The so-called '''Decretum Gelasianum''' or 'Gelasian Decree' was traditionally attributed to the prolific
Pope Gelasius I, bishop of Rome 492–496. In surviving manuscripts the
Decretal exists on its own and also appended to a list of books of Scripture titled as attested as canonical by a
Council of Rome under
Pope Damasus I, bishop of Rome 366–383. Since that list contains a quotation from
Augustine, writing about 416, it is evident that the title ''Incipit Concilium Vrbis Romae sub Damaso Papa de Explanatione Fidei,'' the so-called 'Damasine List,' are of no historical value
[ Burkitt.].
The Decretal include a list of works adjudged
apocryphal "by Pope Gelasius and seventy most erudite bishops." Though the ascriptions are generally agreed to be apocryphal themselves, except among the most traditional of apologists, perhaps reflecting the seventy translators of the
Septuagint and the
seventy apostles sent out in ''Luke'', this list ''de libris recipiendis et non recipiendis'' ("of books to be admitted and not to be admitted"), probably originating in the 6th century, represents a tradition that can be traced back to
Pope Damasus I and reflects Roman practice in the development of the
Biblical canon. In the list of gospels, the order is given as Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Fourteen epistles are credited to Paul including
Philemon and Hebrews but missing
2 Corinthians. Of the
General Epistles seven are accepted: two of Peter, one of James, one of the apostle John, two of "
the other John the elder" (presbyter), and one of "
Judas the Zealot"
[ Decretum Gelasianum.].
The ''Decretum'' is in several parts: the second part is a canon catalogue, and the fifth part is a catalogue of the '
apocrypha' and other writings which are to be rejected. The canon catalogue gives 26 books of the New Testament, 2nd Corinthians is not mentioned. (Parts 1, 3, and 4 are not relevant to the canon.)
References
External links
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The Development of the Canon": ''Decretum Gelasianum'' gives the full list, including the apocrypha "which are to be avoided by Catholics."
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''Decretum Gelasianum'': at
The Latin Library.
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''Decretum Gelasianum'': in English.
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Review of Ernst von Dobschütz, ''Das Decretum Gelasianum de libris recipiendis et non recipiendis in kritischem Text'' Leipzig, 1912:
F. C. Burkitt in ''Journal of Theological Studies'' 14 (1913) pp. 469–471.