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Where Did The Bible Come From?

People often ask the question: "How and When was our Bible compiled?" - Here is the answer:

AD 100

Different parts of our New Testament were written by this time, but not yet collected and defined as "Scripture." Early Christian writers (for example Polycarp and Ignatius) quote from the Gospels and Paul's letters, as well as from other Christian writings and oral sources. Paul's letters were collected late in the first century. Matthew, Mark, and Luke were brought together by AD 150.

AD 200

The New Testament is used in the church at Rome (the 'Muratorian Canon'). The Four Gospels, Acts and Paul's letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Also used were James, 1 & 2 John, Jude, Revelation of John, Revelation of Peter, Wisdom of Solomon. To be used in private, but not public, worship was The Shepherd of Hermas. (This was the liturgy and structure of worship).

AD 250

The New Testament is used by Origen, The Four Gospels, Acts, and Paul's letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galations, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Also used were I Peter, I John, and Revelation of John. Disputed were Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude, The Shepherd of Hermas, Letter of Barnabas, Teaching of Twelve Apostles, Gospel of the Hebrews.

AD 300

The New Testament is used by Eusebius, Four Gospels, Acts, and Paul's letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galations, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Also used were I Peter, I John, Revelation of John, Disputed but well known James, 2 Peter, 2 & 3 John, Jude. To be excluded The Shepherd of Hermas, Letter of Barnabas, Gospel of the Hebrews, Revelations of Peter, Act of Peter, Didache.

AD 400

The New Testament is fixed for the West by the Council of Carthage. The Four Gospels, Acts, and Paul's letters: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Also included were Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude, and Revelation (This is the Bible as we know it today>.

(All dates are approximate)

Shalom
Preacher Jim
(a.k.a. the Apostle J.C.) AD 2008

Source: Erdman's Handbook to the History of Christianity. Editor Tim Dawly, 1977 Lion Publishing

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About Bethesda United Methodist Church

Currently, Bethesda United Methodist Church is undergoing a change. After months of discussion and organization, Bethesda United Methodist Church is undergoing a major website redesign. The redesign will bring a completely redesigned Photo Gallery, updated content, organized sections for Kids, Youth, and Young Adults classes, and improved contact interaction with the Bethesda staff.

Bethesda United Methodist Church is an exciting dynamic church in a fast growing suburban Atlanta area. The United Methodist Church is a very diverse church. Bethesda Unidted Methodist Church believes in the sanctity of marriage and the promises of scripture. The Methodist Christian movement was founded by an 18th century charismatic Anglican Priest by the name of John Wesley. John, his brother Charles and George Whitfield formed the theology of the Methodist movement while students at Oxford University in England. Charles Wesley wrote over 1,000 hymns. Two of his most famous are "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" and "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing". Many of his hymns were written to popular beer hall tunes of that era and thus, the common people could relate to them (the first contemporary Christian music).

Bethesda United Methodist Church has a rich heritage and an exciting future. Bethesda was founded 30 years after George Washington was first elected President of the United States. An arbor revival was held in 1820 on the current property and the church was formed. Since that time Bethesda has been a shining light of Christ's love, charity, and salvation in Gwinnett County, Georgia. Bethesda United has a variety of programs for every age group (see our calendar). Bethesda has a vibrant worship in both the 9 o'clock Contemporary and 11 o'clock Traditional services where we praise and glorify the living God.

Don't miss the excitement! Worship at Bethesda United Methodist Church this Sunday. I guarantee you will receive a blessing.