Canon and the Ancient Christian Bible — Canon Development
Athanasius Lists the Twenty-Seven New Testament Books
AD 367
Athanasius provided the earliest surviving list that exactly matches the twenty-seven books of the modern New Testament.
Full Account
In his annual Easter letter, Athanasius named the four Gospels, Acts, seven General Epistles, fourteen Pauline letters including Hebrews, and Revelation. He distinguished these canonical books from other works recommended for instruction.
The list did not grant the books new authority. It expressed a mature judgment rooted in long church usage and responded to continuing circulation of other religious writings.
Historical Significance
The Festal Letter is a landmark clear statement of the complete twenty-seven-book New Testament canon.
People, Places and Sources
- Key people: Athanasius of Alexandria
- Key places: Alexandria; Egypt
- Languages: Greek