How did the generation immediately following Apostles know that their writings were Divinely Inspired?

[BlackFriar]

You: how would their followers have known that the documents were actually inspired?

Response: Most don’t care re the esoteric teachings. They are after other benefits of joining a new religion. Children born into the converted religion are typically the ones who are secure enough materially and spiritually to delve into the esoterics (only a “middle class option” as they say) - and often leave or “practice” only culturally.

In short, often concerns over the authority of received teachings is but a concern of the few if it doesn’t affect daily life.

 

[catholic1seeks]

That is really interesting to me.

But I am personally curious about how the early church determined the New Testament writings (in particular) were actually divinely inspired. After all, it’s a key foundation of practically all Christian traditions. Some, like Protestants, even make it their ultimate foundation for the Faith – since sola scriptura would mean nothing if the documents were not “free from error” or inspired.

So the question is somewhat speculative, but I wonder how the immediate generation of Christian disciples came to think Paul’s letters (for example) or the four gospels were actually inspired by God.

I suppose one answer is “apostolic tradition” in the sense that the Apostles and their followers would have to have passed on the teaching that their writings were not merely human but were God-breathed. Then again, there was much debate about some writings, and so it a new question arises: Why did the Church think it necessary to identify what books were not just “canonical” but actually divinely inspired (in the strict theological sense)? [Of course, canonical would be synonymous with inspired, at least in the West, but I suppose it wasn’t necessary that our Holy Books be “inspired” in the without-error/God-breathed sense]

 

[HolySpirit]

I am sure everyone jumped on the Christian Bandwagon because most people love being persecuted.

Who wouldn’t want to be a “Roman Candle” lighting up the night. The blood loss from crucifixion is excellent for soft skin and a great way to lose weight. Being stoned is a great way to improve your reflexes.

The only people who live like that are true believers.

 

[Kei]

The Holy Ghost moving through the Christians, including at the Councils of Hippo and Carthage.

 

[Genesis315]

The Holy Spirit taught the Apostles and it was handed on in the Tradition of the Church.