“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (BSB)
“On many past occasions and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” — Hebrews 1:1–2 (BSB)
“I testify to everyone who hears the words of prophecy in this book: If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of this book of prophecy, God will take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City.” — Revelation 22:18–19 (BSB)
“For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” — Romans 15:4 (BSB)
Jesus Himself acknowledged the threefold structure of the Hebrew Scriptures: “the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms” (Luke 24:44). The New Testament confirms, fulfills, and expands God’s revelation through the coming of Christ. As Hebrews 1:1–2 teaches, God has now spoken through His Son. The books of the New Testament—Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation—are the authoritative record of Christ’s life, teachings, death, resurrection, and the foundation of His Church.
Anglicans receive these 66 books as the complete and sufficient Word of God. Article VI of the Thirty-Nine Articles states: “In the name of the Holy Scripture we do understand those canonical Books of the Old and New Testament, of whose authority was never any doubt in the Church.” While the Apocryphal books are read “for example of life and instruction of manners,” they are not held to be Scripture in the same sense and are not used to establish doctrine.
The Book of Common Prayer reflects this canon in its lectionary readings and liturgy, grounding worship in the full testimony of God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures tell one unified story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration—centered in Jesus Christ. They are “God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), alive, and active to instruct, correct, and transform the people of God.
The Rev. Dr. J.I. Packer, a leading conservative Anglican theologian, once wrote: “God’s Word is not an echo of human thought, but His voice—pure, powerful, and sufficient. To read the Bible is to hear the living God.” The Church does not stand above the Bible but under it. Knowing the canon of Scripture helps believers discern truth, grow in holiness, and remain faithful to the Gospel.
Irenaeus recognized the authority of the apostolic writings, forming the basis of the New Testament canon.
St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) listed the 27 New Testament books: “These are the fountains of salvation… In these alone is the teaching of godliness proclaimed. Let no one add to these or take away from them.” — Festal Letter 39
Athanasius clearly identified the canonical Scriptures and urged the Church to cling to them alone as authoritative.
St. Jerome (c. 347–420 AD) wrote: “What we read in the Church must be canonical Scripture. The books that are not found in the Hebrew Bible are not to be used to confirm doctrine.” — Prologue to the Books of Kings
Jerome supported the Hebrew canon of the Old Testament and distinguished between canonical Scripture and apocryphal writings.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) stated: “The authority of the canonical Scriptures is greater than that of any human writing. In them, we find truth without any mixture of error.” — On Christian Doctrine, 2.8
Augustine affirmed the supreme authority and purity of the biblical canon.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) taught: “The sacred Scripture is like a river broad and deep, shallow enough here for the lamb to go wading, but deep enough there for the elephant to swim.” — Homilies on Ezekiel
Gregory described the divine beauty and richness of Scripture—sufficient for all believers, regardless of depth or maturity.
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
