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“The Muratorian Canon - Latin Text with English translation”
This fragment containing a “canon” of Christian scriptures, if it can be accurately dated to the late 2nd century, is the first clear witness to a list of “approved ” Christian writings as found in the New Testament. The text was discovered by Lodovica Antonio Muratori (1672-1750).
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Find out more about our use of cookies here. Click here to read at earlychurchtexts.com in the original Latin (with dictionary lookup links). The English translation below is from H.M Gwatkin, Selection from Early Christian Writers earlychurchtexts.com
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….but at some he was present, and so he set them down.
The third book of the Gospel, that according to Luke, was compiled in his own
name in order by Luke the physician, when after Christ’s ascension Paul had
taken him to be with him like a student of law. Yet neither did he see the Lord
in the flesh; and he too, as he was able to ascertain [events, so set them
down]. So he began his story from the birth of John. The fourth of the Gospels
[was written by] John, one of the disciples. When exhorted by his
fellow-disciples and bishops, he said ‘Fast with me this day for three days; and
what may be revealed to any of us, let us relate it to one another.’ The same
night it was revealed to Andrew, one of the apostles, that John was to write all
things in his own name, and they were all to certify. And therefore, though
various elements are taught in the several books of the Gospels, yet it makes no
difference to the faith of believers, since by one guiding Spirit all things are
declared in all of them concerning the Nativity, the Passion, the Resurrection,
the conversation with his disciples and his two comings, the first in lowliness
and contempt, which has come to pass, the second glorious with royal power,
which is to come. What marvel therefore if John so firmly sets forth each
statement in his Epistle too, saying of himself, ‘What we have seen with our
eyes and heard with our ears and our hands have handled, these things we have
written to you’? For so he declares himself not an eyewitness and a hearer only,
but a writer of all the marvels of the Lord in order. |
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Canon of Scripture
Canon of the New Testament
Books of Scripture recognised by the Early Church