The document discusses the biblical canon and endorsement of books by various apostles and disciples. It notes that Peter endorsed Paul, Paul endorsed Mark, Mark endorsed Matthew, and Matthew endorsed John. Paul also endorsed Luke. It then lists various books and the apostolic authority behind each one. These include the gospels of John, Jude, Thomas, and Peter's first letter. The document also briefly discusses how early Christians copied books in codex form and how the canon was established at the Council of Nicaea to argue against heresies.

1. The Books
Part 1
“That through these you may be
partakers of the divine nature”

2. I will be careful to ensure that you always
have a reminder of these things - 2 Peter 1
• V.2-4
• The knowledge of God makes us partakers of the His divine
nature and aids our escape from the corruption of the world
• V.5-9
• Be sure that your knowledge bears good fruit
• V.10-11
• Be sure about your position before God
• V.12-15
• There was great urgency to preserve the Word of God
• V.16-18
• They did not make it up
• V.19-21
• The prophetic word is confirmed

3. Holy men of God spoke - 2 Peter 1
• Peter endorsed Paul
• As also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him,
has written to you (2nd Pet. 3:15)
• Paul endorsed Mark
• Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. (2
Tim. 4:11)
• Mark endorsed Matthew
• Mark 3:18
• Matthew endorsed John
• Matthew 4:21
• Paul endorsed Luke
• 2 Tim. 4:11
• Luke endorsed Peter, Paul, John, James, Mark, Matthew

4. Which Books?
• Gospel of John
• Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes
to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
• Book of Jude
• Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you
faultless, Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy (Jude 24)
• Gospel of Thomas
• Simon Peter says to them: "Let Mary go out from our midst, for women are
not worthy of life!" Jesus says: "See, I will draw her so as to make her male so
that she also may become a living spirit like you males. For every woman
who has become male will enter the Kingdom of heaven.”
• Peter’s 1st Book
• 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the
wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life,
that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

5. Which Books?
M Mr L J A R 1C 2C G E P
C 1T 2T 1Ti 2Ti T H J 1P 2P 1J
2J 3J Ju Rv T M AP AA WS

6. From Peter to “ends of the Earth”
•Late First Century Christians copy their
books in a codex form
• Martial in 83 AD sells one of his books in “box book”
form for traveling.
• 325 – Council of Nicaea
• Constantine calls all the Bishops he can find and organizes
them like the Romans Senate
• This begins a series of arguments against Arians and
Gnostics.
•635 - The Nestorian Stele says that the Bible was
widespread in China