scholars think that, in its present form, it was actually written by
him. On the other hand, Luke could have written the Gospel that
bears his name. In any case, the author of Luke also wrote the Acts
of the Apostles.
Another book many scholars think may have been written in the 80s is
Hebrews (though a case can be made for the 60s). Its author is
unknown. Many scholars think Ephesians was written late in the first
century, perhaps as an introduction to a collection of Paul's
Epistles. Probably 2 Thessalonians was also written late in the
century, by an imitator of Paul.
The Book of Revelation was probably written in the early 90s, though
it may include some older material.
The Johannine literature--the Gospel of John and the Epistles 1, 2,
and 3 John--was probably written about the turn of the century. The
Gospel may well be based on traditions that originated with the
apostle John, and all four books may have been produced in a
community he founded. Many scholars think the Epistle of Jude was
also written about the turn of the century.
The Epistles 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written, in the judgment
of many scholars, by an imitator of Paul early in the second century.
2 Peter was probably written in the first half of the second century.
NEW TESTAMENT: FORMATION OF THE CANON
By the time the last New Testament books had been written--or very
soon afterward--other works had also been written by Christians.
These include the letter of Clement of Rome to the Corinthians (1
Clement), the manual of church teaching known as the Didache, the
letters of Ignatius of Antioch, and the Gospel of Thomas. The early
Christians used the Hebrew Scriptures (in Greek translation) as
their Bible. But they believed that the Spirit of God was active in
the church, and that many pronouncements made orally or in writing
by Christians contained messages inspired by the Spirit. No
consensus existed, early in the second century, as to which
Christian writings enjoyed that authority.
In 139 or 140 a Christian from Asia Minor came to Rome. His name was
Marcion. He was serious and devout, and particularly devoted to the
teachings of Paul. The conclusions that Marcion drew from his
studies, however, brought him into conflict with the church
authorities. Marcion believed that the Jewish God, the Creator and
Lawgiver, was totally different from the forgiving and saving God
revealed by Jesus. Marcion taught that Christians shouldn't use the
Hebrew Scriptures. In their place, he gathered together a new body
of sacred books: the Gospel of Luke and ten Pauline Epistles (Romans,
