Why are other gospels and writings done by original apostles and disciples not in the Bible?
If all scripture is God-breathed, as stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it seems that some of the other writings by the apostles and disciples should have been included in the Bible. Why weren't they?
2 Timothy 3:16 - 17
ESV - 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
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Asked July 20 2019
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John Matthews
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Tim Maas
All genuine Scripture is "God-breathed" (that is, inspired), as Paul indicated. However, Satan and his demonic forces would also have an interest in deceiving believers by producing writings through human authors that, although having an appearance of divine inspiration, and even bearing the name of an apostle (such as Thomas) or prominent disciple (such as Nicodemus), also have fundamental, uncorroborated, irreconcilable differences with other documents of known authenticity and authorship, and are, in fact, intended to advance false beliefs or doctrines, or to create divisions among believers. That is why the Holy Spirit has, throughout the ages, guided the collective discernment and judgment of the church (even though composed of sinful and fallible individuals) in determining which purportedly inspired writings (regardless of who the reputed author might have been) were, in fact, genuine (and thus should be included in the authorized canon of Scripture) and which were not. This involvement of the Holy Spirit was in ongoing fulfillment of Jesus' promise to the apostles in John 14:26.
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