17278. THE CANON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. This paper discusses how the New Testament canon came to be formed during the first centuries of the Christian Era. The internal and external factors that caused the canon to become necessary are described. The criteria used to determine which books would be included in the New Testament canon are examined. The paper concludes by considering the significance of the process of canonical formation, in terms of how that process aids in understanding the nature and purpose of the New Testament as a whole. KEYWORDS: bible studies new testament canon. Written 2005. 12 pages, 29 footnotes, 4 bibliographic sources. 2,635 words.