303

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Arnobius Against the Heathen

Victorinus of Petau in Austria

18 ½

martyred 304

W

4G

W

B

W

W

A

W

B

-

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

Victorinus of Petau in Austria

Phileas of Thmuis, Egypt

2 ½

martyred 307

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

Phileas of Thmuis, Egypt

Pamphilus disciple of Pierius

2 ¾

309

-

-

-

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Pamphilus disciple of Pierius

Diocletian persecutes Christians

 

284, 303-305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diocletian persecutes Christians

Peter of Alexandria

16 ½

285-310/1

-

-

J

-

-

J

½

½

-

A

-

Q

W

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

-

Peter of Alexandria

Methodius of Olympus and Patara

86 ½

260-312

-

W

J

½

Q

Q

Q

B

W

B

W

W

½

A

W

-

Q

-

A

-

A

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

Methodius of Olympus and Patara

Alexander of Alexandria (Origenist)

12

313-326

-

-

J

-

J

W

-

W

W

Q

W

-

-

W

-

-

W

½

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

Q

-

-

-

-

Alexander of Alexandria (Origenist)

Licinius persecutes Christians in the east

 

315-323

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Licinius persecutes Christians in the east

Lactantius, tutor of Constantine ’s son

305 ½

315-325/330

W

-

Q

A

Q

W

A

A

-

-

-

½

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

A

½

-

-

-

W

-

Lactantius, tutor of Constantine’s son

Poem on the Passion of the Lord

1

315-325/330

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Poem on the Passion of the Lord

Council of Ancyra (about 12 bishops)

3 1/3

314

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Ancyra (about 12 bishops)

Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and others)

1 1/3

c.315

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Neocaesarea (Basil and others)

Total references so far

 

Up to 325

15

16

43

27

38

30

24

26

27

20

20

20

17

17

14

10

22

10

14

1

16

11

16

11

19

8

1

6

21

 

Total references so far

Arian heresy spreads to Alexandria

 

c.318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arial heresy spreads to Alexandria

Constantine Legalizes Christianity

 

324

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constantine Legalizes Christianity

Council of Nicea condemns Arianism

3

325

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Nicea condemns Arianism

Vaticanus manuscript (B)

 

325-350

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

Vaticanus manuscript (B)

Athanasius of Alexandria (leader at Nicea)

 

326-373

 

 

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

Athanasius of Alexandria (leader at Nicea)

Eusebius of Caesarea (leader at Nicea)

 

318-339/340

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

½

W

W

X

W

½

½

½

½

X Hermas, -

Eusebius of Caesarea (present at Nicea)

Arian Roman Emperor Constantius

 

337-353-361

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arian Roman Emperor Constantius

Sinaiticus manuscript (Aleph)

 

340-350

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Letter of Barnabas, Hermas

Sinaiticus manuscript (Aleph)

Cyril of Jerusalem (at Council of Constant.)

154

c.349-386

W

W

W

I

I

W

W

W

W

W

W

I

I

I

I

W

I

I

W

I

I

W

W

I

W

I

I

I

X

-

Cyril of Jerusalem (at Council of Constant.)

Basil of Cappadocia (Origenist)

326

357-378

W

 

J

J

J

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

-

Q

 

 

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

Basil of Cappadocia (Origenist)

Gregory of Nazianzen (leader at Constant.)

276

330-391

W

W

A

½

A

¼

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

A

Q

-

½

W

½

-

Q

A

½

-

W

-

-

-

W

-

Gregory of Nazianzen (leader at Constant.)

Gregory of Nyssa (Origenist)

495

c.356-397

-

W

W

J

J

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

B

W

B

W

-

W

-

½

-

W

I

I

-

A

-

Gregory of Nyssa (Origenist)

Council of Gangra

1 1/3

325-381

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Gangra

Synod of Antioch in Encaeniis

3 ½

341

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Synod of Antioch in Encaeniis

Council of Sardica

5

343/344

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Sardica

Hilary of Poitiers (taught Martin of Tours)

230

-367

-

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

B

B

W

B

B

-

B

W

W

½

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

W

-

Hilary of Poitiers (taught Martin of Tours)

Synod of Laodicea

4 ½

343-381

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Synod of Laodicea

Arian Valens kills Christians in east

 

370

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arian Valens kills Christians in east

First Council of Constantinople -150 bishops

3 ¾

381

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

First Council of Constantinople -150 bishops

Ambrose of Milan (Against Arianism)

446 ¼

370-390

W

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

-

W

-

W

A

W

-

-

-

W

-

Ambrose of Milan (Against Arianism)

Sozomon’s Ecclesiastical History

89

370/380-425

 

 

B

-

B

B

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

B

-

-

-

-

-

B

-

-

-

-

 

Sozomon’s Ecclesiastical History

Rufinus, translator and historian

88

374-406

-

N

O

T

 

D

O

N

E

 

 

 

W

 

 

W

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rufinus

Jerome (pupil of Gregory Nazianzen)

~500

373-420

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

Jerome (pupil of Gregory Nazianzen)

Freer Gospels (Washingtonensis) (W)

 

300-450

-

-

W

W

W

W

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Freer Gospels (Washingtonensis) (W)

Macedonian and Priscillian Heresies

 

c.383, 385

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Macedonian and Priscillian Heresies

Augustine of Hippo (pupil of Ambrose)

~4500

c.385-430

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

-

Augustine of Hippo (pupil of Ambrose)

Sulpicius/Suplititus Severus (pupil of Martin)

116 ½

363-420

-

W

Q

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

Sulpicius/Sulpitius Severus (pupil of Martin)

Council of Carthage (218 bishops)

39

393-419

W

4G

I

I

I

I

W

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

X says nothing else

Council of Carthage (218 bishops)

Council of Constantinople under Nectarius

1

394

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Constantinople under Nectarius

John Chrysostom (rebuked royal family)

~3000

-407

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

Q

-

Q

-

-

-

A

 

John Chrysostom (rebuked royal family)

Patrick of Ireland

 

420-461

N

O

T

 

D

O

N

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick of Ireland

John Cassian (father of Semi-Pelagianism)

~400

c.399-430

N

O

T

 

D

O

N

E

 

 

 

 

 

B

 

W

B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

W

 

 

B

 

 

John Cassian (father of Semi-Pelagianism)

Socrates’ Ecclesiastical History

178

~400-439

W

W

W

-

-

W

W

W

W

A

W

B

-

W

B

-

W

Q

B

-

W

B

B

-

A

W

-

-

-

1 extra-Biblical phrase of Jesus

Socrates’ Ecclesiastical History

Augustine Refutes Pelagian heresy

 

410-429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Augustine Refutes Pelagian heresy

Leo I of Rome

 

422-461

N

O

T

 

D

O

N

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leo I of Rome

Theodoret of Cyprus (bishop & historian)

320

423-458

W

-

W

J

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

-

W

-

W

-

-

-

W

~Hermas

Theodoret of Cyprus (bishop & historian)

Prosper of Aquitaine (Augustinian)

 

429-465

N

O

T

 

D

O

N

E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prosper of Aquitaine (Augustinian)

Ephraemi Rescriptus [C] manuscript

 

375 or400-450

-

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

W

-

W

W

W

-

Ephraemi Rescriptus [C] manuscript

Council of Ephesus vs. Nestorians (200 b)

20

431

-

-

J

-

-

W

Q

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

Q

-

A

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Council of Ephesus vs. Nestorians (200 b)

