Holy Scriptures

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)