How did the early church actually decide? Broadly, three tests were applied. Apostolic origin: was the book written by, or closely tied to, an apostle? Catholicity: was it used widely across the churches, not just in one corner? And orthodoxy: did it agree with the received 'rule of faith'? These describe how books won lasting acceptance; they are a historical description, not a mathematical proof of inspiration.
- The main tests: apostolic origin, widespread church use (catholicity), and orthodoxy (the rule of faith).
What the evidence showsThe church used reasonably consistent criteria — apostolicity, wide usage, and orthodoxy — to sift which books it trusted.
Where it stopsThe criteria were applied unevenly and largely in hindsight; they explain how books gained acceptance, not an objective demonstration that they are inspired.
Sources & further reading