Vincent of Lerins

26

c.434

W

W

Q

-

-

A

W

W

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

W

W

W

-

-

-

-

-

-

W

-

-

-

-

Vincent of Lerins

Alexandrinus manuscript (A)

 

c.450

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-

W

W

W

W

W

W

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1 Clement, 2 Clement

Alexandrinus manuscript (A)

Council of Chalcedon vs. Monophysites

18

451

W

-

W

-

Q

Q

W

W

B

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Q

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-

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Council of Chalcedon vs. Monophysites

Codex Claromontanus (D)

533

400-500

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Codex Claromontanus (D)

Bezae Cantabrigiensis (D) (Uncial 05)

 

450-550

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W

W

W

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Bezae Cantabrigiensis (D) (Uncial 05)

Council of Constantinople II condemns Nestorius & Origen & their admirers

13

553

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A

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B

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Council of Constantinople II condemns Nestorius & Origen & their admirers

Waldenses, Scholastics, Mystics, Wycliffe, Medieval Catholic and Orthodox churches

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c.1000-1526

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-

Waldenses, Scholastics, Mystics, Wycliffe, Medieval Catholic and Orthodox churches

Ulrich Zwingli, Swiss Reformer

 

1454-1531

W

W

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-

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Ulrich Zwingli, Swiss Reformer

Martin Luther

 

1483-1546

W

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½

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-

Martin Luther

Liberal Protestant, Episcopalian

 

19th century

½

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½

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½

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½

½

½

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?, Gospel of Thomas? Q?

Liberal Protestant, Episcopalian

Hussites, Conservative Protestant, Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Coptic churches

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c.1000-

W

W

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-

Conservative Protestant, Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Coptic

Writer

Pages

Date A.D.

NT

Gospels

Mt

Mk

Lk

Jn

Ac

Rm

1C

2C

Ga

Ep

Pp

Cl

1Th

2Th

1Tm

2Tm

Tt

Pm

He

Jm

1P

2P

1J

2J

3J

Jude

Re

Positive reference to other books after Christ that could be scripture

Writer

 

 

 

Since there has been interest in the books of the Bible due to the book and movie, The Da Vinci Code, it might in of interest to know what books early church fathers referred to.

 

“Let no day pass by without reading some portion of the Sacred Scriptures, at such convenient hour as offers, and giving some space to meditation. And never cast off the habit of reading in the Holy Scriptures; for nothing feeds the soul and enriches the mind so well as those sacred studies do.” Letter of Theonas (c.300 A.D.), Bishop of Alexandria, to Lucianus, the Chief Chamberlain ch.9 p.161

 

The following is evidence of how many books early writers referenced.

 

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The Apostolic Fathers quoted from at least 17 books of Scripture”. This is accurate except that the count is actually 18 books if you include Polycarp quoting ¼ a verse of Galatians “God is not mocked” (3 out of 14 Greek words).

 

The quoted books are: Mt, Mk, Lk, Acts, Rom, 1 Cor, 2 Cor, Gal, Eph, 1 Th, 2 Th, 1 Tim, 2 Tim, Tt, Heb, Jms, 1 Pet, 1 Jn, Rev

 

Here are the rest of the quotes:

1 Clement Quote by the Lord Jesus Christ: Mt 18:6 (Also Mk 9:42) First Letter of Clement ch.46 p.17-18

1 Clement Quote: Mk 7:6 p.9 (Also Mt 15:8; Isa 29:13) ch.15

Polycarp: Quote: Lk 6:36 Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

1 Clement ¼ Quote: Acts 20:35f p.5 (5 words out of 26 words)

Polycarp: ½ Quote: Acts 2:24a (7 out of 15 Greek words) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.1 p.33

1 Clement Quote: Rom 1:32b p.14

1 Clement Quote: 1 Corinthians 2:9 p.14

Polycarp: ¼ Quote: Gal 6:7 “God is not mocked” (3 out of 14 Greek words) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.5 p.34

Ignatius: Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians according to Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.12 p.55

Quote: Ephesians 4:26 “For I trust that ye are well versed in the Sacred Scriptures, …It is declared then in these Scriptures, ‘Be ye angry, and sin not,’ and , ‘Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.’”  (12/12 words of the verse) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.12 p.35

Quote of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Ignatius’ Letter to Polycarp ch.1 p.93

Polycarp: ½ Quote: 2 Thessalonians 3:15a (5/9 Greek words) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.11 p.35

Ignatius: ¼ Quote of 1 Timothy 1:1 “Jesus Christ who is our hope” Ignatius’ Letter to the Magnesians ch.1 p.64

Polycarp: Quote: 1 Timothy 6:7 Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34

Polycarp: ½ quote: 1 Tim 6:10a Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34

Polycarp: Quote: 2 Tim 2:12 Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.5 p.34

1 Clement ½ Quote: Tt 3:1b p.5

1 Clement ½ Quote: Tt 5:1b p.5

1 Clement Quote: Heb 1:4 p.15

1 Clement ½ Quote: Heb 3:2b p.10

1 Clement ¾ Quote: Heb 10:37 p.11

1 Clement Quote:  James 4:6 p.13 (Also 1 Peter 5:5b; Proverbs 3:34)

Polycarp: ½ Quote: 1 John 4:3a,c (13 out of 34 Greek words, with gaps) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34

1 Clement Quote: Revelation 22:12 p.14 (Also Isaiah 40:10; 62:11) First Letter of Clement ch.34 p.14

 

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1 Clement

 

Matthew 18:6 quotes as by the Lord Jesus Christ: Mt 18:6 (Also Mark 9:42) 1 Clement ch.46 vol.1 p.17-18; vol.9 p.243

1 Clement Quote: Mk 7:6 (Also Mt 15:8; Isa 29:13) 1 Clement ch.15 vol.1 p.9 vol.9 p.233

½ Quote Luke 6:38a,b 1 Clement ch.13 vol.1 p.8 vol.9 p.233

Acts 20:35f ¼ Quote 1 Clement ch.2 vol.1 p.5; vol.9 p.229 (5 words out of 26 words)

1 Clement Quote: Romans 1:32b 1 Clement ch.34 vol.1 p.14; vol.9 p.239

1 Clement Quote: 1 Corinthians 2:9 1 Clement ch.34 vol.1 p.14, vol.9 p.239

Colossians 1:18 1 Clement ch.24 vol.1 p.11; vol.9 p.236 (mention of first fruits) allusion

1 Thessalonians 2:12,13 1 Clement vol.1 p.11 allusion

1 Timothy 5:21 1 Clement vol.1 p.11 allusion

Titus 3:1b ½ quote: 1 Clement vol.1 p.5

Titus 5:1b ½ Quote 1 Clement vol.1 p.5

Hebrews 1:4 Quote:1 Clement vol.1 p.15

Hebrews 3:2b ½ Quote:1 Clement vol.1 p.10

Hebrews 10:37 ¾ Quote 1 Clement vol.1 ch.23 vol.1 p.11 vol.9 p.236

James 4:6 quote (also 1 Peter 5:5b; Proverbs 3:34) 1 Clement vol.1 p.13

2 Peter 2:5 Allusion 1 Clement ch.7 vol.1 p.7 vol.9 p.231

Revelation 22:12 (also Isaiah 40:10; 62:11) Quote 1 Clement ch.34 vol.1 p.14; vol.9 p.239

 

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Letter of Barnabas (c.100 A.D.)

