1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us… They are the Word of God on several grounds. I. FROM THE MAJESTY AND SUBLIMITY OF THE STYLE IN WHICH THEY WERE WRITTEN. II. FROM THE GREAT AND HOLY DESIGN OF THEIR DIVINE AUTHOR, AND THE HARMONY OF ALL THEIR PARTS. III. FROM THE CHARACTER OF THE SACRED WRITERS. They lived at different times and in different parts of the world; their adversaries were many and mighty; they had no worldly advantages; they relate their own imperfections; they were either good or bad men. IV. FROM THE TESTIMONY OF GOD HIMSELF. Miracles — prophecy, the evidences of which increases the farther it goes. V. FROM THE SATISFACTION WHICH BELIEVERS OBTAIN FROM THE INWARD TESTIMONY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The inspiration of the sacred writers was supernatural and extraordinary; that of believers is extraordinary, but not supernatural. (A. Barber.) Parallel Verses KJV: For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. |
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