Most Excellent Theophilus,1
I finally
am able to begin writing to you concerning the Scriptures. I find it most
appropriate to begin by examining what the scriptures have to say about
themselves. However, as has become the custom, I shall try to express the
reason for which you should care. First, the Scriptures, namely those books
contained within the Holy Bible, are the foundational text of Christianity.
Therefore, since the Scriptures are regarded by the church to be the only text
which is inspired by God, it seems appropriate and in-fact of the utmost
importance, to understand what is meant by “inspired,” and for what reason the
scriptures are to be considered so. This, however, is not the only facets of
scripture which I will endeavor to cover. But, this hopefully will give some
idea of the importance of the subsequent topics. Now, with this in mind, let us
continue to consider some of what the Scriptures have to say of themselves.
First, let
us look then to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful
for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”2 This,
from the apostle Paul, shows the high opinion which Paul held the Scriptures.
Now, it is important to note that Paul would be referring to the Hebrew
Scriptures which make up the Old Testament (and possibly the gospels depending
upon when you regard them as becoming Scripture). However, it is also important
to look to the particular wording. “All Scripture” seems to indicate that Paul
knew there would be more texts accepted as Scripture and thus was referring to
these also.
Furthermore,
Paul’s own writings were beginning to be considered scriptures by the early
church and other apostles. In 2 Peter 3:163, the apostle Peter makes
it clear that letters of Paul are considered Holy Scripture, among the Hebrew
Scriptures as well. This serves to strengthen the point that Paul was referring
to the inspiration of all scriptures, even those that would be added after his
writing. This is an important point which should not be overlooked.
Lastly, the
passage in 2 Timothy shows something most incredible. Paul makes the assertion
that it is the scriptures which are “God-breathed.” Now, at first glance this
may seem rather trivial. However, upon closer inspection this is quite extraordinary.
This is an incredible assertion showing that inspiration is a property of the
scripture and not the authors. This is quite an important point to understand. The
texts are the word of God, not those authors. Thus, only the books that are
Scriptures are inspired, not everything the authors of Scripture wrote or said.
Now, let us
look to what else the apostle Peter had to say about the Scriptures. 2 Peter
1:19-214 has a great deal to say about the scriptures. First, verse
21 makes the assertion that the Scriptures were “carried along by the Holy
Spirt.” Thus the inspiration of the Scriptures was influenced by the Holy
Spirit. But, furthermore, it is important to show that he Scriptures have an
objective meaning. Look to verse 20, where it is said that “no prophecy of
Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.” Thus, the prophecy
and whole of Scripture have an objective meaning that is available to be
discerned and discovered.
O
Theophilus5, this is certainly not everything which Scripture has to
say about itself, however, these cover the major themes which I desired to
discuss with you for now. Hopefully you still have questions and concerns about
the Scriptures, as I have intentionally left some areas open to facilitate
further discussion. Soon I will write to you concerning how it is that human
authors could produce an inspired text. Now, lastly I find it important to note
that my use of the word inspiration is not synonymous with inerrancy. Perhaps
in some future letter I will write to you about inerrancy, but this is a topic
not discussed in this letter. As always, I hope this letter finds you well and
I hope to hear from you with any questions or comments that you may have.
In Christ,
1.
Luke 1:3 - it seemed good to me also, having
followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for
you, most excellent Theophilus, (NIV)
2.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
(NIV)
3.
2 Peter 3:16 - He writes the same way in all his
letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things
that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as
they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (NIV)
4.
2 Peter 1:19-21 - We also have the prophetic
message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention
to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning
star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of
Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For
prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human,
spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
5.
Acts 1:1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I
have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)
