Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This is the only use in the Bible of the Greek word theopneustos, which means "God-breathed, inspired by God, due to the inspiration of God," but other scriptural passages support the basic premise of Scripture being inspired by God.
The power of the breath of God in divine inspiration pervades Scripture. God breathed "the breath of life" into Adam (Genesis 2:7), and Jesus "breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" (John 20:22). In 2 Peter 1:21 we are told that "prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." Here we see the truths of Scripture described as coming directly from God, not from the will of the writers He used to record them.
Peter notes that Paul writes "with the wisdom that God gave him" and that failure to take heed to these messages is done at the peril of the readers (2 Peter 3:15-16). Scripture comes from the Holy Spirit, who gives it to us "in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words" (1 Corinthians 2:13). In fact, the Berean believers faithfully used the inspired Word of God to check Paul's adherence to the Word as they "examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true" (Acts 17:11).
Faith is central to how anyone receives the validity or value of God's inspired Word because "the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:14). The "spiritual man" is the one who has been given the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) for the salvation of his soul. Hebrews 11:1 tells us, "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." There is a righteousness in the gospel revealed by God in the Scriptures, but our righteousness comes and is maintained by and through faith alone. "The righteous will live by faith" (Romans 1:17).
Although 2 Timothy 3:16 may be the only place in the Bible where the phrase "God-breathed" is used to describe the Word of God, Scripture is replete with similar claims. These are actually God's words reminding us that His truth and love can be found there to guide us in all aspects of life. Perhaps James has the final word about the nature of Scripture (and many other things) when he proclaims, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).
See http://www.gotquestions.org/God-breathed.html
Don Whitley
Supporter
2 Timothy: 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. The Scripture is “God-breathed.” Paul affirmed God’s active involvement in the writing of Scripture. The Lord’s superintending work is so powerful and complete that what is written is God’s truthful and authoritative word. The NIV says it as “God-breathed’. New Century Version says it as “inspired by God”. The ESV states it as “All Scripture is breathed out by God”. The KJV says”All scripture is given by inspiration of God”. Easy peasy... God Bless
John Matthews
Supporter
2 Timothy is attributed to St. Paul or Saul of Tarsus. Though the authorship is debated, if Paul is the author, then what scripture is he referring to in 2 Timothy 3:16 - that scripture is "God breathed?" Did he consider his letters to the various churches holy scripture? I don't think so. Is it possible that Paul is alluding to the Old Testament scripture? I find it hard to fathom that Paul would have included writings of various New Testament authors, of which there were few during Paul's life. He could not have known of them by the time he died in 64-67? The New Testament canon was determined long after Paul died, with many sections added or subtracted over a long period of time - some 300-400 years. There are many documents (letters, gospels, etc.) which were not included in that canon which are attributable to eyewitnesses to Jesus' life - Thomas, Mary Magdalene, etc. Admittedly, they have much speculation as to their authenticity and validity as "God breathed" and their consideration for inclusion into the New Testament canon. I am saying that the New Testament canon was determined long after the writers of the New Testament were dead. As far as scripture being "God breathed," I really think the writer of 2 Timothy is referring to the Old Testament. Most, if not all, of the writers of the New Testament were very knowledgeable of the Old Testament documents and referred to them often throughout their writings. Do not misunderstand. I am in no way criticizing the New Testament as to its being inspired by God. It is. I am offering an alternative on how 2 Timothy 3:16 could reference the Old Testament. Debate is healthy!
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible