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St. Anthanasius composed a list of the biblical canon as early as 367 A.D. which became the 73 books of the complete bible. Ultimately, Pope Damasus (A.D. 384-399) called for a council, later named ‘The Council of Hippo’ to tackle this problem. There were three basic criteria that the Church prayed over the Canon.
The writings had to be associated with an Apostle
They had to have wide circulation in the Liturgy
They must have had consistency in theology
The men of God at the Council of Hippo examined hundreds of the known writings regarding the Church. Then, they compiled the list of inspired (God-breathed) books. The result, the inclusive books, became known as the New Testament.
In 397 at the Council of Carthage, the Bishops ratified the Council of Hippo, and again at the Council of Florence beginning in 1431 A.D.
