Is All Scripture Inspired?

by J.C. Ryle

To J. C. Ryle, the inspiration of the Scriptures was 'the very keel and foundation of Christianity'.

But is all Scripture inspired? Are the very words and expressions from God, or does inspiration mean something less than this?

Ryle was convinced that the very words were from God, and that only this view makes sense of what the Bible itself claims. Here in Is All Scripture Inspired?, he eloquently defends this position, answers objections, and applies this understanding of inspiration to the life of the reader.

Genres: Christian, Theology

80 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 2004

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief, pointed, fast-paced, one-sitting reading on the topic of inspiration. There is no fancy argumentation here, though Ryle did give some useful citations and memorable axioms. This is well-suited to folks wanting an introduction beyond Confessional/creedal documents, or those who need a short refresher/encouragement.

[David Haines · Rating 3 out of 5]

An well-written overview of the reasons why we must believe that the entire word of God, in the original manuscripts, is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and, without error. A quick read that should be read by every Christian.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much organization - I mean, I'm so used to rambling thoughts in text that this book was near overwhelming. I mostly buy Ryle arguments, though I hope that Christians have more than these practical reasons to believe God's part in it. Oh, and **SPOILER** the answer is "Yes" - all scripture is inspired.

[Joseph Abudar · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.C. is quickly becoming one of my go to Anglicans and with this book he may become one of my favourite theologians. This segment of his book "Old Paths" brings his simple yet penetrating arguments for the Inspiration of Scripture. The slight knock I would have is that I wouldn't agree with the term "idolaters of this blessed books" as it might lead people to read the Bible with Man-centred emotionalism

[Joonas Laajanen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle sets forth the Scriptures as their own best defence. This is necessary for if we would refer to something outside of the Scriptures, we would say that there is an authority higher than the Scriptures, which is unimaginable. The Bible has its own glory and leaves every man that reads it without excuse.

This being true, why do so many people reject the Bible? The answer is clear: our need is of the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit to open our eyes and stop our rebellion, not of proof.

[Omri · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent little book adapted as an excerpt from Ryle’s larger work, “Old Paths.” I always love Ryle’s thoroughly biblical convictions and straightforwardness about the truth of God’s word. My only complaint is a small one. On several occasions, Ryle referred to the writers of Scripture (rather than their writings) as inspired. Such a mix up seems to cause much confusion in our day, but is easily corrected by a simple, careful reading of Second Timothy 3:16.

[Jeremiah Whiteman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short treatise on the doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible that I think is very important nowadays. I found Ryle’s arguments compelling both for the Bible’s divine inspiration and the effects of denying it. A book I’d recommend to anyone doubting the trustworthiness of the Bible or beginning their study on its inspiration.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this little theological devotional on the inspiration of Scripture. It's not an academic defense really, but that makes it more accessible to the normal Christian. Would definitely feel good about passing on to other Christians who struggle with the issue.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was aight i guess