Defense of Sola Scriptura Supreme Authority: The Teachings of Jesus, the Apostles, the Prophets, and Early Church Fathers on Sola Scriptura

The following is good information on why Sola Scriptura i.e. Scripture is the supreme authority on truth from error, and is what we go to to examine what is being taught by someone is true or false. I have put together information about what Jesus and the Apostles taught, the early Church acceptance of the Old Testament Scriptures and the New Testament Scriptures as Divinely Inspired, and the importance and supremacy of the Scriptures to test what people teach, which includes testing Denominations, Church Fathers, Councils, Creeds, etc. Sola Scriptura i.e. Scripture Alone is debated and contested by Roman Catholics and those of the Orthodox Church, and though the Scriptures teach the authority of the Scriptures and even the early Church Fathers taught the supremacy of the Scriptures. It was the Protestant Reformation that took a stand against the many unbiblical teachings and unbiblical authority of the Roman Catholic Church and against the Orthodox Church unbiblical teachings and authority.

The Didache New Testament Books:

“Didache contained instructions for Christian groups; and its statement of belief may be the first written catechism. It has four parts: the first is the “Two Ways, the Way of Life and the Way of Death;” the second explains how to perform rituals such as baptism, fasting, and Communion; the third covers ministry and how to deal with traveling teachers; the fourth part is a reminder that Jesus is coming again, with quotations from several New Testament passages which exhort Christians to live godly lives and prepare for “that day.” [The Didache, “Christian History Institute]

THE DIDACHE EARLY CREED OF APOSTOLIC TEACHINGS 50-100AD :

The following is a list of New Testament Books that are referenced in the Didache: Matthew, Luke, Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Thessalonians.

CLEMENT OF ROME LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 95AD:

The following is a list of New Testament Books that are referenced in Clement of Rome letter to the Corinthians: Matthew, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, Ephesians, Titus, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter.

POLYCARP LETTER TO THE PHILIPPIANS 110AD:

The following is a list of New Testament Books that are referenced in Polycarp letter to the Philippians: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John.

Muratorian Fragment (170AD) List of New Testament Books:

• Matthew

• Mark

• Luke

• John

• The Acts of the Apostles

• Paul's Letters:

• Romans

• 1 Corinthians

• 2 Corinthians

• Galatians

• Ephesians

• Philippians

• Colossians

• 1 Thessalonians

• 2 Thessalonians

• 1 Timothy

• 2 Timothy

• Titus

• Philemon

• Jude

• 1 John

• 2 John

• Revelation

  
  

From 100AD to 170AD there were 22 of the 27 New Testament books that were recognized as Scripture. Before there was any council or recognized New Testament canon the early Church Fathers in the first 300 years or so referenced the New Testament Scriptures as inspired and their teaching authority. Scholars believe that the number of New Testament quotes from the early apostolic church fathers is very strong evidence for the authority and credibility of the New Testament. There are 36,289 quotations from the early Apostolic Church Fathers and leaders in reference to the New Testament writings (99.99%). That means that almost literally the whole New Testament was cited by the early Church Fathers as Scripture and for teaching (except 5-10 verses) by the early Church Fathers in the first few centuries . This is extremely super extraordinary and utterly amazing of itself, demonstrating the divine inspired authority and reliability of the New Testament Scriptures from first-hand eyewitnesses to the life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The New Testament writers believed the Old Testament Scriptures were the inspired Word of God, and this is demonstrated by their numerous allusions to it in their writings with 1600 citations of the Old Testament, 295 quotations and 10 percent of the New Testament is Old Testament content. The apostles of Jesus Christ relied upon the Old Testament as their supreme authority for truth and revelation through the Holy Spirit, and that the Old Testament Scriptures revealed that Jesus was the Messiah (the Christ), the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

The New Testament Teachings of Jesus on Scripture:

"When Jesus and his disciples used the phrase "it is written," it typically referred to quoting from the Old Testament scriptures, which they viewed as having divine authority[1][2]. This phrase, often used in the perfect tense, meant that what was written in the past still stands as the authoritative Word of God[1]. Jesus employed this phrase over 90 times, particularly when resisting temptation, indicating that he considered it the final word on a topic[1]. The New Testament authors similarly used Old Testament quotations with formulas like "it is written" or "Scripture says" to emphasize the permanent and binding nature of the scriptures[3]. This usage reflects the belief that the Old Testament was not merely a witness to God's revelation, but was itself God's authoritative word[4]. Jesus affirmed the divine authority and infallibility of the Old Testament, stating that "the scripture cannot be broken" and that not even the smallest part of it would disappear until everything was accomplished[1][4]." (from LOGOS)

[1] Norman L. Geisler, “Bible, Jesus’ View Of,” in Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999), 99–100.

