Introduction to Bibliology Revelation Inspiration Illumination Canonicity
The Bible s History Revelation- from God to man Inspiration- from man to paper Illumination- from paper to heart
Meaning of Bible The English word bible is derived from the Greek word biblion, which means book or roll. The name comes from byblos, which denoted the papyrus plant that grew in marshes or river banks, primarily along the Nile.
Meaning of Scripture The word translated Scripture comes from the Greek word graphe, which simply means writing. The writings of the Old Testament were eventually collected into three groups called the Law, Prophets, and Writings (or Psalms), and constituted the 39 books of the Old Testament.
Claims of the Bible 3800 x s the Bible declares God said or thus says the Lord 25% of the Bible is prophetic in nature Paul, Peter & John, Jesus & the Father all made acknowledgement of Scripture s authority.
Continuity of the Bible Different Occupations of writers Different Locations of writing Different Circumstances of writers
Revelation The word revelation is derived from the Greek word apokalupsis, which means disclosure or unveiling. Revelation is both general God revealing Himself in history and nature, and special God revealing Himself in the Scriptures and in His Son.
How God reveals Himself He often spoke to men through angels He spoke to men through a voice. He spoke to men through a still, small voice He spoke to men through nature He spoke through the mouth of an donkey He spoke to men through dreams. He spoke to men through visions. He spoke to men through theophanies.
General Revelation Romans 1:18-21 The invisible attributes, eternal power, and divine nature of God have been clearly seen (v. 20). The human race is rendered guilty and without excuse through God s revelation of Himself in nature. This revelation gives mankind an awareness of God but is of itself inadequate to provide salvation."
Revelation God has also revealed Himself to the human race through His providential control. It is through His supplying people with sunshine and rain that enables them to live and function (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:15-17). Further, God has revealed Himself through conscience. Romans 2:14-15 indicates God has placed intuitional knowledge concerning Himself within the heart of man.
Special Revelation Special revelation involves a narrower focus than general revelation and is restricted to Jesus Christ and the Scriptures.
Inspiration From man to paper Elements of Inspiration: Divine Causality Prophetic Agency Written Authority!12
Theories of Inspiration The Natural theory The Mechanical Theory The Content /Concept Theory The Partial Theory The Spirit-Rule Only Theory The Plenary-Verbal Theory
Plenary-Verbal That all (plenary), the very words (verbal) of the Bible are inspired by God. This view alone is the correct one.
Implications of inspiration. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not teach that all parts of the Bible are equally important, but only that they are equally inspired. Plenary-verbal inspiration does not allow for any false teaching, but it does on occasion record the lie of someone Plenary-verbal inspiration does not permit any historical, scientific, or prophetical error whatsoever.
ILLUMINATION Illumination is that method used by the Holy Spirit to shed divine light upon all seeking men as they look into the Word of God. Illumination is from the written word to the human heart.
Reasons for Illumination It is necessary because of natural blindness (1 Cor 2:14) It is necessary because of satanic blindness (2 Cor 4:3) It is necessary because of carnal blindness ( Heb 5:12)
Results of Illumination People are saved Christians are strengthened
Implications Need for faith Need for explanation!19
End of Class One review Revelation is Inspiration is Illumination is!20
Inerrancy & Infallibility Inerrant- without error in the original autographs Infallible- will never fail in what it declares.
1. Amazing Unity In spite of long periods between writings In spite of many authors and various occupations In spite of geographical places. Different writing styles.
2. Indestructibility From Political Persecutions From Religious Persecutions
3. Historical Accuracy Sir William Ramsey William F. Albright Archaeology Facts
4. Scientific Accuracy Earth is spherical Suspended in space Stars are innumerable Mountains in the sea Springs in sea Ocean currents Hydrologic cycle All things reproduced after their kind Health & sanitation
5. Prophetical Accuracy Dealing with Israel Dealing with Gentile Nations Specific Cities Specific Individuals Concerning Messiah (JESUS)
6. Universal Influence Literature Art Music Law
7. It s Care & Copy No book has been copied more Rules for copying Number of Copies
8. Amazing Circulation Only 1/2 of 1% of all books published survive 7 years. 80% of all books are forgotten in 1 year. Bible is consistent best seller.
9. Absolute Honesty Speaks of both the successes and failures of it s characters. Tells of eternal realities repugnant to the human mind.
10. It s Life Transforming Power Ability to transform sinners to saints. Ability to continue to make us more like Jesus
Canonicity Definition Gk. kanon- =rod,ruler Synonyms Sacred Scriptures Writings What does NOT determine entrance in cannon: Age Hebrew Language Agreement w/ Torah Religious value
Authoritative Often there is thus says the Lord Teaching- divine pronouncement of what believers should do History- divine pronouncement of what God has done.
5 Basic Criteria Authoritative- does it claim to be from God? Prophetic- was it written by a servant of God? Authentic- does it tell the truth concerning God, man, etc.? Received- do people to whom it is written bear witness? Dynamic- does it possess life-changing power?
Prophetic Gal 1:1 Heb. 1:1 2 Pt. 1-20 2 Thes.2:2 Concerning true writers Concerning false writers
Authenticity True & accurate; since God can not lie, the content must match previous revelations The Aporcrypha is rejected due to this test.
Dynamic Only the truth has life changing power 2 Tim 3:16,17 Heb 4:12 1 Peter 1:23 1 Peter 2:2
Acceptance by People of God Torah immediately accepted Paul s epistles- immediately received by the church Some book rejected due to lack of authority God vindicates those He chooses.
Procedure for Canonicity Inspiration by God Recognition by Man Collection And preservation of writings
Writing materials Clay Stone Papyrus Vellum Metal
Language Old Testament was written in Hebrew with some passages in Aramaic New Testament written in Greek
Reasons for Writing Precision Propagation Preservation
Old Testament Job -2150 bc Pentatuch-1402 bc Joshua- 1350 bc Judges & Ruth-1050bc Psalms- 965bc Prov., Ecc.,Song- 926bc 1&2 Samuel- 926bc 1 Kings & 1 Chron. 848bc Obadiah- 848bc Joel- 835bc Jonah-780bc Amos-765bc Hosea- 755bc Isaiah- 750bc Micah- 740bc Jeremiah & Lam.- 640bc Nahum- 630bc Habakkuk & Zephaniah- 625bc Ezekiel- 593bc 2 Kings & 2 Chron.-539bc Daniel- 538bc Haggai & Zechariah- 520bc Esther- 476bc Ezra- 458bc Nehemiah- 445bc Malachi- 432bc
New Testament James- 49ad 1&2 Thessalonians.- 52ad 1 Corinthians -55ad 2 Corinthians -56ad Galatians- 57ad Romans- 58ad Luke-59ad Acts-60ad Philippians, Colossians,Ephesians, Philemon- 61ad Matthew- 63ad Mark-63ad Hebrews- 64ad 1 Timothy- 65ad 1 Peter- 65ad 2 Peter- 66ad Titus- 66ad Jude- 67ad 2 Timothy-67ad John- 85-90ad 1 John- 90-95ad 2 & 3 John- 90-95ad Revelation- 95 ad
Human Writers Matthew-author of Gospel Mark- author of Gospel Luke- author of Gospel, Acts John- author of Gospel, 1-3 John, Revelation James- author of epistle Jude- author of epistle Peter- author of 1 & 2 Peter Paul- author of 14 New Testament books.