Actually, the text most commonly used by the Jews of Jesus’ day is the LXX, and it was Greek. Part of the reason that some books, such as Maccabees were excluded by the exilic Jews in 90 AD, as well as some of the truly disturbing prophesies of Messiah which acutely pointed to Jesus, is because there were no known copies of these books in Hebrew.
I am well aware of that. In fact not all Jews are in agreement. The Ethiopian Jews uses the LXX to the present day. They do not believe the Council of Jamnia bears any authority concerning OT canon.
The official Scripture of the Eastern Orthodox by the way is the LXX as well as the Greek NT.
Understand I am not defending the exclusion of these books from the Canon, I am only saying that you assertion about there only being one set of Scriptures is erroneous.
Well, I have in no way making a proclamation that Scripture is not uncessary. I believe the Scripture is fruitful and worthy use for teaching if it is interpreted correctly.
One more thing, even during the Apostolic period there was already a written record of the Gospel (Mark) and the Paulline Letters were being circulated which were recognized as Scripture as well. I would think logic demands that you make more accurate historical statements or study better before making such broad brush assertions.
Actually there wasn’t. When the Apostles preached it was preached orally. Paul’s letter was written around 53 AD and it is believed Jesus died in the year 27.
Here is a timeline;
50 AD. I, II Thessalonians completed.
53 AD Philemon, Philippians, Galatians, followed by 1 & 2 Corinthians and Romans in 58 AD.
Gospel of Mark 60 AD, Gospel of Matthew 80-90 AD, Gospel of Luke and Acts last 1/3 of 1st Century.
Colossians, Ephesians, 1 and 2 Timothy 60 AD as well as Titus. Letter of James 70 AD. I & II Peter probably 70-90 AD. Gospel of John late 1st Century, as well as Revelation written in late 1st Century. The letter of 1 John, 2, and 3 John was written around year 100.
If you noticed there is a 10-20 year gab from the time of the death of Christ or his ascension. If you want cite these feel free to do so.
Yes, these Gospels were written by the Apostle, Matthew, John, and Mark. Luke the disciple of Paul wrote Acts and the Gospel of Luke. The Epistles of Paul, he wrote them, as Peter wrote his own letters, James also and John. They wrote it 10-20 yrs after the death or ascension of Our Lord.
I just want to make it clear when the Apostles preached first, they never put it in writing. It was 10-20 years later.
Here is the reference. Feel free to explore this.
drury.edu/ess/values/christianscriptures.html