[2] Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907), 199.

[3] David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 751.

[4] Donald A. Carson, “Approaching the Bible,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 5.

"The apostles taught that Scripture, including both the Old Testament and their own teachings, carried divine authority. They viewed their messages as coming directly from God, not merely human wisdom[1]. Paul, for instance, claimed that his words were "taught by the Spirit" and thanked God when his message was received "not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God"[1]. The apostles considered Scripture to be "God-breathed" and useful for teaching and correction[1][2]. They placed their own writings on par with the Old Testament, with Peter even equating Paul's letters to "other Scriptures"[1]. The apostles believed they spoke with divine authority because they had received the Holy Spirit[3][4]. They often used Old Testament quotations and allusions to support their teachings, demonstrating their view of Scripture's ongoing authority[2]. Jesus himself spoke with authority and endorsed the divine authority of the Old Testament and the teachings of the apostles[1]. This understanding of Scriptural authority was rooted in the belief that it was God's self-revelation, containing divinely revealed truths that constitute the rule of faith and morals[5]." (from LOGOS)

[1] Gordon Bridger, The Message of Obadiah, Nahum and Zephaniah: The Kindness and Severity of God, ed. Alec Motyer and Derek Tidball, The Bible Speaks Today (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2010), 183.

[2] P. H. Towner, “The Pastoral Epistles,” in New Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. T. Desmond Alexander and Brian S. Rosner, electronic ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000), 335.

[3] G. W. Bromiley, “Scripture, Authority of,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–1988), 362.

[4] Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907), 200.

[5] Carl F.H. Henry, “Bible, Authority of The,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 299.

New Testament 180 Quotes from Jesus Referencing the Old Testament:

"1. Matthew 4:4 Matthew 4:7 Matthew 4:10 Deuteronomy 8:3 Deuteronomy 6:16 Deuteronomy 6:13 TEMPTATION 2. Matthew 5:21 Matthew 5:27 Exodus 20:13 Exodus 20:14 SERMON ON THE MOUNT 3. Luke 4:18, 19 Isaiah 61:1, 2 HOMETOWN SERMON 4. Matthew 9:13 Mark 10:7, 8 Mark 12:29, 30 Matthew 15:7-9 John 8:17 Hosea 6:6 Genesis 2:24 Deuteronomy 6:4, 5 Isaiah 29:13 Deuteronomy 17:6 CONFRONTATIONS WITH THE JEWISH RULERS 5. Luke 7:27 Malachi 3:1 6. Matthew 21:16 TRIBUTE TO JOHN Psalm 8:2 7. Luke 19:46 TRIUMPHAL ENTRY Isaiah 56:7 8. Matthew 21:42, 44 TEMPLE CLEANSING Psalm 118:22, 23 9. Mark 12:36 PARABLE ABOUT ISRAEL Psalm 110:1 10. John 15:25 TEMPLE QUESTION SESSION Psalm 35:19; 69:4 LAST PASSOVER 11. Matthew 27:46 Luke 23:46 Psalm 22:1 Psalm 31:5 ON THE CROSS"

