Sola Scriptural Question

[garysibio]

I understand that the Canon of the Bible wasn’t dealt with until the late 4th century and that, prior to that time, there were some dispute over which books were inspired, but it seems to me that, when the Church Fathers prior to that go to teach a truth, they go to the books that eventually became Scripture. Can anyone think of an example of a Father who defended a truth apart from these?

 

[Scoobyshme]

I understand that the Canon of the Bible wasn’t dealt with until the late 4th century and that, prior to that time, there were some dispute over which books were inspired, but it seems to me that, when the Church Fathers prior to that go to teach a truth, they go to the books that eventually became Scripture. Can anyone think of an example of a Father who defended a truth apart from these?

Gary, I think there are many of them. Here’s just one example, where St. Irenaeus was talking about Apostolic Succession:

“It is possible, then, for everyone in every church, who may wish to know the truth, to contemplate the tradition of the apostles which has been made known to us throughout the whole world. And we are in a position to enumerate those who were instituted bishops by the apostles and their successors down to our own times, men who neither knew nor taught anything like what these heretics rave about” (Against Heresies 3:3:1 [A.D. 189]).

There are several examples on the following page:

catholic.com/library/Apostolic_Succession.asp

The Church had to go through over 300 documents/letters, etc., to settle on the 27 that we call the New Testament. Many were previously thought to be sure shots to get in, but didn’t make the cut for various reasons. This doesn’t mean they were necessarily wrong or bad, although some were. It just meant they didn’t meet the criteria to be considered part of Scripture.

Here’s a good video series on “Origin of the Bible” that you can watch, if you feel so inclined:

alabamacatholicresources.com/Bible.html

 

[NHInsider]

I understand that the Canon of the Bible wasn’t dealt with until the late 4th century and that, prior to that time, there were some dispute over which books were inspired, but it seems to me that, when the Church Fathers prior to that go to teach a truth, they go to the books that eventually became Scripture. Can anyone think of an example of a Father who defended a truth apart from these?

Well, go back and read the surviving writings of the Fathers from before 397 and you’ll find many. St. Clement’s first epistle to the Corinthians (which was, of course, on the short list for the New Testament canon) cites Old Testament books (including some of those disputed by the Jews and Protestants) and even some pagan legends, as well as the examples of Christian saints and martyrs along with the holy men and women of the Old Testament. His writing is very much in line with some of the later NT books, such as Hebrews, but he doesn’t quote them as Scripture, except a single citation of Paul’s Epistle which he says was “under the guidance of the Holy Spirit” - a statement he would not have needed to make if the letter had already been accorded the authority of Scripture.

 

[JRKH]

Isn’t Mary’s perpetual virginity partly supported from/by apocraphal texts like the infancy narrative?
I can’t recall the specifics.

Peace
James