How did the canon of the New Testament come into being? To what extent can we also speak of a history of the already existing canon? What functions were and are assigned to it in different historical contexts? What is the relationship between canonical writings and extra-canonical writings? What is the relationship between Christian apocrypha and the texts of the Bible from the Old and New Testaments? The number of questions surrounding the canon of New Testament writings and the lasting significance of apocryphal writings and traditions in relation to the canon is almost inexhaustible. This volume brings together contributions by Tobias Nicklas on these topics from the past twenty years. A particular focus is on the reassessment of Christian apocrypha and their relationship to image and rite and on understanding of canon as a dynamic entity. Geboren 1967; 2000 Dr. theol. Regensburg; Professor für Exegese und Hermeneutik des Neuen Testaments an der Universität Regensburg und Direktor des Centre for Advanced Studies "Beyond Canon" (Universität Regensburg); Research Associate an der University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Südafrika.