Lecture 8: Inspiration and the Formation of the Bible Part 2

Question 1

How does Inspiration Relate to this process?

Answer 1

Inspiration was not a criterion used by the early church to determine what writings should be included in the NT
- Does this mean they didn’t think these writings were inspired?
- no- inspiration was understood to occur much more widely than just biblical writings. So, inspiration wasn’t enough to set them apart

Question 2

The Extent of Inspiration in the Early Church

Answer 2

The Spirit actively inspires all aspects of the church’s life, not just the biblical writers
- there is no distinction made between the inspiration of the biblical writings and the inspiration given to the church at large
“these writers see the inspiring activity of God in the scriptures, but they do not see it confined to the scriptures. Their concept of inspiration is wider than their concept of canonicity

Question 3

For the early church:

Answer 3

• The entire church, including the biblical writers, is illuminated, guided, equipped, influenced, convicted, and nourished by the Spirit

Question 4

For Evangelicals there are often two tiers of inspiration:

Answer 4

1. The Bible is the product of Verbal Plenary Inspiration
2. All Christians are also inspired, in some other way
   “The scriptures were for the fathers inspired, but the inspiration of the Scriptures was not that which distinguished them from all other Christian writing and speaking”

Question 5

Why are the NT Writings Unique?

Answer 5

Answer: Jesus. Through the apostles
1. The apostles are the closest eye-witnesses to Jesus
- they lived with Jesus, were taught by him directly, and were the closest witnesses to the important events of his life
- they are the best source for information about Jesus
2. Jesus chose the apostles for this task
- jesus chose, equipped, commissioned, and sent these apostles to tell his Good news
- He who hears you, hears me
- The apostles have Jesus’ own authority
- He also gives them the Holy Spirit

Question 6

What Would this Mean for the Bible?

Answer 6

1. Looking at the New Testament as authoritative based on its apostolic connection to Jesus changes our focus, The Bible becomes about Jesus Christ
2. The Bible is seen to fit naturally alongside the Tradition