How does Jeremiah 36:21 connect with 2 Timothy 3:16 on Scripture's authority? Setting the scene Jeremiah, under direct command from the LORD (Jeremiah 36:2), dictates a scroll to Baruch. That scroll carries heaven-sent warnings meant for king and nation. Verse 21 records the moment it is brought before King Jehoiakim: “Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he brought it from the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it to the king and to all the officials standing beside him.” Centuries later Paul writes: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Shared foundation: God speaks, humanity listens • Both passages assume the same starting point: God’s voice captured in written words. • In Jeremiah the scroll comes straight from the prophet, yet its true Author is the LORD (Jeremiah 36:2). • Paul simply states what Jeremiah’s story demonstrates—Scripture is “God-breathed,” originating from God Himself. Four parallels that showcase Scripture’s authority 1. Divine origin – Jeremiah’s scroll: commissioned by God (“Write all the words that I have spoken to you” – v.2). – Paul’s claim: every Scripture carries God’s own breath. 2. Public proclamation – The scroll is read aloud “to the king and to all the officials.” – Timothy is urged to keep Scripture central in teaching the church (2 Timothy 4:2). 3. Purpose of correction – Jeremiah’s message confronts sin, calls for repentance (Jeremiah 36:3, 7). – Paul lists “conviction” and “correction” as built-in functions of Scripture. 4. Indestructible authority – Jehoiakim cuts and burns the scroll (36:23), yet God immediately orders an identical rewrite (36:28-32). – Paul echoes this permanence: Scripture remains profitable for every generation (cf. Isaiah 55:11; Matthew 24:35). Enduring authority despite opposition Jehoiakim’s fire could not silence God’s voice; instead, the rewritten scroll adds judgments against the king (36:30-31). Likewise, no rejection can void 2 Timothy 3:16—because the authority rests in God, not human acceptance (Psalm 119:89). Takeaways for believers • Expect Scripture to confront us just as it confronted a king—its authority is absolute. • Treat the Bible as the living, unbreakable word that God Himself safeguards (Hebrews 4:12). • Let its God-breathed truth instruct, convict, correct, and train us daily, knowing the same voice that spoke to Jeremiah speaks to us now. |
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