"The Events and Individuals He Referred To  The creation of Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:27; 2:24; Mk. 10:6-8)  The murder of Abel (Gen. 4:10; Lk. 11:51)  The corruption of Noah's day and the flood (Gen. 6-7; Lk. 17:26-27)  The corruption of Lot's day and the fire (Gen. 19; Lk. 17:28-29)  The worldliness of Lot's wife (Gen. 19:26; Lk. 17:32)  The faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Mt. 22:32)  Moses and the burning bush (Ex. 3; Mk. 12:26)  Moses and the heavenly manna (Ex. 16:15; Jn. 6:31)  Moses and the brazen serpent (Num. 21:18; Jn. 3:14)  David and some shewbread (1 Sam. 21:6; Mt. 12:3-4)  Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1; Mt. 12:42)  Elijah, a widow, and the famine (1 Kings 17:1, 9; Lk. 4:25-26)  Naaman and his leprosy (2 Kings 5; Lk. 4:27)  The murder of Zechariah (2 Chron. 24:20-21; Lk. 11:51)  Daniel and the abomination of desolation (Dan. 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Mt. 24:15)  Jonah and the fish (Jon. 1:17; Mt. 12:40; 16:4)  Jonah and the repentance of the Ninevites (Jon. 3:4-10; Lk. 11:30; Mt. 12:41) The Passages He Quoted From  During His temptations 1. The first temptation (in Mt. 4:4 He quoted Deut. 8:3) 2. The second temptation (in Mt. 4:7 He quoted Deut. 6:16) 3. The third temptation (in Mt. 4:10 He quoted Deut. 6:13)  During His Sermon on the Mount 1. In Mt. 5:21 He quoted Ex. 20:13, the sixth commandment 2. In Mt. 5:27 He quoted Ex. 20:14, the seventh commandment; (also compare Mt. 5:31 with Deut. 24:1). (Note: He later quoted some of the same commandments during His talk with a rich young ruler. See Mk. 10:19)  During His hometown sermon (in Lk. 4:18-19 he quoted Isa. 61:1-2)  During various confrontations with Jewish rulers 1. As He defended His associating with sinners (in Mt. 9:13 He quoted Hos. 6:6) 2. As He expounded on marriage (in Mk. 10:7-8 He quoted Gen. 2:24) 3. As He was asked concerning the greatest of the commandments (in Mk. 12:29-30 He quoted Deut. 6:4-5) 4. As He rebuked their vain traditions (in Mt. 15:7-9 He quoted Isa. 29:13) 5. As the Pharisees questioned His authority (in Jn. 8:17 He quoted Deut. 17:6)  During His tribute to John the Baptist (in Lk. 7:27 He quoted Malachi 3:1)  During His Triumphal Entry Day (in Mt. 21:16 He quoted Psa. 8:2)  During His cleansing of the temple (in Lk. 19:46 He quoted Isa. 56:7)  During a parable about Israel (in Mt. 21:42, 44 He quoted Psa. 118:22-23; Isa. 8:14-15)  During a question session in the temple (in Mk. 12:36 He quoted Psa. 110:1)  During His last Passover night—predicting the world would hate the disciples as they hated Him (in Jn. 15:25 He quoted Psa. 35:19; 69:4)  On the cross 1. His fourth utterance (in Mt. 27:46 He quoted Psa. 22:1) 2. His seventh utterance (in Lk. 23:46 He quoted Psa. 31:5)"

Source https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1060&context=second_person

The Centrality of the Apostles’ Teaching and Word

"Acts 2:42 begins: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching …” This suggests that the first Christians prioritized the teaching of the apostles. It can be assumed this teaching was centered on Christ since one of the criteria for apostleship in the early part of Acts was having been with Jesus and having witnessed the resurrection (Acts 1:21–22). This meant the apostles could teach the ministry and life of Christ firsthand. Further, the apostolic records held in the Gospels certainly have their focus on the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Likely, it also included much of the parabolic and ethical teaching of Jesus found in the Gospels.

One of the key dimensions of this teaching was finding Christ in the writings of Israel—the Old Testament. Luke also mentions in the prologue to his Gospel other writers who have “undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been fulfilled (plēeophoreō) among us,” which led to his desire to write his own orderly account for Theophilus (Luke 1:2–3). Fulfilment of the Old Testament Scriptures is a key theme of Luke. It is not surprising that Acts is replete with quotes from the Old Testament, which the church interpreted as pointers to Jesus the Messiah. Luke’s account of the resurrection appearances of Christ also includes Jesus unpacking the Scriptures for the disciples and how the Scriptures anticipate the hope of a crucified and raised Messiah (Luke 24:26–27, 32, 44–47). Some of those Scriptures Jesus cited include:

