Canon Formation: Tracing the Role of Sub-Collections in the Biblical Canon

Contributors to this volume examine the various collections of canonical sub-units in the canon, considering the state of the question regarding each particular collection. The chapters introduce the issues involved in sub-collections being accepted in the canon, summarize the historical evidence of the acceptance of these collections, and discuss the compositional evidence of "canonical consciousness" in the various collections. The contributors consider paratextual evidence, such as the arrangement of the books in various manuscripts, the titles of the books, and the presence of catchwords, framing devices, and themes. The book begins with a consideration of the two overarching collections – the Old and New Testaments. Next, several sub-collections within the Hebrew Bible (OT) are considered, including the Torah, Prophets, the Megilloth, the Twelve, and the Psalter. In addition, sub-collections in the New Testament include the four-fold Gospel, the Pauline Collection, the function of Acts within the New Testament, the Praxapostolos, and the function of Revelation as the end of the canon.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Contributors to this volume delve into the examination of diverse collections of canonical sub-units within the canon, taking into account the current state of inquiry regarding each particular collection. The chapters present an overview of the challenges involved in the acceptance of sub-collections within the canon, summarize the historical evidence supporting their inclusion, and explore the compositional evidence of "canonical consciousness" within these collections. The contributors also consider paratextual evidence, such as the arrangement of books in various manuscripts, the titles assigned to them, and the presence of catchwords, framing devices, and thematic elements. The book commences by exploring the two overarching collections: the Old and New Testaments. Subsequently, it examines several sub-collections within the Hebrew Bible (OT), including the Torah, Prophets, the Megilloth, the Twelve (presented in both their Masoretic Text and Septuagint forms), and the Psalter. Additionally, sub-collections in the New Testament are explored, encompassing the four-fold Gospel, the Pauline Collection (often accompanied by Hebrews in early manuscripts), the role of Acts within the New Testament, the Praxapostolos (Acts alongside the Catholic Epistles), and the function of Revelation as the culmination of the canon.

Contributors to this volume delve into the examination of diverse collections of canonical sub-units within the canon, taking into account the current state of inquiry regarding each particular collection. The chapters present an overview of the challenges involved in the acceptance of sub-collections within the canon, summarize the historical evidence supporting their inclusion, and explore the compositional evidence of "canonical consciousness" within these collections. The contributors also consider paratextual evidence, such as the arrangement of books in various manuscripts, the titles assigned to them, and the presence of catchwords, framing devices, and thematic elements. The book commences by exploring the two overarching collections: the Old and New Testaments. Subsequently, it examines several sub-collections within the Hebrew Bible (OT), including the Torah, Prophets, the Megilloth, the Twelve (presented in both their Masoretic Text and Septuagint forms), and the Psalter. Additionally, sub-collections in the New Testament are explored, encompassing the four-fold Gospel, the Pauline Collection (often accompanied by Hebrews in early manuscripts), the role of Acts within the New Testament, the Praxapostolos (Acts alongside the Catholic Epistles), and the function of Revelation as the culmination of the canon.

Weight: 732g
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567692085