 

Matthew 5:42 (also Lk 6:30) ½ Quote Letter of Barnabas ch.19 p.148

Matthew 9:13b ½ quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.5 p.139

Matthew 20:16b (Ephraemi Rescriptus, Byzantine Lectionary) Quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.4 p.139

Matthew 22:14 Quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.4 p.139

Matthew 22:43-45 (also Psalm 110:1) quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.12 p.145

Mark 2:17b (also Mt 9:13b; Lk 5:32) ½ quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.5 p.139

Luke 5:32 Quote: Letter of Barnabas p.139

Luke 6:30 (also Mt 5:42) ½ quote Letter of Barnabas ch.19 p.148

John 1:14 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.6 p.141

Acts 14:22 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.7 p.142

2 Corinthians Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.18 p.148

Colossians 1:16 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.12 p.145

1 Timothy 3:16 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.12 p.145

Hebrews 2:12 (also Ps 22:23) Quote: Letter of Barnabas ch.6 p.141

James 1:8 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.19 p.149

2 Peter 3:8 Allusion: Letter of Barnabas ch.15 p.146

 

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Papias disciple of John

 

Papias refers by name to the books of Mark, Matthew, First Epistle of John and the Epistle of Peter. Fragment 6 from Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History book 3 ch.39. Eusebius is writing, and he questioned 2 Peter, so Epistle of Peter would refer to 1 Peter.

 

Eusebius writes, “As the Presbyters say” and later quotes 1 Corinthians 15:25,26 as by the apostle. Then quotes 1 Corinthians 15:27,28 Fragment 5 vol.1 p.154. However, footnote 2 says “it is a mere guess that the saying of the presbyters is taken from the work of Papias.” So 1 Corinthians is not counted at all for Papias.

 

Arthur Cushan McGiffert in his translation of The Church History of Eusebius footnote 20 p.154 says “The Apocaplyse is one of the best authenticated books of the New Testament. It was used by Papias…” While I fully agree with the other things he says about Revelation (the Apocalypse) there is some uncertainty about Papias referring to the Book of Revelation.

Evidence that Papias Referred to Revelation

In fragment 8 (from Andreas Caesariensis) “With regard to the inspiration of the book (Revelation), we deem it superfluous to add another word; for the blessed Gregory Thaumaturgis and Cyril, and even men of still older date, Papias, Irenaeus, Methodius, and Hippolytus, bore entirely satisfactory testimony to it.”

“The same person [Papias], moreover, has set down other things as coming to him from unwritten tradition, amongst these some strange parables and instructions of the Saviour, and some other things of a more fabulous nature. Amongst these he says that there will be a millennium after the resurrection from the dead, when the personal reign of Christ will be established on this earth….” [This is clearly taught in Revelation 20 and no where else in the Bible] Fragment 6 p.154. From Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History book 3 ch.39. Eusebius was against chiliasm, and thought to be biased against Papias and not confirming the canonicity of the Book of Revelation because of this.

On the other hand…

Papias was a direct disciple of John the apostle, so one could argue that the previous quote is from what Papias got from John verbally, not from the book of Revelation. However, the fragment from Andreas Caesariensis (written 500 A.D.) says that Papias among others bore witness to the book of Revelation. If Andreas had additional information besides what was in Irenaeus, Eusebius, and Jerome, this would be an allusion. If not, then this would not be an allusion. So this counts as a question mark.

 

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“A.D. 125 Polycarp quotes Ephesians twice and refers to it as ‘Sacred Scripture.’”

 

 

 

Ephesians 4:26 “For I trust that ye are well versed in the Sacred Scriptures, …It is declared then in these Scriptures, ‘Be ye angry, and sin not,’ and , ‘Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.’”  (12/12 words of the verse) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.12 p.35

Ephesians 2:8,9 quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.1 p.33

Ephesians 6:11 allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34

 

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Ignatius (c.110-117 A.D.)

 

There are longer and shorter rescensions of Ignatius, but this is only from the shorter rescension. There are also some spurious letters from Ignatius, and these are not included here.

 

Matthew 3:15m ½ Quote Ignatius’ Letter to the Smyrnaeans ch.1 p.86

Matthew 16:26a ½ Quote Ignatius’s Letter to the Romans ch.6 p.77

Mt 18:19 Allusion Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.5 p.51

¼ quote of Mt 19:12f Ignatius’ Litter to the Smyrnaeans ch.6 p.89

John 3:8 allusion “For it knows both whence it comes and whither it goes” Ignatius’ Letter to the Philadelphians ch.7 p.83

1 Corinthians 1:20 ¼ Quote Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.18 p.56-57. After this is a paraphrase, but it is an unmistakable reference.

1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19 Allusion Ignatius’ Letter to the Philadelphians ch.7 p.84

1 Corinthians 6:19 Allusion “we are temples of God” in Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.15 p.56

Paul wrote a letter to the Ephesians according to Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.12 p.55

Ephesians 5:2 partial quote Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.1 p.49

Ephesians 5:25a ½ Quote Ignatius’ Letter to Polycarp ch.5 p.100

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Quote Ignatius’ Letter to \Polycarp ch.1 p.93

1 Timothy 1:1 ¼ Quote “Jesus Christ who is our hope” Ignatius’ Letter to the Magnesians ch.1 p.64

Titus 1:2 Allusion “before the beginning of time” Ignatius’ Letter to the Magnesians ch.6 p.61

½ quote in 1 John 3:7a and allusion to 1 John 3:10 in Ignatius’ Letter to the Ephesians ch.14 p.55

 

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Polycarp (c.150 A.D.)

 

Matthew 7:1 Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

Matthew 6:13a ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34-35

Mt 26:41b ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34-35

Mark 14:38b ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34-35

Luke 6:36 quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

Luke 6:37 1/3 Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

Acts 2:24a ½ Quote (7 out of 15 Greek words) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.1 p.33

Acts 17:31 allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

Romans 14:10b,12 1 ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.6 p.34

Romans 8:11a ¼ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33 (also 2 Cor 4:14 ¾ )

Romans 12:17 allusion ch.6 p.34 (also 2 Cor 8:31)

1 Cor 6:9,10b 1½ Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.5 p.34

2 Corinthians 4:14a Allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33 (also Rom 8:11a ¼ )

2 Corinthians 8:21b ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.6 p.34 (also Romans 12:17)

Galatians 6:7 ¼ Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.5 p.34

Galatians 2:2 allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.9 p.35

Ephesians 4:26 quote “For I trust that ye are well versed in the Sacred Scriptures, …It is declared then in these Scriptures, ‘Be ye angry, and sin not,’ and , ‘Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.’”  (12/12 words of the verse) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.12 p.35

Philippians 2:16 Allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.9 p.35

1 Thessalonians 5:17 quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34 two words: “pray continually”

2 Thessalonians 3:15a ½ Quote (5 out of 9 Greek words) Letter of Polycarp to the Philippians ch.11 p.35

1 Timothy 6:7 quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34

1 Timothy 6:10a ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.4 p.34

2 Timothy 2:12 Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.5 p.34

1 Peter 2:22 Quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.9 p.35

1 Peter 1:8 Allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.1 p.33

1 Peter 1:13 Allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33 (girding up your loins)

1 Peter 2:24a ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.9 p.35

1 Peter 3:9a ½ quote Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.2 p.33

1 Peter 4:7 allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34 “watching unto prayer”

1 John 4:3a,c ½ quote (13 out of 34 words, with gaps) Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.7 p.34

1 John 4:9 Allusion Polycarp’s Letter to the Philippians ch.9 p.35 we might live in him

 

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Epistle of Diognetus (c.130 A.D.)

