Echoes of the Fathers

Those who profess Sola Scriptura will use the Bereans in Acts 17 as a proof text, because they “searched the scriptures” to see if what Paul was telling them was true. 

That I knew. What I didn’t know was that the scriptures they searched where the Septuagint (Greek) Old Testament which contains the infamous seven books that were eventually removed by “reformers” post reformation.

The Septuagint was quoted extensively by Paul’s and the apostles as well. It was considered inspired and sacred scripture by the early church, and the 73 book Bible was canonized at the council of Rome in 382, and reaffirmed at the councils of Hippo in 393, and Carthage 397. The 73 book Bible was officially listed as inspired by God at the council of Florence in 1442. 

Everything I’ve seen is that the Jews outside of Judea used the Greek OT (Septuagint) and that’s what Paul, and the apostles quoted.

And whether or not we view these seven books as inspired, which the apostles and the early church thought they were, has great impact on how we view search theological concepts as purgatory (praying for the dead), the intercession of saints, and alms giving atoning for sin. 

But the question for adherers to sola scripture is how do we know what’s authoritative without church authority and tradition? Scripture doesn’t give us an authoritative list of books. The Bible didn’t just drop out of the sky. It was produced by Church Authority, working alongside Tradition through the power of the Holy Spirit.