Lesson 3 - Doctrine of Scripture (Production)

Question 1

How does 2 Pet 1:12-21 help the reader understand the production of Holy Scripture?

Answer 1

a.) The necessity of Scripture (2 Peter 1:12-15) - we need the Scriptures because the apostles are going to die

b. ) the source of Scripture (2 Peter 1:16-18)
- Eyewitnesses of Christ –> Trinitarian Revelation

c. ) Peter and the Prophets (2 Peter 1:19a)
- Same subject matter: suffering and resurrection of Christ

d. ) Why we should pay attention to Scripture (2 Peter 1:19b)
- Clarity: light in darkness
- Authority: pay attention
- Sufficiency: all things
- Truth: no clever myths

e. ) Source and status of prophetic writings (2 Peter 1:20-21)
- Why can we approach Scripture with confidence?
- God breathed
- Revelation of God to man

Question 2

What three ways did God prepare the prophets and apostles for the production of Scripture

Answer 2

1. ) Authorization: Prophets and apostles are divinely authorized ambassadors – called and set apart by God to bring God’s Word to God’s People (Rom. 1:1 with Exod. 3; Is. 6; Jeremiah 1)
2. ) Access: In order that they might fulfill their roles as ambassadors, they are granted access to divine council (Exod 32-34, Isa 6, Mark 9:2, 2 Peter 1:16-18, Gal 1:11-12)
3. ) Anointing: and they are annoited with God’s spirit (Luke 24:49, John 15:26-27, 2 Peter 1:21)

Question 3

What is double agency discourse?

Answer 3

a. ) Helpful in understanding primary and secondary authors of Scripture between God and man
b. ) One person authorizes another person to speak on his behalf, in his name (ambassador to another country)
c. ) Ministry of apostles and prophets is an example of this

Question 4

How is Scripture God-breathed?

Answer 4

a. ) Doctrine: In the inspiration of the Holy Scripture, the Spirit so moves prophets and apostles that in writing their words they communicate God’s word in servant form
b. ) God is the primary cause and author of Scripture
c. ) Holy Scripture is the product of God’s intention to communicate His word to His people.
d. ) In sum: “Scripture is totally the product of the Spirit of God, who speaks through prophets and apostles, and at the same time totally the product of the activity of the authors

Question 5

What does it mean for Scripture to be God’s word in servant form?

Answer 5

• All revelation short of the Beatific Vision, is a species of God speaking to creatures by creatures.
• God’s covenant word speaking to God’s covenant people for covenant friendship (speaks to people in their language)
• Covenant Relation
• • Narrative: God’s name, God’s history of kindness
• • Prophecy/Apocalyptic: God’s promises and warnings
• • Law, wisdom, poetry: God’s law for life and worship

Summary: The various genres of the Bible are suitable forms of human literature fitted to the formation of faith, hope, and love in human beings to the glory of God.