Melito to his brother Onesimus, greeting. Prompted by your regard for the Word, you have often expressed a wish to have some extracts made from the Law and the Prophets concerning the Savior. . . . I accordingly proceeded to the East, and went to the very spot where these things were preached and took place. Having made myself accurately acquainted with the books of the Old Testament, I have set them down below, and herewith send you the list. Their names are as follows: The five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), Joshua son of Nun, Judges, Ruth, the four books of Kings, the two of Chronicles, the Psalms of David, the Proverbs of Solomon, also Wisdom, Ecclesiastes, the Song of Songs, Job, the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah, the twelve [prophets] contained in a single book, Daniel, Ezekiel, and Esdras. From these, I have made my extracts, dividing them into six books. Melito (c. 170, E), 8.759.
[The Book of Enoch] may now seem to have been rejected by the Jews for that very reason—just like nearly all the other portions that speak of Christ. Nor, of course, is this fact surprising: that they did not receive some Scriptures that spoke of Him whom they did not receive. For they did not receive Him even when He was here in person, speaking in their presence. Tertullian (c. 198, W), 4.16.
These philosophers have also made their attacks upon those writings which are condemned by us under the title of spurious—certain as we are that nothing should be received that does not agree with the true system of prophecy, which has arisen in this present age. Tertullian (c. 210, W), 3.182.
The twenty-four elders are the twenty-four books of the Law and the Prophets, which give testimonies of the Judgment. . . . The books of the Old Testament that are received are twentyfour, which you will find in the epitomes of Theodore. Victorinus (c. 280, W), 7.348, 349.
Let the following books be considered venerable and holy by you, both of the clergy and the laity. Of the Old Testament: the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy); one of Joshua, the son of Nun; one of the Judges; one of Ruth; four of the Kings; two of the Chronicles; two of Ezra; one of Esther; one of Judith; three of the Maccabees; one of Job; one hundred and fifty Psalms; three books of Solomon (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs); and sixteen Prophets. Besides these, take care that your young persons learn the Wisdom of the very learned Sirach. Apostolic Constitutions (compiled c. 390, E), 7.505.