One of the greatest influences that forced the early church to identify the books of the New Testament canon was the spread of deviant cults in the first two centuries after the death and resurrection of Christ. The literature of these cults, more often than not claiming to be authentic sayings from the apostles, compelled the church leaders to establish the parameters for what properly belonged to the body of accepted literature the New Testament canon. In recent days the composition of the New Testament has again been questioned. From the false accusations found in 'The Da Vinci Code' book and film and the widely reported Gospel according to Judas, it is clear there is a need for believers to know why there are only 27 books in the New Testament.
Brian Edwards is a Christian Author, Lecturer and Teacher based in the United Kingdom. His twenty books include historical biographies, Christian theologies and apologetics. His wider ministry (www.brianedwards.org.uk) includes preaching and lecturing both in the UK and abroad.
Brian Edwards was pastor of an evangelical church in a south west London suburb for twenty-nine years, and then President of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches from 1995–1998. He is the author of twenty books, and continues a ministry of writing and itinerant preaching and lecturing.
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