 

“…the faith of the gospels is established, and the tradition of the Apostles is preserved…” To Diognetus (c.130 A.D.) ch.11 p.29

 

Allusion: Mt 6:25 ch.9 p.28

Allusion: Mt 19:17 ch.8 p.28

Allusion: Jn 17:11,14,16 ch.6 p.27

Allusion: Gal 4:10 ch.4 p.26 “observing months and days”

Allusion: Php 3:20 “citizens of heaven” To Diognetus ch.5 p.27

Allusion: 1 Tim 3:16 ch.11 p.29

Allusion: 1 Pet 2:11 ch.6 p.27

Allusion: 1 Pet 3:15 (4 out of 30 words) ch.8 p.28

 

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Justin Martyr (c.138-165 A.D.)

 

Justin Martyr (135-165 A.D.) mentions “how the New Testament, which God formerly announced” Dialogue with Trypho the Jew ch.51 p.221.

“For the Apostles, in the memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have thus delivered unto us what was enjoined upon them;” First Apology of Justin ch.66 p.185

Allusion: Acts 1:7 Justin On the Resurrection ch.9 p.298

Justin Martyr  (135-165 A.D.) mentions a literal millennium in Dialogue with Trypho the Jew ch.75-81 p.236-240. In ch.81 he says, “And further, there was a certain man with us, whose name was John, one of the apostles of Christ, who prophesied, by a revelation that was made to him, that those who believed in our Christ would dwell a thousand years in Jerusalem; and that thereafter the general, and, in short, the eternal resurrection and judgment of all men would likewise take place.”

 

 

Bardesan (born 154 A.D. died 224-230 A.D.)

 

No quotes or allusions from the New Testament, and none from the Old, except an allusion to Genesis 1:27 on p.724.

 

Melito of Sardis (170-177 A.D.)

 

Allusion to Psalm 19 ch.1 p.751

Mention of Gen, Ex, Dt, 1 Samuel (calling it 1 Kings), Job, Ps, Dan, Micah all by name. Oration on the Lord’s Passion ch.9 p.760-761

Mention of Luke and Mark as the “gospel”. Mention of 1 Corinthians as by the apostle. Quote from Hebrews. Oration on the Lord’s Passion ch.9 p.760-761

Mention of 1 Thessalonians as by the apostle. Oration on the Lord’s Passion ch.9 p.762

 

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“A.D. 161-181/188 A.D. Theophilus bishop of Antioch refers to the Gospels.

 

Theophilus to Autolycus (168-181/188 A.D.) book 3 ch.12 p.114 says “found both with the prophets and in the Gospels, because they all spoke inspired by one Spirit of God.”

Theophilus to Autolycus book 2 ch.22 p.103 has “John says” and then quotes John 1:1a.

 

 

 

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“A.D. c.170 Muratorian Canon Fragment (22 books)”. It mentions all but 5 books: Hebrews, James, 1 or 2 Peter, or 3 John.

 

http://www.bible-researcher.com/muratorian.html

 

Third book of the gospels is Luke. Muratorian Canon 1. (So the unnamed Matthew and Mark are counted as two.)

Fourth Gospel is that of John. Muratorian Canon 1.

Mentions of Acts of the Apostles by Luke. Muratorian Canon 2.

Mentions Paul wrote to seven churches in his epistles, Corinthians (2 letters), Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Galatians, Thessalonians (2 letters), Romans. Paul wrote Philemon, Titus, two letters to Timothy.

John wrote the Apocalypse.  Two letters belonging to John, or bearing the name John. The Epistle of Jude. p.603.

 

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Irenaeus (182-188 A.D.)

 

Irenaeus recognized 25 books and letters, or every book except Philemon and 3 John.

 

Quotes Mt 1:1 as by Matthew. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.16.2 p.440

Quotes Mark 1:1 as by Mark. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.16.3 p.441

Quotes Luke 1:6 as by Luke. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.10.1 p.423

Quotes John 1:14 as by John. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 1 ch.8.5 p.328-329

Quote of Acts 8:9-11,20,21,23 (Simon the Sorcerer) as written by Luke. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 1 ch.23.1 p.347

Quotes Romans 1:1-4 as by Paul writing to the Romans. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.16.3 p.441

Quotes 1 Corinthians 6:12 as by Paul in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.37.4 p.519

Quotes 1 Corinthians 8:14 as by Paul. Irenaeus Fragment 26 p.574

Quotes 2 Cor 7:7-9 as by Paul in the Second to the Corinthians in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 5 p.3.1 p.529

Quotes Galatians 4:4-5 as by Paul writing to the Galatians. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.16.3 p.441

Quotes 5:30 as by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 5 ch.2.2 p.528

Quotes Philippians 1:22b as by the apostle in his letter to the Philippians in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 5 ch.12.4 p.538

Quotes Colossians 3:5 as by the apostle in the letter to the Colossians. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 5 ch.12.3 p.538

Quotes 1 Thessalonians 5:23 as in the First letter to the Thessalonians. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 5 ch.6.1 p.532

Quotes 2 Thessalonians 2:11 as in the Second to the Thessalonians. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.29.1 p.502

Quotes part of 1 Timothy 1:4 as by the apostle. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 1 preface p.315

Alludes to 1 Timothy 6:4,5 as by Paul. Irenaeus Fragment 36 p.574

Quotes 2 Timothy 4:10,11 as by Paul in the epistles. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 14.1 p.438

Irenaeus quotes part of Titus 3:10 saying it is by Paul. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 1 ch.16.3 p.341

Quotes Hebrews 13:15b as by Paul. Irenaeus Fragment 37 p.575

¼ Quote: James 2:23 Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.13.4 p.478 “Abraham … and so became ‘the friend of God.’ But the Word of God…” In Isaiah 41:8b God says “or descendants of Abraham my friend”.

¾ Quote: James 2:23b “and he was called the friend of God” This exact phrasing is found only in James 2:23b. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.15.1 p.481

Quotes 1 Peter 2:16 as “Peter says”. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.16 .5 p.482

¼ Quote: 2 Peter 3:8m “a day with the Lord is as a thousand years”. This exact phrasing is found only in 2 Peter 3:8m. Irenaeus Against Heresies p.551

¼ Quote: 2 Peter 3:8m “For the day of the Lord is as a thousand years” Irenaeus Against Heresies p.557

Quotes 1 John 4:1,2 and 1 John 5:1 as by “his disciple in his epistle”. He also quotes from John as from his disciple in the gospel. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 16.8 p.443

Irenaeus quotes 2 John 7-8a. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.16.8 p.443 as by the Lord’s disciple in his epistle. He switches two clauses, but other than that the phrasing is exact, and this phrasing is found only in 2 John 2:7-8a.

Irenaeus quotes 2 John 10,11 saying it is by John, the disciple of the Lord in Irenaeus Against Heresies book 1 ch.16.3 p.342.

Jude 3 “faith delivered unto us” Irenaeus Fragment 36 p.574. Jude 3 has “the saints” instead of “us”, but except for that this is the exact phrasing. This phrasing is found only in Jude 3.

