While many misunderstand the nature of divine inspiration and its impact in all matters of faith and practice (2 Peter 1:3) even more difficult to grasp is the means by which God has indeed revealed Himself to humanity through His Son, apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:19-22). As with a variety of biblical topics, this is best addressed in the negative, or rather what inspiration was not (Rex Turner, Systematic Theology [Montgomery: Alabama Christian School of Religion, 1989], pp. 1-18).
Inspiration was not a purification (or protection) from sin. The writers were not perfect men. When Peter visited the brethren at Antioch Paul wrote that he “resisted [Peter] to the face, because he stood condemned” since he “walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel” by practicing partiality (Galatians 2:11-14; cf. James 2:1-13). Purification from sin occurs only through the avenue of grace, faith and obedience (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 22:16).
Inspiration was not a mechanical process. The writers did not merely write what they were told. God, having prepared each writer for the work for which he was chosen, used their backgrounds in a way that allowed their individual language and style to provide the exact emphasis He intended. This truth is most evident in Luke who “traced the course of all things accurately from the first” in order to “draw up a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us” (Luke 1:1-4). The Spirit then protected this process to such an extent that the words themselves are rightfully called His own (1 Corinthians 2:13).
Inspiration was not a personal aid/advantage to the possessor. The writers were not idle learners of God’s Word. When Paul invited Timothy to visit him before his death he wrote, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). Though Paul had “fought the good fight,” “finished the course” and “kept the faith” (4:7) growth was still required on his part (2 Peter 3:18) even as an inspired writer!
Inspiration was not a restructuring of an individual’s physical and mental capacities. The writers were not stronger or smarter because they were inspired. God did not scrap His years of providential preparation to radically reform His ambassadors into perfect, Godlike robots. The variety of approaches, tones and vocabularies of each writer well attest to this fact. Not only this, no record of physical superiority is ever shown by an apostle. These men were not “supermen” they were merely the chosen messengers of God unto the world.
Did the writers have any benefits then for their role in revelation? Of course! They were grateful for their election knowing that they were far from deserving (Ephesians 3:8), united by their mutual call to fully proclaim God’s Word (Galatians 2:9) and were therefore all the more motivated to complete the work of the Lord in their age. “For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:9-10). It is up to you then to “present thyself approved unto God” by approaching “the word of truth” with diligence, faith and proper preparation (2 Timothy 2:15).
