Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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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 t...
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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!
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