What does ANT mean in BIBLE

The ANT refers to a collection of early Christian writings that were not included in the official New Testament canon. These texts provide valuable insights into the beliefs, practices, and history of early Christianity.

The selection of the New Testament canon was a gradual process, and various factors contributed to the exclusion of certain texts. These factors included:

• Authorship and provenance: Some texts were attributed to apostles or other prominent Christian figures but were later found to be pseudonymous.
• Content: Certain texts contained teachings or ideas that were deemed to be inconsistent with core Christian beliefs or incompatible with other New Testament writings.
• Ecclesiastical authority: The official canon was largely established by the end of the 4th century, when the Church had gained institutional power and sought to standardize Christian doctrine.

Some notable texts included in the ANT are:

• The Gospel of Thomas: A collection of sayings attributed to Jesus.
• The Gospel of Peter: Provides an alternative account of Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
• The Acts of Peter: Narrates the missionary activities and martyrdom of Peter.
• The Apocalypse of Peter: A vision of heaven and hell.
• The Epistle of Barnabas: An early Christian exhortation on faith and morality.

The ANT texts are not considered canon or authoritative by mainstream Christian denominations, including Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant churches. However, they are often studied by scholars for their historical and theological significance, as they offer a glimpse into the diversity of early Christian thought.