Allusion: Jude 7 mentions Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot, as an example of the righteous judgment of God. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 4 ch.36.4 p.516. The concept of Sodom and Gomorrah being an example is found only in Jude 7 in the Bible.

Quotes Revelation 6:2 as by John in the Apocalypse. Irenaeus Against Heresies book 3 ch.21.3 p.493

Quotes Revelation 5:8 as by John in the Apocalypse. Irenaeus Fragment 37 p.575

 

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Tertullian (200-240 A.D.)

 

Tertullian refers to every book by name or author, except that he only quotes from Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, and alludes to 2 John. He does not refer to Philemon and 3 John.

 

Tertullian mentions the New Testament in Tertullian’s Five Books Against Marcion book 4 ch.1 p.346.

Tertullian says Marcion “labours very hard to destroy the character of those Gospels which are published as genuine and under the name of the apostles, in order, forsooth, to secure for his own Gospel the credit which he takes away from them.” Tertullian’s Five Books Against Marcion book 4 ch.3 p.348. Also book 5 ch.2 p.432 and On the Resurrection of the Flesh ch.33 p.568

Tertullian paraphrases Matthew 5:32 as the Gospel of Matthew in Tertullian Against Marcion book 4 ch.34 p.405

Tertullian stresses the authorship of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Revelation, many of Paul’s Letters in Against Marcion book 4 ch.5 p.350.

Tertullian mentions “the Word of God” in John 1:1 as “according to John” in Against Praxeas ch.12 p.607

Tertullian makes many quotes and allusions from Acts, saying it was in the Acts of the Apostles in Against Marcion book 5 ch.2 p.432-433

Tertullian says “the Apostle admonishes the Romans” and quotes Romans 13:1 in Scorpiace ch.14 p.647.

Tertullian quotes 1 Corinthians 8:2 and Galatians 1:7 and 5:7 as being by the apostle in On Prescription Against Heretics ch.27 p.256.

Tertullian mentions Paul being the author of Galatians, Corinthians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Ephesians, Romans, and John being the author of the Apocalypse (Revelation) in Against Marcion book 14 ch.5 p.350.

Tertullian says “the most holy apostle says” quoting part of 1 Corinthians 10:23 in On Baptism ch.17 p.677

Tertullian says 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 does not say plainly to whom Paul was referring. Tertullian On Modesty ch.14 p.89

Tertullian quotes Galatians 5:20 saying “by Paul in his Epistle to the Galatians” in Prescription Against Heretics ch.6 p.245

Tertullian quotes Ephesians 6:14-17 as by Paul in Tertullian Against Marcion book 3 ch.15 p.333

Tertullians paraphrases Colossians 1:21 as the “apostle … his Epistle to the Colossians” in On the Resurrection of the Flesh ch.23 p.561

Tertullian mentions two epistles to Timothy and one to Titus in Tertullian Against Marcion book 5 ch.21 p.473

Tertullian mentions a short book which Marcion failed to reject. Presumably this is Philemon, but it does not say so, so this is not counted. Tertullian Against Marcion book 5 ch.21 p.473

Tertullian gives an allusion to Titus 3:10,11 as “to Titus” in On Prescription Against Heretics ch.6 p.245

Tertullian quotes from Hebrews 7:1-3 to discuss Christ and Melchizedek in Against All Heresies ch.8 p.654.

Tertullian quotes Hebrews 6:4-8 in On Modesty ch.20 vol.4 p.97

Tertullian quotes 1 Peter 2:20 saying “Addressing the Christians of Pontus, Peter, at all events, says,” in Scorpiace ch.12 p.645.

Tertullian quotes part of 1 John 1:1 as a “Testimony of John” in A Treatise on the Soul ch.17 p.197

Allusion to 1 John 2:18,22 and 2 John 7-10. “’But this you affirm it is “a human Antichrist;’ for by this name heretics are called in John.” Tertullian On Fasting ch.11 vol.4 p.110

Tertullian mentions the writing of the Apostle Jude in On the Apparel of Women book 1 p.16

Tertullian quotes Revelation 1:16 as “the Apostle John, in the Apocalypse” in Tertullian Against Marcion book 3 ch.14 p.333

 

In Tertullian’s Five Books Against Marcion book 5 cg.4 vol.3 p.435, Tertullian gives a quote that looks like a combination of Galatians 3:15 and 4:3. Perhaps he was incorrectly quoting from memory.

 

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“A.D. 215 Clement of Alexandria 25 books” or every book except Philemon and 3 John.

 

Clement of Alexandria quotes parts of Matthew 5:48 as by the Lord in The Stromata book 4 ch.22 p.434.

Clement of Alexandria paraphrases Matthew 13:47,48 and calls it the gospel in The Stromata book 6 ch.12 p.502.

Clement quotes Matthew 7:7 in The Stromata book 5 ch.3 p.448

Clement paraphrases Mark 10:17-31 saying “These things are written in the Gospel according to Mark” Who is the Rich Man That Shall be Saved? ch.5 p.592

Clement of Alexandria quotes Luke 3:1,2,23 as the Gospel of Luke in Stromata book 1 ch.21 p.333

John wrote his Gospel. Clement of Alexandria Stromata book5 ch.12 p.463

Clement quotes Acts 17:22,23 saying Luke in Acts of the Apostles” The Stromata book 5 ch.12 p.464

Clement of Alexandria quotes Romans 16:19 by the Apostle in the Epistle to the Romans. The Instructor book 1 ch.5 p.214

In The Stromata 1:11 Clement of Alexandria asked what the wisdom of this world was that Paul warned us against in 1 Corinthians 3:19-21.

Apostle from 2 Corinthians Clement of Alexandria Stromata book p.529

Clement of Alexandria quotes Galatians 3:19,23,24 as by Paul in The Stromata book 1 ch.27 p.338

Clement of Alexandria mentions the apostle writing to the Ephesians and quoting Ephesians 4:13-15. The Instructor book 1 ch.5 p.213

Clement of Alexandria mentions Philippians 4:5 as by the apostle of the Lord. Exhortation to the Heathen ch.9 p.196

Colossians by the Apostle. Clement of Alexandria Stromata book p.463

Clement of Alexandria quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7 as by Paul. The Instructor book 1 ch.5 p.214

Clement of Alexandria quotes 2 Thessalonians 3:1,2 as by “the apostle” in The Stromata book 5 ch.3 p.448

Clement of Alexandria quotes 1 Timothy 4:8, saying it was by Paul in Exhortation to the Heathen ch.9 p.196

The Apostle wrote 2 Timothy. Clement of Alexandria Stromata book p.311

Clement of Alexandria quotes Titus 1:12,13 as from Paul in the Epistle of Titus. The Stromata book 1 ch.14 p.313

Clement of Alexandria quotes James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:6 in The Stromata book 3 ch.6 p.390 and book 4 ch.17 p.428-439

Clement of Alexandria quotes 1 Peter 2:1-3 as by Peter. The Instructor book 1 ch.6 p.220

Clement did not pass over the disputed books, Jude, the rest of the Catholic Epistles, and Barnabas, and what is called the Revelation of Peter. Mention of Hebrews as being by Paul.

Clement of Alexandria quotes 1/3 of 2 Peter 2:5m (“Noah preached repentance” in The Stromata book 1 ch.21 p.331.

1 Timothy 6:16 by Paul and 1 John 4:16 by John. Clement of Alexandria Fragment 3 p.575

Quotes 1 John 3:14,15 as by John. Who is the Rich Man That Shall Be Saved? Ch.37 p.601.

