> In fact, 382 AD sticks in my mind as the first time, at the Council of Rome, that the books of the New Testament were accepted as canon (St. Augustine personally campaigned to have the same NT list that we have today). Before then, it was hotly debated as to whether various New Testament writings should even be considered "Scripture" and "God-breathed," since the reference in 2 Timothy 3:16 referred purely to the Old Testament -- no one was yet certain which NT books were clearly inspired from God; they had to rely on the careful guidance of his Holy Spirit as it moved in the world. I wouldn't mind knowing how they finally determined which books were canonical Scripture, and which weren't.

If I recall my history correctly (and of course, I'm open for corrections), The Council of Nicosi (?) sat down to discuss the books that would for the Christian Cannon, both Old and New. The arguments went on for years, with books being added or removed continually.

Eventually, Emperor Constantine got a bit annoyed with this (after all, he needed an "official" Cristianity for the Roman Empire). He told the bishops that they could either ratify the Bible as it stood, or be executed and replaced with others who would do as he wanted.

Ratification was then immediate and unanimous.

winter"At least, that's the version I heard"mute