What scriptural connections exist between Jeremiah 36:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16 on inspiration? Setting the Scene in Jeremiah 36 “Then Jeremiah called Baruch son of Neriah, and while Jeremiah dictated all the words that the LORD had spoken to him, Baruch wrote them on a scroll.” (Jeremiah 36:4) Key Observations from Jeremiah 36:17 • “And they asked Baruch, ‘Tell us, please, how did you write all these words? Did Jeremiah dictate them?’” (Jeremiah 36:17) • The officials want to know the origin of the scroll—exactly how the words got from God to the page. • Baruch’s role is purely that of a scribe; the content flows from the LORD through Jeremiah. • The chain of transmission: God → Jeremiah (prophet) → Baruch (scribe) → scroll → people. How 2 Timothy 3:16 Completes the Picture “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Paul explains the spiritual reality behind what Jeremiah 36 illustrates historically. • “God-breathed” (theopneustos) affirms divine origin; Scripture carries the very breath of God. • Practical purpose—teaching, rebuking, correcting, training—flows out of that divine source. Shared Themes Between the Two Passages • Divine Initiation: In both texts the message begins with God, not man. • Human Instrumentality: Prophets, apostles, and scribes write, but they do so as vessels. • Verbal Accuracy: Baruch records “all these words” exactly as dictated; Paul labels the finished product “Scripture.” • Authority: Because words come from God’s mouth, they carry binding authority for belief and practice. Additional Passages Reinforcing the Link • 2 Peter 1:21—“For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Exodus 24:4—“And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.” • Revelation 1:11—“Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches…” Each passage repeats the same pattern—divine revelation recorded in written form for God’s people. Implications for Our Confidence in Scripture • What we read today in the Bible is not mere human reflection but God’s own words preserved. • The accuracy of the text rests on God’s oversight of its origin and transmission (Psalm 12:6-7). • Because the source is perfect, its teaching is trustworthy for every area of life (Proverbs 30:5). Take-Home Thoughts Jeremiah 36:17 pulls back the curtain on the mechanics of inspiration; 2 Timothy 3:16 supplies the theological explanation. Together they assure us that every verse we hold in our hands is the result of God breathing out His truth and faithfully guiding human writers to put it on the page—so we can build our lives on it with full confidence. |
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