Confronting Christianity with Rebecca McLaughlin Where Does The Bible Come From? with Dr. Peter Gurry and Dr. John Meade (Part 2)
Feb 24, 2026
Dr. John Meade, a scholar of scripture formation, and Dr. Peter Gurry, a New Testament historian and author, join to unpack where the Bible came from. They explore why New Testament quotations vary and how local Greek texts shaped citations. They discuss translation revision, how the early church recognized books, and what the Apocrypha contributed to later doctrine.
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Why New Testament Quotes Use Different Old Testament Texts
- New Testament writers quote both Hebrew (Masoretic) and Greek (Septuagint) forms because the NT is written in Greek and authors used whichever text made their point clearer.
- John Meade and Peter Gurry explain some quotations reflect on-the-spot translation, local Greek revisions, or choice of a Greek revision like Theodotion rather than a single uniform text.
Multiple Greek Revisions Shaped NT Citations
- Multiple Greek translations and Jewish revisions (e.g., Theodotion) circulated in the first century, so Paul or other writers might quote a revision familiar to their community.
- John Meade notes some NT citations (like 1 Corinthians 15:54) agree with these revisions, not the Septuagint or later Masoretic vocalization.
Apostolic Authority Explains Canon Closure
- The New Testament implies a closed apostolic generation: apostles are portrayed as unique, deputized authorities whose writings form the core of new revelation.
- Peter Gurry argues early Christians rejected later works (e.g., Shepherd of Hermas) because they were post-apostolic and thus not canonical.
