Holy Spirit and Scripture

The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture

The Spirit inspired the writers of the OT

2 Samuel 23:1–2 NASB95

Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel, “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.

See also Zec 7:12; Ne 9:30; Mic 3:8; Eze 2:2; Eze 11:24–25

The NT recognises OT writings as inspired by the Holy Spirit

2 Ti 3:16 “God-breathed” means “breathed out by God” rather than “inspired”; 2 Pe 1:20–21

See also 1 Pe 1:11; Heb 10:15–17; Mt 22:43; Ac 1:16; Ac 4:25; Ac 28:25–27; Heb 3:7–11

The Spirit inspired the writers of the NT

Eph 3:4–5 This revelation by the Spirit probably includes the apostles’ understanding of the gospel and their preaching as well as the writings of the NT.

See also Re 2:7; Re 2:11; Re 2:17; Re 2:29; Re 3:6; Re 3:13; Re 3:22; 1 Co 7:40

The Holy Spirit illumines the meaning of Scripture

1 Co 2:12–16 “what God has freely given” refers to “God’s secret wisdom” (verse 7), the “deep things of God” (verse 10) and the “thoughts of God” (verse 11).

See also Jn 14:26; 1 Jn 2:27; Jn 16:13–15; Heb 9:8; 2 Co 3:14–17; 1 Jn 2:20

The relationship between the word and the Holy Spirit

The association of God’s Spirit and breath with his word(s)

Ps 33:6; Is 59:21; Jn 3:34; Jn 6:63; Eph 6:17 “word” here probably means “the gospel” rather than Scripture as a whole.

The Spirit is essential for obeying God’s law

Ro 2:29 Reliance on the letter of the law alone is useless.

See also Ga 3:5; 2 Co 3:6; Ro 7:6; Ga 3:2; Ga 5:18

The Spirit enables believers to fulfil the law

Romans 8:4 NASB95

so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

See also Ga 5:4–5