Bible Canon​—A Complete Catalog

Why can Jehovah’s Witnesses be sure that no vital book is missing from the Bible? Because the inspired writings that are “beneficial for teaching” have a set catalog, often called a canon. (2 Timothy 3:16) Originally, the word “canon” referred to a reed used as a measuring rod. The Bible canon came to mean the set of books accepted as genuine, inspired of God and worthy of being used as a straightedge for measuring faith, doctrine, and conduct.

The official listing for the Hebrew Scriptures (often called the Old Testament) was fixed by the end of the fifth century B.C.E. Jesus Christ and his apostles used only books from this catalog when quoting Scripture. Therefore, Jehovah’s Witnesses follow this same pattern for the Hebrew Scriptures. But what about the so-called New Testament, or the Christian Greek Scriptures?

Evidence for an authorized listing of writings for the Christian Greek Scriptures began piling up as early as 90-100 C.E. And by the end of the second century, there was no question that the canon of the Christian Greek Scriptures had been closed. There are at least 16 outstanding early catalogs of the Christian Greek Scriptures, from the Muratorian Fragment of 170 C.E. to the Third Council of Carthage of 397 C.E. Additionally, manuscripts of this part of the Bible in the original language (Greek) total more than 5,200. No other ancient document is so well supported. Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses look upon the Christian Greek Scriptures as being complete.a But more evidence than this is needed to satisfy Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Human listings are not the main reason that Jehovah’s Witnesses accept a book as being canonical. They look for internal evidence. Here is what they look for:

◻ Contents that give evidence of inspiration by God’s holy spirit.

◻ Counsel against superstitions, demonism, and creature worship.

◻ Total unity with the rest of the Bible.

◻ A message that turns people to the worship of Jehovah and stimulates deep respect for his work and purpose.

◻ An appeal to love and to serve God.

◻ Conformity with the divine “pattern of healthful words” and harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ.​—2 Timothy 1:13.