Who Picked the New Testament Books?

Bible Study

May 15, 2025

When discussing how the New Testament came to be, it’s common to hear phrases like “the church picked the books,” “the church decided what’s in the Bible,” or “the New Testament was chosen by a group of leaders.” But is that really what happened?

Let’s explore one of the most persistent misconceptions about the New Testament canon. As we’ll discover, the real story is not one of political power plays or arbitrary decisions—it’s a story of recognition, faith, and spiritual discernment guided by God’s Spirit.

The Language We Use Matters

Terms like “picked,” “chosen,” or “decided” are often used in modern explanations of the canon. But these words can be misleading. They suggest that church leaders debated each book’s merits, voted on them, and imposed their choices on the Christian world. The reality was far more organic.

The early church never saw itself as inventing the canon or selecting books based on preference. Instead, it understood its role as one of recognition—acknowledging the divine authority already present in these writings. The authority of these texts did not come from the church’s vote, but from the fact that they were inspired by God.

No Smoke-Filled Rooms or Secret Councils

Contrary to popular portrayals, there was no dramatic council vote that decided which books got in and which didn’t. Yes, church councils like those at Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD) listed canonical books, but these were not moments of invention—they were moments of affirmation.

These councils did not believe they were making books canonical. Rather, they were saying, “Here are the books the church has long recognized as the Word of God.”

Asking the Wrong Question

Imagine asking someone why they chose their parents. It’s a nonsensical question, because parents are given, not chosen. That’s how early Christians would have responded if asked why they “chose” the four Gospels. They didn’t choose them—they received them.

From the beginning, books like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were received as authentic testimonies of Jesus, handed down from the apostles. Their authority was recognized, not granted.

The Role of Recognition

What does it mean to say the church “recognized” the canon? It means they discerned which writings were truly inspired by the Holy Spirit. These books:

Told the good news of Jesus clearly and faithfully
Were connected to apostolic authorship or eyewitnesses
Aligned with established Christian doctrine
Were widely read and accepted by the early churches
Carried the unmistakable spiritual authority of Christ

This recognition wasn’t driven by politics or pressure—it was driven by the presence of God’s voice in these writings.

“My Sheep Hear My Voice”

In John 10:27, Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” This helps explain how early Christians recognized Scripture. They were not simply following tradition or consensus—they were responding to the voice of their Shepherd.

When they read the canonical Gospels and letters, they heard Christ speaking. The Spirit within them confirmed the truth of what they read. This is why the New Testament canon came together—not through council votes, but through Spirit-led recognition.

A Messy but Spirit-Guided Process

Was the process clean and instant? No. It unfolded over time. Some books like Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, and Revelation took longer to be widely accepted. Others like the Shepherd of Hermas or the Didache were read and loved but ultimately not recognized as Scripture.

Still, the core of the New Testament—particularly the four Gospels and Paul’s letters—was affirmed early and consistently. Disagreements existed, but the Spirit-led consensus emerged clearly over time.

The Books Were Always Authoritative

One important truth is often overlooked: the New Testament writings were authoritative the moment they were written. Paul’s letters carried apostolic authority from the start. The Gospels were trusted accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings from their earliest circulation.

The church did not make them Scripture. They already were Scripture. The church simply recognized and received them.

A Message for Us Today

This history carries an important message for every believer. Just as the early church recognized and received the New Testament books, so are we invited to do the same today.

The authority of the Bible doesn’t rest on the decisions of councils. It rests on the truth that these books were inspired by God and bear the voice of Jesus. As we read them, we too are called to listen and follow.

A Call to Recognize and Receive

We give thanks for all 27 books of the New Testament—and for the full witness of Scripture across all 66 books of the Bible. Let us honor them not as relics of ancient religion, but as the living Word of God that still speaks to us today.

So let us: