Topical Bible: Books: Written With Pen and Ink

◄ Books: Written With Pen and Ink ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "written with pen and ink" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the epistles of the Apostle John. This expression highlights the practice of writing letters and documents by hand, a common method of communication in the ancient world. The use of pen and ink signifies the personal and deliberate effort involved in the transmission of important messages and teachings.

Biblical References:

1. 3 John 1:13 : "I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink. Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face."

2. 2 John 1:12 : "I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete."

In these passages, the Apostle John expresses a preference for personal, face-to-face communication over written correspondence. This preference underscores the value placed on direct interaction and the relational aspect of the early Christian community. However, the use of pen and ink was a necessary and practical means of communication, especially when distance or circumstances prevented personal visits.

Historical Context:

In the ancient world, writing materials such as papyrus, parchment, and ink were used for creating documents. The process of writing was labor-intensive and required skill. Scribes and literate individuals played a crucial role in the dissemination of information. The Apostle John's mention of pen and ink reflects the reality of his time, where written letters were a primary means of maintaining connections between distant communities and individuals.

Theological Implications:

The use of written communication in the early church was instrumental in the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of Christian doctrine. The epistles, many of which were written by apostles like Paul and John, served as authoritative teachings for the early believers. These letters addressed theological issues, provided guidance, and offered encouragement to the fledgling Christian communities.

The mention of pen and ink in John's letters also highlights the personal nature of his correspondence. Despite the limitations of written communication, the apostle's desire to see his recipients face to face reflects the importance of personal relationships and community in the Christian faith. The written word, while valuable, was seen as a supplement to the richer experience of personal fellowship.

Practical Application:

For contemporary Christians, the concept of "written with pen and ink" serves as a reminder of the importance of personal communication and relationships within the body of Christ. While modern technology offers new ways to connect, the value of face-to-face interaction remains significant. The personal touch in communication, whether through handwritten notes or in-person conversations, continues to be a vital aspect of nurturing faith and community.

In summary, the phrase "written with pen and ink" in the Bible reflects the historical practice of letter writing, the theological significance of apostolic teachings, and the enduring importance of personal relationships in the Christian life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 36:18
Then Baruch answered them, He pronounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

3 John 1:13
I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to you:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Books were Written.
... The books of the Old Testament were originally written upon skins of some sort. ... They
were commonly written on one side only, with an iron pen which was ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xii how the books.htm

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... upon the soul, then the soul is "the epistle of Christ," "written not with [pen
and] ink ... Many books are to no purpose but to feed and inflame men's lusts ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to ...
... 'I did not think To show to all the world my pen and ink ... that this invaluable treatise
is a summary of the guide books which Bunyan had before written. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the heavenly footman or a.htm

Early English Interpreters of Spiritual Religion: John Everard ...
... of God, for God's Word is not ink and paper ... live upon the trade, could stay his pen
at so ... the preacher with the translator of "Popish Books written by Priests ...
/.../chapter xiii early english interpreters.htm

The Original Text and Its History.
... reverence of the Jews for their sacred books manifests itself in ... No word must be
written till the copyist has first ... of God he must wash his pen; all redundance ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiv the original text.htm

Pentecost
... is spiritual; not written with ink and pen, nor uttered by ... Hence, our only use for
books is to strengthen our faith and to show others written testimony to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/pentecost.htm

Some Other Writers of the New Testament
... A PAPYRUS ROLL, WITH PORTIONS OF THREE PSALMS WRITTEN IN GREEK]. ... Luke write, and
what did his two books look like ... using an ink like black paint, and a reed pen. ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter xii some other writers.htm

Peaceable Principles and True: Or, a Brief Answer to Mr. D'Anver's ...
... you are driven to, to keep your pen going. ... scriptures that yours is forbidden, though
nowhere written; you will ... same which is the argument of my books; and as ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/peaceable principles and true or.htm

The Silence of Scripture
... They are but a pen-and-ink drawing of the Sun ... The four Gospels are written to tell
us these two facts about ... to the date and authorship of any of the books in it ...
/.../the silence of scripture.htm

The Scriptures Reveal Eternal Life through Jesus Christ
... There is a law written without, with pen and ink, and there is a law written within,
upon ... So that within a little time the advantage of all the books of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iv the scriptures reveal.htm