Clement gives comments on “the Second Epistle of John” in fragment 4. p.576

John wrote the Apocalypse [Revelation] Clement of Alexandria Stromata book p.504

 

2 Clement ch.12 p.254 and Clement of Alexandria (Stromata book 3 ch.9.1) quote from the lost Gospel according to the Egyptians Volume 9 footnote 5 p.254

 

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 “A.D. 225 Hippolytus recognized 21 books”. This is every book except 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, James, and 2 and 3 John.

 

Hippolytus mentions the Gospels in The Refutation of All Heresies book 6 ch.24 p.85.

Quote of Matthew 7:21 p.54

Quote of ½ of Mark 10:38 p.53

The Lord says: Quote Luke 21:28; 21:18 Treatise on Christ and Antichrist p.218

Hippolytus references Matthew 19:17; Mark 10:18 and Luke 18:19 saying it is “by the Savior” in The Refutation of All Heresies book 5 ch.2 p.50.

Quote and Reference to John in his Gospel: Quotes John 1:1. Against the Heresy of One Noetus ch.14 p.228

Quote: Acts 10:36 Against the Heresy of One Noetus ch.13 p.228

Quote of Romans 1:17 as by Paul Treatise on Christ and Antichrist ch.64 p.218

Hippolytus quotes part of 1 Corinthians 2:13 as Scripture in The Refutation of All Heresies book 7 ch.14 p.107.

Hippolytus quotes 2 Corinthians 12:2 as by Paul in The Refutation of All Heresies book 5 ch.3 p.54

Hippolytus quotes part of 2 Corinthians 12:4. Refutation of All Heresies book 7 ch.14 p.107-108

Quote of ½ of Galatians 1:1 as by Paul p.206

Quote of Galatians 3:20 p.169

Hippolytus quotes Ephesians 5:14 as Scripture in The Refutation of All Heresies book 5 ch.2 p.51.

Hippolytus refers to Paul and ½ quote of Philippians 3:2a Fragment 10 p.244

Hippolytus quotes Colossians 1:19 (a few words in different order) in The Refutation of All Heresies book 8 ch.6

1 Thessalonians 4:12 as by Paul p.219

2 Thessalonians 2:1-11 as by Paul p.218

1 Timothy 4:1-5 as by Paul p.124

1 Timothy 6:20,21 as by Paul. p.204

Hippolytus has a 5/23 quote of Hebrews 7:21 “The Lord sware and will not repent” (5 out of 23 Greek words) The Refutation of All Heresies book 5 ch.19 p.69. The same thing in The Refutation of All Heresies book 5 ch.22 p.73.

Hippolytus quotes 1 Peter 1:24,25 The Refutation of All Heresies book 4 ch.5 p.76

Hippolytus alludes to 2 Peter 1:18,19 The Refutation of All Heresies book 10 ch.24 p.151

Reference to Peter 2 Pet 3:3 p.244

Reference 1 John 2:18 as by John. p.244

Reference to Jude 18,19 as by Jude. p.244

Reference to John in the Apocalypse: Rev 1:8 Against the Heresy of One Noetus ch.6 p.225

 

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“A.D. 230 Origen recognized 23 books” or every book except for Philemon, 2 Peter, 2 John, and 3 John.

 

A footnote says this is a reference to 2 Peter, but it is questionable. Here is the alleged reference.

I suspect the difference is that in Origen’s Commentary on John ch.20 vol.9 p.400, it says, “yet the temple will be raised again, and the body will rise again on  the third day after the day of evil which threatens it,” is claimed in the footnote in the Ante-Nicene Fathers vol.9 to be a reference to 2 Peter 3:3,10,13.

2 Peter 3:3,10,13 says, “First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. (10) But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” (13) But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (NIV)

Origen has two whole chapters on why the gospels and not other books are called that in Commentary of John book 1 ch.7,8. p.300,301

Origen spoke of the New Testament and said there were only four gospels. Origen’s Commentary on John  (225-231 A.D.) book 1 ch.1 p.299

Origen mentions the gospels in his Commentary on Matthew book 2 ch.1 p.413

Mention of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Origen Against Celsus book 5 ch.56 p.568

Reference to Acts 7 as the Acts of the Apostles p.276

Quote of Romans 1:1-4 in Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. p.276

Quote of 1 Corinthians 1:24 as by Paul. p.246

Quote of 2 Corinthians 4:17,18 as by Paul, in the Second Epistle to the Corinthians in Origen Against Celsus book 6 ch.19 p.582

Allusion to Galatians 4:21-24 as in the Epistle to the Galatians. Origen Against Celsus book 4 ch.44 p.518

Quote of Ephesians 6:12 as by Paul to the Ephesians. P.332

Quote of Philippians 4:13 as by Paul. de Principiis book 3 ch.2.5 p.333

Quote of Colossians 1:15 as by Paul. p.247

Origen quotes 1 Thessalonians 2:14,15 as by Paul in the First Epistle to the Thessalonians. Origen’s Commentary on Matthew book 2 ch.18 p.425

Quote of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 as by the apostle. p.299

Quote of 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 as by Paul too. p.451

Quote of 1 Timothy 6:20 as from the Epistle of Paul. p.469

Mention of the Epistle to Timothy (1 Timothy) Origen Against Celsus book 1 ch.64 p.425

Quote of 2 Timothy 1:3 as by Paul. Origen’s de Principiis book 2 ch.4.2 p.276

Quote of Titus 1:9,10 as by Paul p.483

Quote of Heb 6:7,8 as to the Hebrews. Origen’s de Principiis book 3 ch.1.10 (Greek) p.310

Quote of James 4:17 Origen’s de Principiis book 1 ch.3.6 p.254

Quote of 1 Peter 1:9 as by Peter. p.287

Allusion to 1 Peter 2:5 as by Peter. Origen’s Commentary on John ch.23 vol.9 p.404

Origen quotes 1 Peter 3:18-20 as by Peter. Origen’s Commentary on John book 6 ch.18 vol.9 p.368

Quote of 1 John 1:5 as John writes in his Epistle. Origen’s de Principiis book 1 ch.1.1 p.242

Quote of 1 Jn 1:5 from the Epistle of John. Origen’s de Principiis book 1 ch.1.1 p.242

Mention that the apostle Jude wrote in his letter of the Assumption of Moses. Origen’s de Principiis book 3 ch.2.1 p.328

Mention of Revelation 5:8 as from John in Revelation Origen Against Celsus book 8 ch.17 p.645

Origen’s commentary on John mentions the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He mentions Paul writing in 2 Corinthians and John in the Apocalypse.

 

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Novatian (250-257A.D.)

