“Teaching of the Apostles.”
Of this recent “find,” which is making so much noise in the world, Dr. J. B. Tombes speaks as follows in the Herald of Truth:— “At the first appearance of the manuscript from the hands of Bryennios, it was strongly hinted that it possessed the sanctity of inspiration, and the reference of Clement of Alexandria was brought forward as proof. The claim rests specially on his use of the term graphee—scripture. Now Clement, if he really refers to the ‘Teaching,’ could not have attached to it any other importance than a writing that might be quoted on some point of illustration. This erudite scholar, and Christian father, along with other early writers, makes special mention of the inspired penmen and their writings. In his work called ‘Hypotyposes,’ he furnishes an abridged statement of all the canonical scriptures, not omitting the Antilegomenoi, but no such composition as ‘Teaching of the Twelve Apostles’ is mentioned. The same may be said of Eusebius, the celebrated ecclesiastical historian, who was born about A. D. 268. This author has given us a reliable history of the primitive church. He also makes frequent mention of the New Testament canon, and its writers, but does not make mention of any such writing as the ‘Teaching,’ or as ranking with the received inspired authorities. In the light of these important considerations, it will be granted that we are not allowed to recognize the ‘Teaching’ as any other than an ordinary Christian treatise, written by some one of undoubted piety, and desirous of urging others to a life of consecration to God. But I wish to say, in addition, that as a composition the ‘Teaching’ can have no claims to gospel authority.”