In the second century CE a considerable growth in the amount of Christian literature can be detected. These writings addressed the problems of their day and are not, in the first place, aimed at preserving the pure words of Jesus, or even the history of past events. Since they are religious writings with clear ‘theological intentions’, their historical value should be critically assessed before being used in any historical investigation.

The increase in literature also had the result that a ‘canon’ developed. Because Christian literature was no longer a novelty, the question arose as to which collection of writings would have authority and which could be used as a yardstick for evaluating the many ideas that were now expressed within the framework of Christianity. Eventually, the canon was established and the belief in the authority of the New Testament writings became part and parcel of Christian faith itself.