 

Mention of the Old Testament and New Testament Novatian’s Treatise Concerning the Trinity ch.7 p.617

Not a reference: Mark 7:19 p.645

Not a reference: Mark 7:19 p.648

Luke 1:35 as the Gospel of Luke p.635

John 1:14 is by John in Treatise Concerning the Trinity ch.13 p.622

Acts 1:4,5 p.668

Acts 1:5 p.678

¾ Quote: Acts 2:17 (also Joel 2:28 ) Treatise on the Trinity ch.29 p.640

Acts 2:17,18 p.676

X Acts 2:33 p.658

Acts 4:12 p.670

Acts 8:20,21 p.676

Not a reference: Acts 10:15 p.646

Acts 10:44-48 p.670

Acts 11:15-17 p.668

Acts 15:7,8 p.668

Acts 15:9 p.670

Acts 15:13-17 Anonymous Treatise on Rebaptism. Ch.12 p.674 Mentions by name James speaking in the Acts of the Apostles

Novatian mentions Romans 1:20 as by the apostle Paul. p.614

Galatians 1:1 as by Paul. p.622

Galatians 1:2 as by Paul. p.622

1 Timothy 1:17 as by Paul. p.614

½ quote of 1 John 4:12 as by John. p.627

Revelation 17:15 as in the Apocalypse p.658

 

 

Quote and Reference by Paul: Eph 4:10 Novatian Treatise Concerning the Trinity ch.17 p.627

 

Quote: 1 Tim 4:4-5 Novatian On the Jewish Meats ch.5 p.648

Quote: Tt 1:15 Novatian On the Jewish Meats ch.5 p.648

 

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Anonymous Work Against Novatian

 

Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian ch.2 p.657 says John 10:1 is by John, the gospel.

Quote of James 4:6 in An Anonymous Treatise Against Novatian. Ch.13 p.661

Quote of Philippians 2 as by Paul in Anonymous Treatise on Re-baptism ch.6 p.670

Anonymous Work Against Novatian (c.250-257 A.D.) ch.17 p.663 quotes Revelation 20:11-13 as John says in the Apocalypse.

 

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“A.D. 250 Cyprian recognized 23 books” This is every book except Philemon, James, and 2 and 3 John.

 

Cyprian mentions the Gospels in Letter 72 ch.17.

Cyprians mentions “The Gospel according to Matthew” quoting Matthew 5:23,24 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.3 p.533.

Cyprian says “Also according to Mark” and quotes Mark 4:24 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.22 p.541

Cyprian mentions the “Gospel according to Luke” and quotes Luke 6:37 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.21 p.541.

Cyprian mentions the “Gospel according to John” and then quotes John 3:18,19 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.31 p.543

Cyprian mentions the Acts of the Apostles quoting Acts 5:3,4 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.30 p.543.

Cyprian mentions the “Epistle of Paul to the Romans” in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.45 p.546.

Cyprian mentions the First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians and then quotes 1 Cor 7:10,11 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.90 p.553.

Cyprian mentions “Paul to the Galatians” in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.64 p.551.

Cyprian mentions Paul writing Ephesians, First Letter to Timothy, and Titus in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.70-78 p.552.

Cyprian mentions Philippians and quotes Philippians 2:21; 3:19-21 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.11 p.536.

Cyprian mentions the Second Letter to Timothy and “Paul to the Thessalonians” and quotes 2 Thessalonians 3:6 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.67-68 p.551

Cyprian mentions Paul to Timothy and quotes 2 Timothy 2:24 Letter 73.9 p.389

Cyprian alludes to Hebrews 12:6 “God, who ‘rebukes whom He loves,’ in Letter 7.5 p.286

Cyprian mentions “the Epistle of Peter to them in Pontus” and then quotes 1 Peter 4:15-16 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.39 p.545.

Cyprian mentions “The Epistle of Peter” and quotes 2 Peter 2:11,12 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.11 p.536.

Cyprian mentions “the Epistle of John and then quotes 1 John 2:21,22 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.79 p.552.

Cyprian mentions “John the apostle laid it down in his epistle, saying” and then quotes 2 John 10,11 in Seventh Council of Carthage Under Cyprian p.572.

Cyprian mentions the Apocalypse and then quotes Revelation 18:4-9 in Treatises of Cyprian - Testimonies ch.36 p.544.

 

Firmilian in his letter to Cyprian refers to 1 Peter “Even as also the Apostle Peter laid down, saying, ‘Thus also shall baptism in like manner make you safe;” (1 Peter 3:21) p.394

 

Eusebius wrote whole commentaries on Luke and 1 Corinthians. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Second Series vol.1 p.41

 

Basil of Cappadocia (357-379 A.D.)

 

Basil of Cappadocia (357-379 A.D.) “Never neglect reading, especially of the New Testament, because very frequently mischief comes of reading the Old; not because what is written is harmful, but because the minds of the injured are weak. All bread is nutritious, but it may be injurious to the sick. Just so all Scripture is God inspired and profitable, and there is nothing in it unclean: only to him who think it is unclean, to him it is unclean.” Basil to Julian Letter 41.3 p.144-145

 

Gregory of Nyssa (c.356-397 A.D.)

 

Brother of Basil and close friend of Gregory Nanzienzen

Mentions the Gospels in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.4 p.104, and On Infant Early Deaths p.378

Mentions Matthew in On the Baptism of Christ p.523

Refers to Luke 6:36 as by the Lord in Against Eunomius book1 ch.34 p.89

Says John 1:3 is by John in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.7 p.112

Mentions Acts in Second Book Against Eunomius p.274 and p.276.

Quotes Acts 2:36 in Against Eunomius book 5 ch.3 p.177

Says Romans 1:1 is by Paul in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.4 p.105 and the Epistle to the Romans in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.9 p.117

1 Corinthians 15:51,52 “the divine Apostle .. to the Corinthians” On the Making of Man ch32.6 p.412

Alluded by 2 Corinthians 5:16 as by Paul in Against Eunomius book 6 ch.2 p.184. Also Paul to the Corinthians for 2 Corinthians 5:20 in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.14 p.128-129

Quotes part of Galatians 1:8-9 as by Paul in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.14 p.129

Alludes to Ephesians 3:18 as “Paul … people of Ephesus”. Also, the Great Catechism ch.32 p.150

Quotes Philippians 2:10 as “Philippians” The Great Catechism ch.32 p.150

Quotes Colossians 1:16 as by Paul in Against Eunomius book 1 ch.22 p.63-64

1 Thessalonians 4:17 as by Paul in On the Making of Man ch.22.6 p.412

Quotes half of 2 Thessalonians 3:8 as by the Apostle in Against Eunomius book 1 ch.10 p.45

1 Timothy 4:4 as by Paul in Against Eunomius book 37 p.86

Quotes ¼ of 2 Timothy 3:16 as by the Apostle in Against Eunomius book 7 ch.1 p.192

Mentions Titus 2:13 as “writing to his disciple Titus” in Against Eunomius book 11 ch.2 p.232

Refers to Titus 2:9 as by the Apostle in Against Eunomius book 2 ch.14 p.130

Mentions the “Epistle to the Hebrews” as by Paul in Against Eunomius book 6 ch.2 p.184

Quotes part of 1 Peter 2:22 in Against Eunomius book 6 ch.3 p.186

“John in one of his Catholic Epistles” and quotes 1 John 2:1. This indicates there were other epistles too. Against Eunomius book 2 ch.14 p.128

Allusion to Revelation 1:6 in On Virginity ch.24 p.376

 

Cyril of Jerusalem c.349-386

 

Mentions the Old Testament and New in Lecture 2.4 p.8 and 3.6 p.15

Only 4 gospels Lecture 4:36 p.27

Matthew wrote in Hebrews Lectuire 14.15 p.98

Refers to Mark 1:1,4 as the gospel Lecture 3.6 p.15

Quotes part of Luke 4:41 as Scripture Lecture 10.15 p.4 and refers to it as the Gospel in Lecture 2.4 p.9.