1. A replacement leader for Judas (Acts 1:20, cf. Ps 69:25; 109:8)

2. The Spirit poured out (Acts 2:17–21, cf. Joel 2:28–32)

3. Jesus’ exaltation and resurrection (Acts 2:25–28, cf. Ps 16:8–11)

4. Jesus’ exaltation over enemies and cosmic lordship (Acts 2:34–35, cf. Ps 110:1)

5. Jesus, the fulfillment of the hope of a prophet (Acts 3:22–23, cf. Deut 18:15, 18–19)

6. Blessings of Abraham to all nations through Jesus (Acts 3:25–26, cf. Gen 22:18; 26:4)

7. Jesus, the rejected capstone (Acts 4:11, cf. Ps 118:22)

8. Opposition to the Messiah (Acts 4:25–26, cf. Ps 2:1–2)

9. Jesus, the suffering servant (Acts 8:32–33, cf. Isa 53:7–8)

This high view of Old Testament Scripture is seen in the references to the work of the Spirit through the human agency in its writing (e.g., Acts 1:16; 4:25).

The presentation of the history of Israel in Stephen’s final speech also points to the disciples’ knowledge and reinterpretation of the Old Testament in light of Jesus’ coming (Acts 7:2–53 [full of references and allusions]). With a great deal of scriptural detail, Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 retraces the whole history of Israel including (1) the election of Abraham; (2) the patriarchs, Isaac and Jacob; (3) Joseph in Egypt; (4) suffering in Egypt; (5) Moses and the exodus with the hope of a prophet (Deut 18:15); and (6) the tabernacle and temple. Most of this is drawn from the Pentateuch, which is not surprising as the Sanhedrin was dominated by Sadducees, who only accepted the Pentateuch."

Mark J. Keown, Discovering the New Testament: An Introduction to Its Background, Theology, and Themes: The Gospels & Acts, vol. I (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018), 377–378.

The Teachings of Jesus and the Apostles Writings as Scripture is the Authority to Test Truth from Error, to Examine What Someone Teaches or Claims, Our Supreme Authority:

"39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; 40 and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from men; 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not seek the glory that is from the [one and] only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; the one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” JOHN 5:39-47

“44 Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and He said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”” LUKE 24:44-47“

“18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” MATTHEW 28:18-20

"“1 Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” 1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4

"31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." JOHN 20:31

"1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete." 1 JOHN 1:1-4

"16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”-- 18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." 2 PETER 1:16-21

"1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." 1 JOHN 1:1-2

“20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone” EPHESIANS 2:20

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 TIMOTHY 2:15

“8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” COLOSSIANS 2:8

“10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to [see] whether these things were so.” ACTS 17:10-11

“2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and [saying], “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.” ACTS 17:2-3

“14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned [them], 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

“3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited [and] understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” 1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5

“2 preach the word; be ready in season [and] out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but [wanting] to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 TIMOTHY 4:2-5

"1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not [just] please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." ROMANS 15:1-6

"42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." ACTS 2:42

"15 and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." 2 PETER 3:15-18

"13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong." 1 PETER 3:13-17

"12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one." 1 JOHN 2:12-14

"1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the [spirit] of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world" 1 JOHN 4:1-3

"13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 JOHN 5:13

"20 And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols." 1 JOHN 5:20-21

"4 I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. 5 Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds." 2 JOHN 1:4-11

"12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." HEBREWS 4:12

"12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, 13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil." 1 THESSALONIANS 5:12-22

These are various Scriptures on following the teachings of Jesus, the teachings of the Apostles, the authority of Scripture as our rule and guide to test truth from error, and this was what the early church was founded upon. There other Scriptures on this but this is sufficient to demonstrate the authority of the Divine Scriptures to go to to examine truth from error, and we also seek the Lord through the Holy Spirit to lead and guides us as we continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Christ Jesus. Proverbs 30:5-6 says: "5 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar." And in Jeremiah 23:29 says: "29 “Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?" And in Psalm 119:159-160 we read: "159 Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness. 160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." And in Isaiah 40:8 it says: "8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." And Jesus said in John 17:17 "Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." The Word of God is truth, and is the standard, the rule of faith, to which we go to to know the origins of life, why we are here, and so much more. That is why we read in 2 Timothy 3:14-17 Paul's instruction to Timothy which is also applied to all Christians.

