Authority of Scripture in Christian Tradition and Theology
The authority of Scripture in Christian tradition and theology refers to the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and serves as the ultimate rule for faith and practice [3, 4]. This concept is foundational to Christian doctrine, asserting that the Scriptures are "given by inspiration of God" and "breathed out by God's own speech" [1, 7]. The New Testament consistently uses the term "Scripture" to denote a definite collection of sacred books, primarily the Old Testament, which were regarded as divinely inspired [2].
The Bible itself attests to its divine origin and authority. For instance, 2 Timothy 3:16 states that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" [7]. This verse highlights both the source of Scripture (God-breathed) and its practical purpose in guiding believers [7]. Similarly, 2 Peter 1:21 explains that "prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This indicates that while human authors were involved, God was fully responsible for the content [1, 7]. The apostle Peter further emphasizes the reliability of prophetic words, stating that they are "more sure" than even eyewitness accounts of divine events [6].
Jesus Christ himself affirmed the authority of the Old Testament Scriptures by appealing to them and teaching from them [1]. For example, in Matthew 4:4, when tempted by the devil, Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy, saying, "It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God’" [9]. This demonstrates his reliance on and submission to the written Word as authoritative [1, 9]. He also referred to the Scriptures as the "Word of God" [1].
The term "canon" is used to describe the collection of books that form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian Church, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments [3]. The word "canon" itself derives from a Hebrew and Greek word meaning a reed or cane, which came to signify a straight rod or a rule [4]. Thus, the Scriptures are considered the "standard of doctrine and duty" [4]. A book is deemed to have "canonical authority" not because of ecclesiastical decree, but because it inherently possesses the right to be included among other divinely revealed texts [4]. God's purpose was to perpetuate His revealed will through an infallible written record, which was enlarged over time until the completion of the Old and New Test Testaments [2].
Various biblical terms are used to describe the Scriptures, underscoring their divine nature and authority. They are called "the Word" (James 1:21-23; 1 Peter 2:2), "the Word of God" (Luke 11:28; Hebrews 4:12), "the Word of Christ" (Colossians 3:16), "the Word of truth" (James 1:18; Daniel 10:21), "Holy Scriptures" (Romans 1:2; 2 Timothy 3:15), and "the Scripture of truth" (Daniel 10:21) [1, 10]. These designations highlight that the Bible is not merely human literature but a divine communication. The "word of truth" is understood to come from the God of truth, containing nothing but truth, and is often associated with the Gospel [10].
The authority of Scripture extends to both doctrine and practice [8]. It is considered the "true source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice" [8]. The power of God is expressed through His word, which is described as great, strong, glorious, mighty, everlasting, sovereign, effectual, irresistible, and incomparable [5]. The written Word is considered "quick and powerful," and the preached Gospel is "the power of God to salvation" [11]. This power is not merely persuasive but transformative, as the word of a king carries authority and is executed upon the disobedient [11].
The practice of reading Scripture publicly was transferred from the Jewish synagogue to the Christian Church [12]. Early Christians recognized the New Testament Gospels and Epistles as inspired, and they were read alongside the Old Testament in church gatherings [12]. This practice further solidified the understanding of these texts as authoritative and essential for the community of faith.
The concept of Scripture's authority implies that it is sufficient for salvation and for equipping believers for every good work [7]. It provides wisdom for living out one's salvation and serves as a guide for ethical conduct and spiritual growth [7]. The divine inspiration ensures that the Bible is reliable and trustworthy, providing a stable foundation for Christian belief and life.
