Scripture and canon

The authority, interpretation, and extent of Scripture.

Passages that substantially address this topic, in date order.

• Didache 15.4Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Pray, give, and act as the gospel teaches.
• Didache 4.13Anonymous · ca. 50–150 (often ca. 100) · Keep the Lord's commandments without adding or subtracting.
• 1 Clement 45.2Clement of Rome · ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100) · The scriptures are true and given by the Spirit.
• 1 Clement 45.3Clement of Rome · ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100) · Scripture never shows the righteous rejected by the holy.
• 1 Clement 47.1Clement of Rome · ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100) · Reread Paul's letter to you.
• 1 Clement 53.1Clement of Rome · ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100) · A reminder from the scriptures they know well.
• 1 Clement 62.3Clement of Rome · ca. 95–97 (range ca. 70–100) · The Corinthians know the scriptures well.
• 2 Clement 13.3Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · Outsiders admire God's words but scoff when they see our deeds.
• 2 Clement 14.2Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · The church, Christ's body and bride, existed from the beginning.
• 2 Clement 19.1Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · The preacher reads an appeal after the scripture reading: repent with the whole heart.
• 2 Clement 2.1Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · Isaiah's barren woman is the church, once childless, now fruitful.
• 2 Clement 2.4Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · Another scripture: Christ came to call sinners.
• 2 Clement 8.5Anonymous · ca. 100–150 · The gospel: faithful in little, faithful in much.
• To the Philadelphians 5.1Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Ignatius relies on the gospel and the apostles, and asks prayer to be made perfect.
• To the Philadelphians 5.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · The prophets proclaimed the gospel beforehand and were saved by faith in Christ.
• To the Philadelphians 8.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Against those who demand proof from the old scriptures, Ignatius says Christ's cross and resurrection are his “archives.”
• To the Philadelphians 9.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · The prophets pointed to Christ; the gospel completes their message.
• To the Smyrnaeans 7.2Ignatius of Antioch · ca. 110 (range ca. 105–135) · Avoid the false teachers and attend to the prophets and the gospel.
• To the Philippians 12.1Polycarp of Smyrna · ca. 110–135 · Polycarp trusts the Philippians' knowledge of Scripture and reminds them to be angry without sinning and not to let the sun go down on their anger.
• To the Philippians 3.2Polycarp of Smyrna · ca. 110–135 · No one can match the wisdom of Paul, who taught the Philippians in person and then wrote them letters that still build up their faith.