Benjamin Laird

Creating the Canon
IVP Academic, 2023
By Benjamin Laird

WHO: Benjamin Laird, associate professor of biblical studies at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University. 

HE SAYS: “Should we think of the canonical writings as something like ‘classics’ from the early church that were incorporated into the New Testament as a result of their popularity, or are there certain attributes or qualities that belong to these writings alone?”

THE BIG IDEA: This overview offers constructive insight on matters tied to the composition, collection and authority of the New Testament.

THE PROGRESSION: In Part 1, “Questions Relating to the Composition of the New Testament Writings,” looks at subjects that relate to the composition of the New Testament writings. Part 2, “Questions Relating to the Formation of the New Testament Canon,” addresses the essential questions related to the canon’s formation, evaluates common assumptions, and offers an overview of some of the most important witnesses to the early state of the canon. Part 3, “Questions Relating to the Authority of the New Testament Canon,” examines the canon’s authority, considering apostolic instruction and testimony and discussing assumptions and viewpoints. 

“What is needed is a fresh evaluation of the evidence for the early state of the canon and a renewed focus on the arguments both for and against the apostolic authorship of the canonical writings.”

Ministry in the Marketplace

If we want to see a church planting movement in every place and people group, we must engage with covocational leaders.

Ed Stetzer: Coming Back

We have to take a step back as we teach God’s Word, building upon the grand narrative of redemption to show how every issue dealt with in the story of God is centered in Christ.

Tanita Maddox: Showing Up for Gen Z

There are just so many things that are compelling about the triune God and the way that triune God has enacted redemption for us and continues to sanctify us after we follow him. We just have to pull the contextualization out for our young people so they can see it on their terms.