Quotes John 1:1 as by John the Divine in Lecture 12.1 p.72

Mentions the Acts of the Apostles in Lecture 14.28 p.102

Romans 8:14 as By Paul written to the Romans Lecure 14.29 p.102

1Corinthians 11:23 by the blessed Paul in Lecture 22.1 p.151

Quotes 2 Corinthians 13;3 as by Paul in Lecture 10.17 p.62

Quotes part of Galatians 4:4 as by Paul in Lecture 12.31 p.80

Quotes Ephesians 2:10 as by the Apostle in Lecture 2.1 p.8

Quotes Philippians on p.150

Quotes Colossians on p.19

Quotes 2 Thessalonians 2:4 as by Paul in Lecture 15.14 p.108

Quotes Titus 2:11 as Paul writing to Timothy in Lecture 1.2 p.104

Quotes Hebrews on p.76

Mentions James  in the “Seven Catholic Epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude” in Lecture 4.36 p.28

1 Peter 3:22 as by Peter in Lecture 14:29 p.102

Allusion to 2 Peter 1:19 in Lecture 10.15 p.61

Quotes 1 John 2:22 as by the Apostle in Lecutre 10.14 p.61

Allusion to 2 John in Lecture 6.19 p.39

Mentions all the books of scripture; reject the rest. Does not mention the Apocalypse in Lecture 4.36 p.38

 

 

Rufinus mentions Paul writing about Clement in Philippians 4:3 in his Epilogue to Pamphilus p.423

Rufinus mentions the Second Letter to the Thessalonians in his Epilogue to Pamphilus p.424

 

 

Augustine mentions the New Testament in The City of God book 17 ch.4 p.341; book 17 ch.6 p.344

Augustine mentions the New Testament in Commentary on Psalms p.405,521,531,681

Augustine mentions that the are only four gospels, just like the four divisions of the world in The Harmony of the Gospels book 1 ch.2 p.78 (vol.6)

Augustine quotes Acts 17:30,31 in The City of God book 18 ch.54 p.395

Augustine mentions apostle writing Romans in The City of God book 20 ch.1 p.421

Augustine quotes 1 Corinthians 10:17 as being by the Apostle Paul in The City of God book 17 ch.5 p.345

Augustine quotes 2 Corinthians 2:15 in On Baptism, Against the Donatists ch.39 p.508

Augustine alludes to Philippians 1:15,17 as being by the Apostle Paul in On Baptism, Against the Donatists ch.47 p.511

Augustine mentions Philippians 3:7,8 as being by the apostle in The City of God book 17 ch.4 p.341

Augustine mentions the apostle writing to the Thessalonians and quotes 1 Thessalonians 1:13 in On the Predestination of the Saints ch.39 p.517

Augustine mentions apostle writing to the Thessalonians and quotes 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 in The City of God book 20 ch.20 p.439

Augustine mentions Paul writing to the Thessalonians and quotes 2 Thessalonians 2:1-11 in The City of God book 20 ch.19 p.437

Augustine mentions apostle writing 1 Timothy 2:2 in The City of God book 19 ch.26 p.419

Augustine mentions the Epistle to Philemon and quotes Philemon 13,14 in On Man’s Perfection in Righteousness p.174-175 (vol.5)

Augustine mentions the apostle James writing ¾ of James 2:13 in The City of God book 19 ch.26 p.419

Augustine mentions th e apostle James and refers to James 4:14 in On the Psalms.

Augustine mentions 1 Peter 2:20 as by Peter in The Letters of Petilian, the Donatist ch.226 p.587

Augustine mentions 2 Peter 1:4 as being by the Apostle Peter in On the Proceedings of Pelagius ch.42 p.202 (vol.5)

Augustine says Paul (On the Forgiveness of Sin, and Baptism) book 1 ch.43 p.31 (vol.5) wrote the Romans, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians (ch.44 p.32), Galatians (ch.45 p.32), Ephesians (ch.46 p.33), Colossians (ch.47 p.33), 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy (ch.48 p.33), Titus (ch.49 p.33), Epistle to the Hebrews (doubted by some) (ch.50 p.34), John quoting Revelation 5:9 (ch.51 p.34), Acts of the Apostles (ch.52 p.34)

Augustine mentions the Apostle John and refers to 1 John 4:7 in The City of God book 17 ch.5 p.342

Augustine mentions the Apostle John in his epistle and quotes 2 John 10,11 in On Baptism, Against the Donatists ch.45 p.509

Augustine mentions the Apostle John writing to the seven churches (Revelation 1:4) in The City of God book 17 ch.4 p.341

Augustine quotes Jude 19 in On Baptism, Against the Donatists ch.50 p.651

Augustine quotes Jude 24 as being by Jude the apostle in On Rebuke and Grace ch.10 p.475 (vol.5). Also The City of God book 18 ch.38 p.383

Augustine mentions the evangelist John in the book which is called the Apocalypse in The City of God book 20 ch.7 p.426

 

Chrysostom mentions the Old Testament in The Gospel of Matthew Homily 1 3 p.2 and 6 p.3 (vol.10)

Chrysostom discusses where there are four gospels, not just one in TheGospel ofMatthew Homily 1.6 p.3. (vol.10)

Chrysostom mention Mark in Homily 4 p.20 (vol.10)

Chrysostom says Luke’s genealogy is fuller than Matthews in The Gospel of Matthew Homily 1.14 p.7 (vol.10)

Chrysostom wrote commentaries on John, Romans, 1 Cor, 2 Cor, Gal, Eph, Col, Php, 1 Thess, 2 Thess, 1 Tim, 2 Tim, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews.

Chrysostom quoted from James on vol.14 p.287

Chrysostom quoted form 1 Peter and 1 John vol.14

Chrysostom quoted from 1 Peter 2:12 in Homilies on Hebrews Homily 28.4 p.493

Chrysostom alludes to Revelation (vol.14)

 

 

John Cassian mentions one of the apostles and quotes Colossians 1:16 in the Second Conference of the Abbot Serenus ch.7 p.378

John Cassian mentions one of the apostles and quotes 1 Timothy 2:1 in the First Conference of Abbot Isaac ch.9 p.391

 

John Cassian mentions one of the apostles and quotes Jude 6 in the Second Conference of the Abbot Serenus ch.8 p.378

 

The Synod of Laodicea 343-181 A.D. canon 59 p.158 mentions the Old and New Testaments

 

Archelaeus Ephesians 3:8 by Paul. Disputation with Manes ch.34 p.207

 

Socrates’ Ecclesiastical History book 2 ch.16 p.87 extra biblical saying allegedly of Jesus. “Moreover, both Christ and his Apostle enjoin us ‘to become discriminating money-changers.’ And then quotes part of 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “so that we might ‘prove all tings, and hold fast that which is good.’ As a sidenote, Ignatius in his Letter to the Magnesians ch.5 also mentions two kinds of coinage: God’s and Satan’s.

 

Sulpicius/Sulpitius Severus (Historian)

363-420 A.D. 116 ½ pages

 

Mentions the Gospels in Sulpitius Severus Dialog 1 ch.26 p.37 and Dialog 2 ch.13 p.45

Quote of Matthew 17:40 in Sulpitius Severus Letter 1 p.18

Mentions Luke by name in History book 2 ch.28 p.110

Mentions the Acts of the Apostles in History book 1 ch.36 p.89 and History book 2 ch.28 p.110

Sulpitius Severus says John the apostle and evangelist wrote Revelation in History book 2 ch.31 p.112