The Development of the Canon of the New Testament

Hypertext Conventions

Since these pages are intended for monitor viewing, they make some use of color. Almost all the early writings considered here were either considered as part of the New Testament canon, or provide some evidence on how the New Testament canon was selected.

Quotations from writings considered (by some authority) as part of the New Testament - canonical or apocryphal books - are in dark red, for example:

5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
6. But though, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to the Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. (Matthew Chapter 6)

Similarly, quotations from early writings that provide some evidence on how the canonical New Testament writings were selected are in dark blue, for example:

... There is current also (an epistle) to
the Laodiceans, another to the Alexandrians, forged in Paul's
name for the sect of Marcion, and several others,
which cannot be received in the catholic Church;
for it will not do to mix gall with honey..
(from the Muratorian Canon)