Scripture
The Meaning of Scripture
The word "Scripture" comes from the Greek word "graphe," meaning simply "a writing." In the New Testament, however, this ordinary word takes on extraordinary significance, referring specifically to the sacred writings that bear divine authority. When Jesus or the apostles said "the Scripture says," they invoked the highest possible authority, the very words of God communicated through human authors.
Scripture in the Old Testament
The Old Testament itself uses the concept sparingly. In Daniel 10:21, the angel refers to "the writing of truth," describing the divine record of God's purposes. While this does not refer to the biblical canon as such, it reflects the idea that God's plans exist in written, authoritative form.
The Old Testament does, however, contain the seeds of the Scripture concept. The Ten Commandments were "written with the finger of God" (Exodus 31:18). Moses' law was written down and deposited beside the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26). The king was to keep a personal copy of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). These practices established the pattern of treating written divine revelation with supreme authority.
How Jesus and the Apostles Used Scripture
Jesus treated the Old Testament as the final word in disputes. "Have you not read what God said?" was his characteristic appeal (Matthew 22:31). He declared that "Scripture cannot be broken" (John 10:35), affirming its absolute reliability. After his resurrection, "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself" (Luke 24:27).
The apostles followed the same pattern. Paul describes the Bereans as "more noble" because they "examined the Scriptures daily" to test his teaching (Acts 17:11). He affirmed that "all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Expanding Canon
A significant development occurs in 2 Peter 3:16, where Paul's letters are classified alongside "the other Scriptures." This shows that the early church recognized apostolic writings as carrying the same divine authority as the Old Testament. The concept of Scripture was thus not static but grew to encompass the full testimony of God's revelation in Christ.
Scripture's Purpose
Paul tells Timothy that the sacred writings "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Scripture exists not merely as a record of history but as God's living instrument for salvation, transformation, and equipping believers for every good work.
Biblical Context
The term 'Scripture' appears throughout the New Testament to designate the Old Testament writings (Matthew 21:42; 22:29; Luke 4:21; 24:27; John 5:39; Acts 8:32; 17:11; Romans 15:4). Paul calls them 'holy scriptures' (Romans 1:2) and 'God-breathed' (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter extends the category to Paul's letters (2 Peter 3:16).
Theological Significance
The concept of Scripture establishes divine revelation as written, authoritative, and sufficient. Jesus' declaration that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35) and Paul's affirmation of its divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) form the foundation for the Christian doctrine of biblical authority. Scripture serves as the standard for faith, doctrine, and practice.
Historical Background
The Jewish concept of sacred writings developed over centuries, from the giving of the Torah at Sinai through the collection of prophetic and wisdom writings. By the first century, Jews recognized a body of authoritative texts (the Law, Prophets, and Writings). The Dead Sea Scrolls confirm that these texts were carefully copied and preserved. The early church inherited this reverence for Scripture and extended it to apostolic writings.