Thoughts: Paul explains his theory of inspiration here. His words, turned into scripture, were not just good philosophy or poetry or the history of his experience with God. He wasn't just a smart guy pouring out brilliant words. Rather, he believes the Holy Spirit taught him what to say. So he is explaining spiritual truths with words given by the Holy Spirit. We do not read Paul because he is a great grammatician or rhetorician. There are evidence of Greek minds who make Paul's style seem plain and simple. But Paul speaks to our hearts because he speaks led by the Holy Spirit. So the Holy Spirit takes Paul's words and makes them new and real to us today. God's truths are not just pretty words, but eternal principles that speak to the core of our being- even if they rebuke us or convict us. The Spirit is the missing ingredient in many theories of inspiration. It is not just that the words are true, but that the spirit inspired their writing, and illuminates and inspires us by the words used. The same Spirit who taught Paul is the Spirit of God that teaches us and lives inside us.
On Valentine's Day, perhaps we need to remind ourselves of the missing ingredient. Love is more than hormones or attraction. Human love cannot be quantified or measured. Love is the invisible gift of God that motivates us, teaches us, encourages us. So the Spirit is the invisible gift of God that inspired Paul to write and inspires us to listen.
Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit inspire me to understand, love, and apply your Holy Word.
Paul writing in Prison
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