Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
The New Testament was not originally a single book but a collection of separate writings, such as the Gospels and various letters, which were gradually recognized as authoritative over time. Early Christians already treated these writings as sacred, referring to them as Scripture and valuing them as records of apostolic teaching. By the second century, key texts—especially the four Gospels—were widely acknowledged.
Over the following centuries, the church developed lists identifying which writings were considered divinely inspired and suitable for teaching and worship. This process, known as canonization, was not decided by a single event or authority but developed gradually based on certain criteria. The most important factors included whether a text was connected to the apostles (or their close associates) and whether its teachings were consistent with accepted Christian beliefs.
This reel is part of a conference at a Baptist university in Houston. Watch the full video here, youtube.com/watch?v=s0BCm2cRx9w
#Apologetics #Christians #Theology #Theologians #Debate
____________________
Mike Licona is Professor of New Testament Studies at Houston Christian University. HCU offers an accredited Master of Arts degree in apologetics that may be completed entirely online or on the HCU campus in Houston.
📜For more information, visit bit.ly/2Wlej6Z
🎓You can also earn a Master of Divinity degree that can be completed entirely online at bit.ly/3po5uEX
👨🏻🎓 HCU offers a rigorous Doctorate of Ministry degree: https://hc.edu/houston-theological-seminary/dmin/
🌐WEBSITE: risenjesus.com
💻FACEBOOK: facebook.com/DrMikeLicona
📱TWITTER: twitter.com/DrMikeLicona
📚 Buy “Jesus, Contradicted”: bit.ly/48H0FNM
📚 Buy "The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus": amzn.to/38vTfNU
📚Buy "The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach": amzn.to/2NOOZkT
📚Buy "Paul Meets Muhammad": amzn.to/2RdEFoB
📚Buy "Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?": amzn.to/36dzc5C
🅿️ If you like Mike's work, become a patron by visiting his new Patreon page at patreon.com/RisenJesus or make a tax-deductible contribution(s) as allowed by law by going to Mike's secured website:
✋risenjesus.com/donate
The New Testament was not originally a single book but a collection of separate writings, such as the Gospels and various letters, which were gradually recognized as authoritative over time. Early Christians already treated these writings as sacred, referring to them as Scripture and valuing them as records of apostolic teaching. By the second century, key texts—especially the four Gospels—were widely acknowledged.
Over the following centuries, the church developed lists identifying which writings were considered divinely inspired and suitable for teaching and worship. This process, known as canonization, was not decided by a single event or authority but developed gradually based on certain criteria. The most important factors included whether a text was connected to the apostles (or their close associates) and whether its teachings were consistent with accepted Christian beliefs.
This reel is part of a conference at a Baptist university in Houston. Watch the full video here, youtube.com/watch?v=s0BCm2cRx9w
#Apologetics #Christians #Theology #Theologians #Debate
____________________
Mike Licona is Professor of New Testament Studies at Houston Christian University. HCU offers an accredited Master of Arts degree in apologetics that may be completed entirely online or on the HCU campus in Houston.
📜For more information, visit bit.ly/2Wlej6Z
🎓You can also earn a Master of Divinity degree that can be completed entirely online at bit.ly/3po5uEX
👨🏻🎓 HCU offers a rigorous Doctorate of Ministry degree: https://hc.edu/houston-theological-seminary/dmin/
🌐WEBSITE: risenjesus.com
💻FACEBOOK: facebook.com/DrMikeLicona
📱TWITTER: twitter.com/DrMikeLicona
📚 Buy “Jesus, Contradicted”: bit.ly/48H0FNM
📚 Buy "The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus": amzn.to/38vTfNU
📚Buy "The Resurrection of Jesus: A New Historiographical Approach": amzn.to/2NOOZkT
📚Buy "Paul Meets Muhammad": amzn.to/2RdEFoB
📚Buy "Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?": amzn.to/36dzc5C
🅿️ If you like Mike's work, become a patron by visiting his new Patreon page at patreon.com/RisenJesus or make a tax-deductible contribution(s) as allowed by law by going to Mike's secured website:
✋risenjesus.com/donate