“14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned [them], 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17

Early Church Fathers on the Authority of Scripture:

Irenaeus of Lyons: “We have learned from none others the plan of our salvation, than from those through whom the Gospel has come down to us, which they did at one time proclaim in public, and, at a later period, by the will of God, handed down to us in the Scriptures, to be the ground and pillar of our faith…Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect, while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome, and laying the foundations of the Church. After their departure, Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, did also hand down to us in writing what had been preached by Peter. Luke also, the companion of Paul, recorded in a book the Gospel preached by him. Afterwards, John, the disciple of the Lord, who also had leaned upon His breast, did himself publish a Gospel during his residence at Ephesus in Asia.” (Against Heresies, 3.1.1)

Tertullian of Carthage: “It will be your duty, however, to adduce your proofs out of the Scriptures as plainly as we do, when we prove that He made His Word a Son to Himself. . . . All the Scriptures attest the clear existence of, and distinction in (the Persons of) the Trinity, and indeed furnish us with our Rule of faith.” (Against Praxeas, 11)

Dionysius of Alexandria: “We did not evade objections, but we endeavored as far as possible to hold to and confirm the things which lay before us, and if the reason given satisfied us, we were not ashamed to change our opinions and agree with others; but on the contrary, conscientiously and sincerely, and with hearts laid open before God, we accepted whatever was established by the proofs and teachings of the Holy Scriptures.” (Eusebius, Church History, 7.24.8)

Gregory of Nssya: “They allege that while we confess three Persons we say that there is one goodness, and one power, and one Godhead. And in this assertion they do not go beyond the truth; for we do say so. But the ground of their complaint is that their custom does not admit this, and Scripture does not support it. What then is our reply? We do not think that it is right to make their prevailing custom the law and rule of sound doctrine. For if custom is to avail for proof of soundness, we too, surely, may advance our prevailing custom; and if they reject this, we are surely not bound to follow theirs. Let the inspired Scripture, then, be our umpire, and the vote of truth will surely be given to those whose dogmas are found to agree with the Divine words.” (Dogmatic Treatises, Book 12. On the Trinity, To Eustathius)

Cyril of Jerusalem: “Have thou ever in your mind this seal , which for the present has been lightly touched in my discourse, by way of summary, but shall be stated, should the Lord permit, to the best of my power with the proof from the Scriptures. For concerning the divine and holy mysteries of the Faith, not even a casual statement must be delivered without the Holy Scriptures; nor must we be drawn aside by mere plausibility and artifices of speech. Even to me, who tell you these things, give not absolute credence, unless thou receive the proof of the things which I announce from the Divine Scriptures. For this salvation which we believe depends not on ingenious reasoning , but on demonstration of the Holy Scriptures.” (Catechetical Lectures, 4.17)

Basil the Great: “Enjoying as you do the consolation of the Holy Scriptures, you stand in need neither of my assistance nor of that of anybody else to help you comprehend your duty. You have the all-sufficient counsel and guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead you to what is right.” (Letters St. Basil of Caesarea, 283)

This is shared to demonstrate that even though the early Church Fathers did go by the traditions of the Apostles they still went to the Scriptures as the supreme authority, the ground and pillar of faith, the rule of faith, proofs and teachings of the Holy Scriptures, to be the umpire the vote of truth, to teach nothing without the proof of the Divine Scriptures, and the consolation of the Scriptures we are to stand on, and the Holy Spirit to be our guidance to what is right. Whatever traditions of the Apostles were passed on to believe it would have to line up with what the Scriptures teach, and not teach contrary doctrines. The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:26-27 the following: "26 These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you. 27 As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him." As Christians we are also lead through prayer and by the Holy Spirit to led and guide through the Scriptures. Of course as the Bible teaches we have Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Evangelists, etc, but as we read in Acts 17:10-11 we are to test all that we hear by the Scriptures.

I pray this information is useful for you, and that it helps you know you can stand on the authority of the Scriptures for truth vs error, and we are to be eager to learn from others, but we test what is being taught by the Scriptures. Amen.

"10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to [see] whether these things were so.” ACTS 17:10-11

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Lord bless you,

Kelly Powers

Berean Perspective Apologetics