How was it decided what was put in the Bible and what was left out?

Our modern “Holy Bible” is called the full “canon” of scripture. Canon came from the Greek word kanon which meant reed. At the time, a reed was used as a measuring tool. So, the term canon came to mean, the standard.

A book had to be determined to be divinely inspired before it was included in the canon of scripture. There were many criteria that had to be met. For example, who wrote the book—a prophet, an apostle, a disciple? What types of confirmation of the accuracy of the writing existed—miracles, fulfilled prophecy, validity found in an already proven work of scripture? Were the writings consistent with books already accepted as divine?Many books were considered for inclusion in the Bible, but, while they may be excellent historical resources, they were not found to be inspired by God and infallible.

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