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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Scripture — Invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite collection of sacred books, regarded as given by inspiration of God, which we usually call the Old Testament (2 Tim. 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Gal. 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:20). It was God's purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed will. From time to time he raised up men to commit to writing in an infallible record the revelation he gave. The "Scripture," or collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed "Scripture," consisting of the Old and New Testa”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Canon Of Scripture, The — may be generally described as the "collection of books which form the original and authoritative written rule of the faith and practice of the Christian Church," i.e. the Old and New Testaments. The word canon, in classical Greek, is properly a straight rod, "a rule" in the widest sense, and especially in the phrases "the rule of the Church," "the rule of faith," "the rule of truth," The first direct application of the term canon to the Scriptures seems to be in the verses of Amphilochius (cir. 380 A.D.), where the word indicates the rule by ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Canon — This word is derived from a Hebrew and Greek word denoting a reed or cane. Hence it means something straight, or something to keep straight; and hence also a rule, or something ruled or measured. It came to be applied to the Scriptures, to denote that they contained the authoritative rule of faith and practice, the standard of doctrine and duty. A book is said to be of canonical authority when it has a right to take a place with the other books which contain a revelation of the Divine will. Such a right does not arise from any ecclesiastical authority, but fr”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of God, The — Is one of his attributes -- Ps 62:11. Expressed by the Voice of God. -- Ps 29:3,5; 68:33. Finger of God. -- Ex 8:19; Ps 8:3. Hand of God. -- Ex 9:3,15; Isa 48:13. Arm of God. -- Job 40:9; Isa 52:10. Thunder of his power. -- Job 26:14. Described as Great. -- Ps 79:11; Na 1:3. Strong. -- Ps 89:13; 136:12. Glorious. -- Ex 15:6; Isa 63:12. Mighty. -- Job 9:4; Ps 89:13. Everlasting. -- Isa 26:4; Ro 1:20. Sovereign. -- Ro 9:21. Effectual. -- Isa 43:13; Eph 3:7. Irresistible. -- De 32:39; Da 4:35. Incomparable. -- Ex 15:11,12; De 3:24; Job 40:9; Ps 89:8.”
- 2 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 2 Peter 1:19: In these words the apostle lays down another argument to prove the truth and reality of the gospel, and intimates that this second proof is more strong and convincing than the former, and more unanswerably makes out that the doctrine of the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is not a mere fable or cunning contrivance of men, but the wise and wonderful counsel of the holy and gracious God. For this is foretold by the prophets and penmen of the Old Testament, who spoke and wrote under the influence and according to the direction of the Spirit of God. Here no”
- 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”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:16: Scripture is the true source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice. Be ye . . . for I am--It is I with whom ye have to do. Ye are mine. Therefore abstain from Gentile pollutions. We are too prone to have respect unto men [CALVIN]. As I am the fountain of holiness, being holy in My essence, be ye therefore zealous to be partakers of holiness, that ye may be as I also am [DIDYMUS]. God is essentially holy: the creature is holy in so far as it is sanctified by God. God, in giving the command, is willing to give also the power to obey i”
- Matthew (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Matthew 4:4: But he answered and said, it is written,.... The passage referred to, and cited, is in Deu 8:3 the manner of citing it is what was common and usual with the Jews; and is often to be met with in the Talmudic writings; who, when they produce any passage of scripture, say "as it is written". The meaning of this scripture is; not that as the body lives by bread, so the soul lives by the word of God, and doctrines of the Gospel; though this is a certain truth: or that man lives by obedience to the commands of God, as was promised to the Israelites in the wilderness, and in”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 119:41: And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,.... The Scriptures, which are by divine inspiration, come from the God of truth, contain nothing but truth in them, and are called "the Scriptures of truth", Dan 10:21. Or the Gospel, which is often so called, Eph 1:13; This comes from God, who cannot lie, and is a declaration of his mind and will concerning the salvation of men; in which Christ, who is the truth, is concerned, being the author, preacher, and substance of it; into which the Spirit of truth leads men, and makes it useful and effectual; which has”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 8:4: Where the word of a king is, there is power,.... Or "dominion" (z). Authority goes along with his word of command; and there is an inferior magistracy, a subordinate power under him, ready to execute his will upon the rebellious and disobedient. Jarchi interprets it, the word of the holy blessed God; and the Targum, the word of that King who rules over all the world; where his word of doctrine comes, not in word only, it is with power: his written word is quick and powerful; the word of his Gospel preached is the power of God to salvation; or is accompanied with ”
- 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”