Scripture

The Bible uses the term "scripture" in a couple of ways that are interesting and telling.  The first way is to reference the Old Testament scriptures that were written over hundreds of years.  These scriptures instructed the Jews in following their religious practices and in looking forward to the day when a new King, Jesus, would come to bring deliverance. 

The use of "scripture" is used in a more comprehensive way as well.  There are a couple of verses that make reference to scripture including the New Testament writings as well.  Note Peter's comments at the end of 2 Peter.  He is speaking of the writings of Paul:

"...our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."

Here we see the writings of Paul being included in the term "scriptures."

Another passage that is interesting along this line is 1 Timothy 5:18.  "For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,' (Deuteronomy 25:4) and, 'The laborer is worthy of his wages.' "  (Luke 10:7)

In this passage the term Scripture is being used to include a quote from the OT as well as one from the NT as spoken by Jesus Himself.

So we conclude from all of this that Scripture for us today is Old Testament and New Testament teaching.  As followers of Christ, we are primarily under the Law of Christ, following the instruction of the New Testament.  But the OT is important for our learning.

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week and know that your are important.