- It is not just a single book but a collection of writings.
- It is not one type of literature, but many: narrative, poetry, wisdom sayings, law, letter, prophecy, apocalyptic.
- It is not merely human in origin, nor written by the hand of God alone.
- It is a human and divine colaberation.
- Its works were written by some 40 ordained and inspired human authors.
- Its works were not written at one time, but over a period of 1500 years.
- Portions of its writings began as oral tradition among people who could not read and write: stories in Genesis 1-11, Gospel stories regarding Jesus’ works and words.
- It was not written in English, but in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek.
- Different English translations are a good thing because this allows the reader to see into the original languages through the eyes of different translators who have different views about the texts.
- The 66 writings were not determined to be Scripture by some council of men, but understood to be the Word of God by the people of God from the time they were written. They were read in synagogues and churches for many years before official councils were convened. Ie. Old Testament- Jamnia in AD 90, New Testament- Athanasius’ Festal Letter is first official list of 27 writings (AD 367), Synod of Hippo (AD 393)
- The Bible is honest and shows the weaknesses and sins of its characters, including and especially the greatest heroes. Ie. King David and Bathsheba, Peter’s denials, Paul’s persecution of the church.
- The Bible is not “full of errors,” but does show the differences in time periods, understanding and experience of its human authors: ie. 4 Gospels, Kings vs. Chronicles.
- God doesn’t support everything the writings in the Bible report. Ie. King David did a number of things as a warrior that God proved to be unhappy about, since he was not permitted to build the temple because he “shed much blood”; the imprecatory Psalms display some negative (even awful) emotions of the writers (Psa. 58, 137).
- The Bible is a miracle of preservation, the Penteteuch alone having survived for 3500 years, the New Testament books surviving Roman persecution and burning.
- The Bible is not God’s words, but God’s Word. It is His message to His people.
- The Bible must be read along with the presence of the Holy Spirit, who inspired its writers if it is to be correctly interpreted. Pray for illumination and understanding before you read.
Pastor Darryl Hall 