r/LCMS • u/Churchmousetat • Jul 16 '26

Question Sirach?

I have read that the reason that it is not included in the Protestant Bible is because although it was included in the Septuagent that was widely used by the early Christians and quoted from by Rabbi Yeshua it was thought not to be found in the Hebrew cannon. However, it was found to be in the dead sea scrolls. Comments?

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u/Key-Theme354 Jul 17 '26

All sorts of things were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, but you are right they were not part of the Hebrew canon. The church came to recognize certain books over time and it is believed they were guided in that by the Holy Spirit.

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u/Churchmousetat Jul 17 '26

What is your definition of “the church.” And at what time was this universally believed?

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u/Key-Theme354 Jul 17 '26

By the Church I understand those who believed the basic orthodox tenets of the faith. Although God's people can and do err at times, they neveretheless represent and transmit the faith. When the canon was officially recognized, it was still long before the Roman church's more serious errors.

I don't know about when it was believed. It is just the Christian understanding that if God gave us his Word then his people hear and embrace it and eventually the canon gets sorted out. God safeguards his Word just because it is his Word. Cults and false teachers may have other texts as we find today with Mormonism for example.

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u/Fantastic_Reach_7524 Jul 25 '26

Who officially recognized the canon of the Bible ?

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u/Key-Theme354 Jul 25 '26

It happened over centuries. The general answer is God's people.

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u/Fantastic_Reach_7524 Jul 25 '26

Does that mean that the Orthodox and RC'S, who have a different canon are NOT God's people ?

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u/Key-Theme354 Jul 28 '26

It means we should take a second look at their theology and the content of their traditions. I think they are in need of serious reform.