New Testament Canonicity: Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts about how the New Testament books came to be recognized as canonical, focusing on apostolic authorship, direct acquaintance, amanuenses, dictation, and the canonization process.

Canonicity (New Testament)

The criteria and process by which a book is recognized as part of the New Testament canon.

Apostolic Authorship

The requirement that a New Testament book be written by an apostle or by someone directly acquainted with an apostle.

Direct Acquaintance

The author personally knew an apostle or was closely connected to him.

Amanuensis

A scribe who writes down what a speaker dictates; used for Paul's letters.

Dictation (Pauline letters)

Paul would speak; scribes would write down what he dictated.

Canonization Process

The elaborate early Christian process by which the New Testament books were recognized and accepted into the canon.