Authority and Canonicity of the Book of Tobit. Cover Image

Authority and Canonicity of the Book of Tobit.
Authority and Canonicity of the Book of Tobit.

Author(s): Michał Wojciechowski
Subject(s): History, Jewish studies, Theology and Religion
Published by: Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II - Wydział Teologii
Keywords: Tobit; Tobias; canon; authority; deuterocanonical books; Apocrypha; history of the biblical canon; canon lists;

Summary/Abstract: Judaism has never recognized Tobit as a canonical book, perhaps because of its roots in the northern Israel. Its reflections in the New Testament are scarce. Ancient Christian witnesses are usually favorable to the canonicity of the book of Tobit. It is present in many ancient biblical manuscripts (a, B, A, more then 30 minuscules). It was quoted by at least 79 authors, by many as Scripture. Some canon lists include it, other ones does not – when they are influenced by the Jewish canon. Some authors who failed to list Tobit in the canon have quoted it as Scripture. Accordingly, arguments for the canonicity prevail. Later ages accepted Tobit as canonical book. Protestants, despite some initial positive interest, have eliminated it. Tobit is canonical in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. It contains valuable teachings, especially on family and marriage – it is the only biblical book concentrated on these subjects.

  • Issue Year: 4/2014
  • Issue No: 61/2
  • Page Range: 381-395
  • Page Count: 15
  • Language: English, Polish