THE FOUR-GOSPEL 'CANON' IN THE EPISTULA APOSTOLORUM.

An essay is presented that contends that the witness of the "Epistula Apostolorum" was the first to defend the four-gospel as early as 140s. It cites evidences that Irenaeus was not the first to defend the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John but rather the author of the Epistula Apostolorum. It contends that the Epistula's author held the four gospel texts to be apostolic and authoritative. It also explores and compares the content of the passage with other gospels.