Re: Inspiration of Scripture. We often hear people claiming this confidently but is there really a verse that really claims that the entire Bible is the word of God? 2 Tim. 3: 16 speaks along those lines but to me it refers more to Old Testament scriptures rather than all other scriptures, because much 0f the New Testament hadn’t been written yet. What are your views on this?
2 Timothy was Paul’s last letter, written during his final stretch in prison, which would end with his execution. The New Testament hadn’t been compiled yet, but all of Paul’s other letters, 3 of the Gospels, Acts, Hebrews, James, Peter’s letters, and Jude were probably already in circulation. Only John’s letters, his Gospel, and the Book of Revelation came later.
Even so, when God inspired Paul to write, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” I believe He had the entire Bible in mind, even those parts that hadn’t been written yet.
God could do this because He knew the other books would be written, and He knew what they would say, because He’s the ultimate Author of all Scripture.
To me that means it’s reasonable for us to assume that 2 Tim. 3:16-17 refers to all 66 Books of the Bible.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”.