Where did the Bible come from? Who is responsible for its existence? The answer to these questions is found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16-17
The source of the Bible is God. This is what Paul means when he uses the word “inspired.” The Greek word for “inspiration” is theopnuestos. This is a compound word from theos (God) and from pneo (to breathe). The Bible is “God breathed.” It comes directly from the mind of God!
Failing to understand the inspiration of the Scriptures hinders our ability to preach, teach, and apply them confidently.
Application Questions
- List five Bible writers who claimed to be inspired (along with verses where they make the claim).
- How can we prove that all the Bible claims to be inspired?
- Describe the process of inspiration accomplished by the Holy Spirit (John 16:12-15).
- Read 2 Peter 1:20-21. What does Peter mean by “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation?” What does he mean when he says, “men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God?”
- What are some proofs that help verify the inspiration of the Scriptures?
Questions That Help Determine a Book’s Inspiration
Comment on why these questions are so important.
- Who wrote the book?
- When was the book written?
- Who all was accepting the book as coming from God?
- What does the book teach?
- Has it withstood the test of time?
