Catholicity and the Formation of the New Testament Canon

Tobias Nicklas

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Chapter 3 Catholicity and the Formation of the New Testament Canon

In: The New Testament Canon in Contemporary Research

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Tobias Nicklas

Tobias Nicklas
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 59–76

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004751071_005

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Abstract

This essay explores the role that the criterion of “catholicity” may have played in the formation of the New Testament canon. Consideration is given to subjects such as the concept of “catholicity,” the relationship between the use of a text and its perceived catholicity, and the relationship between an author’s intended audience and its status as a catholic writing. The essay also considers how the notion of catholicity may have impacted the reception of various noncanonical writings. Examples are provided of various canonical and noncanonical writings, the degree and sense in which they were regarded as catholic by early Christian writers, and how these perceptions likely impacted their reception. Although the criterion of catholicity has not received the degree of scholarly attention as other criteria, it is argued in this essay that viewpoints regarding the catholic nature of texts often played a significant role in whether they were ultimately recognized as canonical Scripture.

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The New Testament Canon in Contemporary Research

Series: Texts and Editions for New Testament Study, Volume: 21

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004751071

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 10 Mar 2026

Subjects
- Biblical Studies

Front Matter

Part 1 The Formation of the Canon

Part 2 The Components of the Canon

Part 3 The Witnesses of the Canon

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Chapter 3 Catholicity and the Formation of the New Testament Canon

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The New Testament Canon in Contemporary Research

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