In previous blogs, we saw how Peter and Paul dedicated themselves to gathering the Scriptures. Peter’s successor was Mark, and Paul’s substitute was Timothy. Paul calls Timothy to come to him, to bring Mark and the books and parchments.
The Importance of the Scriptures
If we turn back to the letter to Timothy in 2nd Timothy, we see that before Paul asks Timothy to bring his books and parchments to organize his library, he points out to him the importance of the Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3
14 But you, continue in the things you learned and were entrusted with, knowing from whom you learned them,
15 and that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The “but you” is repeated several more times in this letter (2:1; 3:10). Here in 2 Timothy 3:14, it is the contrast with those who have a form of godliness but have denied its power (2 Timothy 3:5). That power is Scripture, and that is what Paul will discuss next. Timothy had grown up with the Holy Scriptures (see also 1:5).
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for proof, for instruction in righteousness.
Breathed by God
Where this verse says “inspired by God,” the original Greek text uses one word: theopneustos. This literally means “breathed by God.” Just as Adam became a living soul because God breathed His breath of life into his nostrils (Gen. 2:7), so His word is alive because God breathes His spirit into it. Compare also: John 20:22.
All (or: every) Scripture, says Paul. This means that Timothy also knew all Scripture. He was familiar with all these Scriptures. This is also evident from the following verse.
17 that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped, thoroughly prepared for all good works.
complete and perfect
It is all Scripture, that fully equips the man of God, the believer, and thoroughly prepares him for every good work. If this Scripture is not complete, the believer is not fully equipped either.
From Childhood to Adulthood
Therefore, in the early days of the ecclesia, when the Word was not yet complete, people still spoke in tongues and prophesied. This is what Scripture calls “partial” (1 Cor. 13:9), that is, fragmentary, here a little, there a little.
It is also what 1 Corinthians 13:11 says: “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I thought like a child. But when I became a man, I put away the things that were of a child.”
And in verse 10: “But when maturity comes, what is in part will be done away.” That maturity has come; the Word is complete!