Athanasius lists books for church reading
About this date: The date is that of the Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter, not the first existence of its biblical books or a universal council's canon decree.
Athanasius distinguishes canonical books from other works suitable for instruction. His New Testament list contains the twenty-seven books familiar in the major Christian traditions today.
Historical context
An annual Paschal letter becomes evidence for the history of scriptural reception. Its Old Testament distinctions also show why modern denominational canons should not simply be projected backward.
Key points
- The letter lists Old and New Testament books separately.
- Esther appears among works recommended for instruction rather than in his canonical list.
- The Didache and Shepherd receive a different status from the New Testament books.
People
- Athanasius of Alexandria
Sources and further reading
- Thirty-Ninth Festal Letter
Canonical list and books recommended for elementary instruction.