Musing – What does the word “Scripture” mean in the NT?

Hebraic Musing – What does the word “Scripture” mean in the NT?

The word “Scripture(s)” is mentioned 53 times in the NT[1]; but the NT had not been canonized when the NT letters were written.  So what did the word “Scripture” refer to?   OT writings!  Examples to consider:

·         Haven't you read this scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; Mark 12:10

·         "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" Luke 24:32   Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. Luke 24:45

·         After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled …. Then they believed the Scripture   John 2:22 

·         This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, …  John 19:24  

·         The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:   Acts 8:32 

·         …Bereans … received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11-12

·         …through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  Rom 15:4

·         The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, … Gal 3:8  

·         But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin    Gal 3:22  

·         From Paul to Timothy … and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  2 Tim 3:15

·         Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,    1 Tim 4:13     Hmm…read the OT now?

·         All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 2 Tim 3:16          

In the NIV’s NT the word “Word” is capitalized 9 times (S/B more); and “word of God” appears 38 times. To the Jewish ears, the “Word” and/or “Word of God” typically refers to the Torah, or Pentateuch (gr.). Here are classic examples where understanding the reference to the Torah clarifies the meaning:

·         In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. John 1:1-2

·         The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  John 1:14  No wonder the Jews refer to the Torah as the Living Word, and the scroll is treated as a person!

·         And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Acts 4:31

·         And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.   1 Thess 2:13

·         Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; 2 Tim 4:2    Oh!...preach the OT!?!?!

·         For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword,   Heb 4:12

·         I saw heaven …He has a name written on him … and his name is the Word of God.   Rev 19:11-14

It is no wonder that Jesus is referred to as the “Living Torah”!

Points to ponder

How can we ignore the role of and the study of the OT and the Torah?!?!

Is NT an epilogue to the OT?  (I am not diminishing the role of the NT!)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                             January 27, 2015              

Author “Hebraic Insights”;  “Biblical Marriage” & “Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”
Weekly e-mails “Hebraic Musings”
Yosef1@cox.net   or  www.InsightsByYosef.com

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[1] All references are from the NIV.