Original collection
Scripture The holy writings found in the sixty-six books of the Old and New Testament. While Catholics proclaimed the Apocrypha to be Scripture in the Council of Trent (1548 A.D.), Christians throughout the centuries have not regarded them so. The Scriptures differ from other writings in that they are inspired of God (2 Tim 3:15-17). 2 Tim 3:15-17; 2 Pet 3:15-16; 1 Cor 14:37; 1 Thes 2:13; Eph 3:3-4; Matt 24:35; 1 Pet 1:25; 2 Thes 3:14. See Rev 19:15; Isa 11:1-4; Jn 12:48-50. See Sword of the Spirit.
Did the Apostles know they were writing scripture?
The Apostle Paul KNEW he was WRITING Scripture for he SPECIFICALLY stated in 1 Cor 14:37, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord."
What Paul WROTE were commands of the Lord.
In Jn 20:29-31, The Apostle John WROTE so people would have an eyewitness record of Jesus miracles and thereby could believe in Jesus and have life in His name, even though they did not personally see Him (cf. 21:24,25).
In 1 Jn 1:1-4; 2:1-17, The Apostle John WROTE so people could have his eyewitness testimony regarding Jesus, could have fellowship with God, could know we should not sin, and could be told God's commands we should obey.
In Rev 1:1,2,10,11,19; chap. 2 & 3, The Apostle John was instructed by Jesus to WRITE a message from Jesus and the Spirit to instruct the churches of Asia regarding Jesus will for them (cf. 14:13; 19:9; 21:5).
In Eph 3:3-5, What The Apostle Paul received by revelation from the Spirit, he WROTE so others could understand what he had received.
In 1 Tim 5:18, That which is properly called "Scripture" includes quotes from New Testament WRITING (Lk 10:7) right along with Old Testament writings.
In 2 Pet 3:15,16, The Apostle Peter classifies Paul's epistles right along with "OTHER SCRIPTURE". Hence, they should be treated with the same respect as any other Scripture.
In 2 Tim 3:14-17, All Scripture (both OLD and NEW) is inspired by God and was given to teach and instruct men so they could know all good works. Just as Old Testament writings were given to be a guide that people must follow to please God in their day, so the New Testament serves as an inspired guide in this age.
All men and women, need to know God's will, and God desires everyone to have that opportunity. To meet this need, God inspired men to record His message in WRITING in the Scriptures.
Key KJV Scriptures:
2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Corinthians 14:37; Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 3:15-16
Key KJV Scriptures: Full Text
11 indexed verses · Showing 1–11. Read each passage in its chapter context.
1 Corinthians 14:37 (KJV)
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
Ephesians 3:3 (KJV)
How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
Ephesians 3:4 (KJV)
Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
Ephesians 3:5 (KJV)
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:17 (KJV)
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:20 (KJV)
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
2 Peter 1:21 (KJV)
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2 Peter 3:16 (KJV)
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.