The Biblical Canon of
the Muratorian Fragment

The Muratorian Fragment is a copy of perhaps the oldest known list of most of the books of the New Testament.  It is a 7th-century Latin manuscript translated from a Greek original that was written probably around 170 A.D. and bound within a 7th- or 8th-century codex from the library of Columbanus‘s monastery at Bobbio Abbey. The Muratorian fragment was discovered in the Ambrosian Library in Milan by Father Ludovico Antonio Muratori (1672–1750), the most famous Italian historian of his generation. While likely not intended strictly as a canon list, the fragment is among the earliest attempts to list a group of approved writings. The Fragment list itself is traditionally dated to around 170 because the author refers to Pius I,  (140—155), as a recent Bishop of Rome.

The unidentified author accepts four Gospels, the last two of which are Luke and John, but the names of the first two at the beginning of the list are missing, although scholars find it highly likely that the missing two gospels are Matthew and Mark.  It also lists Acts and 13 Pauline Epistles.  The author does not mention Hebrews, but says that letters of Paul addressed to the Laodiceans and to the Alexandrians are “forged in Paul’s name to [further] the heresy of Marcion.”  The letters of Jude and 1 & 2 John are also listed, but there is no mention of 3 John, 1 & 2 Peter or James.  On the other hand, the author includes the Book of Wisdom, “written by the friends of Solomon in his honor” [line 70] in the canon, and places the reference next to the epistles.  The fragment also mentions two approved works of apocalyptic literature: both the Apocalypse of John (Revelation) and the Apocalypse of Peter.  It mentions the Shepherd of Hermas as well, which, it states, ought to be read, but not publicly;

“But Hermas wrote The Shepherd “most recently in our time”, in the city of Rome, while bishop Pius, his brother, was occupying the chair of the church of the city of Rome. And therefore it ought indeed to be read; but it cannot be read publicly to the people in church either among the Prophets, whose number is complete, or among the Apostles, for it is after their time.”

Sources: 

• Edmon L. Gallagher and John D. Meade. The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity:  Texts and Analysis.  Oxford University Press. 2017