Expert: Sal - 4/22/2005

Question
Hi Sal,

Can you tell me when the Old Testament was authenticated?  Did the church identify as scripture from the beginning?  How many of the Old Testament books are used by Judaism?

Thanks.

Answer
Hello Les:

The Old Testament canon was authenticated by 419 AD although would say that it was not until the Council of Trent in the 16th century that the canon was officially fixed.

The Church has always recognized the Old Testament as Scripture. When St. Paul states, “All Scripture is inspired of God” (II Timothy 3:16) he means the Old Testament. The New Testament had not yet been determined.

The Jew like the Protestants are missing 7 books. They are both missing the 7 Deut   erocanonical books:  Barach, Judith, I & II Macabees, Sirach, Tobit, and Wisdom.

The Jews, like Protestants, use only 39 books. They are both missing the 7 Deuterocanonical: Barach, Judith, I & II Macabees, Tobit, and Wisdom.

Thanks for the question!

God Bless You,
Sal