The word "canon" comes from the Greek word kanōn, which means "rule" or "measuring stick". The word is first used by Church leaders in the 4th century to reference a body of sacred Scripture. The New Testament consists of 27 books and was a political choice made by Roman Authorities under Constantine to establish a universal or Catholic state religion. Prior to Constantine Christianity consisted of many different gospels, beliefs which Christian groups considered sacred. After the Council Of Nicaea, the Roman Church would systematically condemn all other gospels as heretical and attack their believers. 435