Final answer:
The three criteria used to determine the canonicity of New Testament books are historical acceptance, apostolic authority, and theological consistency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three criteria used to determine the canonicity of New Testament books are:
- Historical Acceptance: The book must have been widely accepted and used by early Christian communities.
- Apostolic Authority: The book must have been written by an apostle or someone closely associated with an apostle.
- Theological Consistency: The teachings and messages of the book must align with the overall theological teachings of the Christian faith.
For example, the Gospel of Matthew was accepted by early Christian communities, attributed to the apostle Matthew, and its teachings align with the overall message of the Christian faith.