All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” vs. 16
1 Timothy 3:14-17
Each part of the Hebrew scriptures has a different origin story. Some came via oral traditions, stories of the ancestors passed on through generations, others came from the court histories of both Judah and Israel, many were preserved and edited by scribes working in the temple. A large number were worked and reworked during the time of the exile, but by about 200 years before the time of Jesus, they had received their current form and content. And most important of all, they were holy, a reliable source of history and inspiration. These were the scriptures that Paul and Timothy knew, and they taught that these scrolls were inspired by God, and useful for teaching and training. A couple hundred years later some books associated with the disciples and the early church were accepted as the official canon of the Church and became known as the New Testament. Since then, these scriptures too have also been understood as inspired and useful for teaching and training. That’s why we continue to read and study the bible, it’s our family history, and contains the story that unites us as believers. And even though it’s also been used to manipulate and divide, for those who persevere it remains the very best way to know and understand Jesus.
Thought for the Day: What has the bible meant for my life?
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