Consulting Scripture for Explicit Teachings on a Topic
The concept of consulting Scripture for explicit teachings is rooted in the belief that the Bible is divinely inspired and therefore authoritative for faith and life [3, 4, 5]. The apostle Paul states that "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16 NASB) [3]. This inspiration is understood as God-breathed, indicating that Scripture originates from God's own speech, even while involving human authors [11].
The Bible itself attests to its divine origin and purpose. It is referred to as "the Word," "Word of God," "Word of Christ," and "Holy Scriptures" [1]. The Old Testament, which Paul primarily referenced in 2 Timothy 3:16, was recognized as inspired, and this understanding extended to the New Testament writings as they were composed and circulated among early Christian communities [6, 11]. The Holy Spirit is identified as the source of this inspiration, revealing future events, the mysteries of God, and empowering and directing ministers [5].
Scripture serves multiple functions in providing explicit teachings. It is profitable for "teaching," which encompasses instruction in doctrine and moral principles [3, 4, 8]. For instance, the psalmist expresses a desire for divine instruction, praying, "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty" [9]. This instruction is not merely theoretical but aims to guide individuals in their conduct, leading to wisdom and righteousness [7, 9]. The Lord promises, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you" (Psalms 32:8) [2]. This instruction can come through various means, including God's providence, His written word, and the ministry of teachers [10].
Beyond teaching, Scripture is also useful for "reproof" and "correction" [3, 4]. Reproof involves confronting error and sin, while correction guides individuals back to the right path [3, 4]. This corrective function is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining adherence to God's standards [7]. Ministers are specifically called to preach "these things," referring to the truths and duties of the gospel, avoiding fables and traditions, and instead focusing on avoiding sin and living soberly, righteously, and godly [8].
The practice of publicly reading Scripture was carried over from the Jewish synagogue into the early Christian church, underscoring its role as a primary source of instruction and teaching [6]. Christ himself sanctioned the Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. This historical continuity highlights the enduring importance of Scripture as the foundational text for understanding God's will and explicit teachings. The comprehensive nature of Scripture's profitability—for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness—underscores its sufficiency for equipping believers for every good work [3, 4].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- Psalms “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you. -- Psalms 32:8”
- 2 Timothy “2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) — All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (ASV) — Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Inspiration of the Holy Spirit, The — Foretold -- Joe 2:28; Ac 2:16-18. All Scripture given by -- 2Sa 23:2; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21. Design of To reveal future events. -- Ac 1:16; 28:25; 1Pe 1:11. To reveal the mysteries of God. -- Am 3:7; 1Co 2:10. To give power to ministers. -- Mic 3:8; Ac 1:8. To direct ministers. -- Eze 3:24-27; Ac 11:12; 13:2. To control ministers. -- Ac 16:6. To testify against sin. -- 2Ki 17:13; Ne 9:30; Mic 3:8; Joh 16:8,9. Modes of Various. -- Heb 1:1. By secret impulse. -- Jdj 13:25; 2Pe 1:21. By a voice. -- Isa 6:8; Ac 8:29; Re 1:10. By visions”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:13: Till I come--when Timothy's commission would be superseded for the time by the presence of the apostle himself (Ti1 1:3; Ti1 3:14). reading--especially in the public congregation. The practice of reading Scripture was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church (Luk 4:16-20; Act 13:15; Act 15:21; Co2 3:14). The New Testament Gospel and Epistles being recognized as inspired by those who had the gift of discerning spirits, were from the first, according as they were written, read along with the Old Testament in the Church (Th1 5:21”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 9:9: Give instruction to a wise man,.... In the Hebrew text it is only "give to a wise man"; give him reproof, correction, chastisement, doctrine, or instruction, be it what it will, he will be the better for it. The Septuagint, Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, render it, "give occasion"; to him of showing his wisdom and of improving in it: and he will be yet wiser; he will learn something by every him that is given him, whether it be by way of rebuke, or by way of instruction; teach a just man; one that is truly so, that has seen the insufficiency of his o”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 2:15: The apostle closes the chapter (as he began it) with a summary direction to Titus upon the whole, in which we have the matter and manner of ministers' teaching, and a special instruction to Titus in reference to himself. I. The matter of ministers' teaching: These thing, namely, those before mentioned: not Jewish fables and traditions, but the truths and duties of the gospel, of avoiding sin, and living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Observe, Ministers in their preaching must keep close to the word of God. If any man speak, let him speak as”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:124: Here is, 1. David's petition for divine instruction: "Teach me thy statutes; give me to know all my duty; when I am in doubt, and know not for certain what is my duty, direct me, and make it plain to me; now that I am afflicted, oppressed, and my eyes are ready to fail for thy salvation, let me know what my duty is in this condition." In difficult times we should desire more to be told what we must do than what we may expect, and should pray more to be led into the knowledge of scripture-precepts than of scripture-prophecies. If God, who gave us his statutes, d”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 32:8: I will instruct thee,.... Or "cause thee to understand" (q). These are by many thought to be the words of the Lord, who gives to a man an understanding of spiritual things; he instructs by his providence, and even by afflictive dispensations of providence; and by his word, which is written for the learning of men, and is profitable for doctrine and instruction in righteousness, and by the ministers of it, who are therefore called instructors in Christ; and by his Spirit, when he instructs effectually and to purpose; by him he instructs men in the knowledge of themselv”
- 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”