The beginnings of the Christian text of Scripture

In this article we point out the initial stage of the consolidation of the Christian text of Scripture, the major problems occurring during this process and the final expression of its specific character. The first and the major witness of this process is Justin Martyr thanks to whom we learn about first relations and tensions between Greek and Jewish tradition concerning Scripture. He advocated the universalist approach based on truth, which allowed him to find the way to conciliate those tensions. Furthermore, such an approach allowed him to look favourably on extra-Biblical tradition and recognise it as a preparation for the incarnation of the Eternal Word. Saint Irenaeus in his approach to the text of the Bible appreciated the divine origin and inspiration which decides about its superiority and universalism. By the end of the 3rd century the question of the Christian text of Scripture had been determined, and the emphasis was put rather on the issue of the books, that is the canon