Jesus Christ as Author

[Dark Virtue]

Given the fallibility of men, why is it that Christ didn't author ANY writings for the Bible?

If Christ were divine, Godly, as God is God, then he would have omniscience. Thus, Christ would have known about the creation of a little thing called the Bible.

Why then, did he not author any writings to be included in the Bible. Wouldn't that make sense? We would have the word of the Son of God, literally written by his hand.

This has been a mystery to me.

Also, on a related note. Why is there such a huge gap in the life of Christ in the Bible. We go from barely a teenager to full grown man. What happened in between?

 

[Mr.Bill]

I have wondered about this as well.. The Bible only talks about Jesus's life from birth up till the age of about 13, and then starts up again when he's 32 I believe. Maybe there were books on his life in between but they were edited out? But if this is so, why would they have been left out? Seems to me that the chronicaling of almost 20 years of life of the most influential man to ever live should easily be important to include..

 

[Marcylene]

Author, pauthor!  He is the Word!
...and the Word was God.  John 1:1
All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.  John 1:3
I think it is amazing that He got it to me in once piece!  Considering that many have tried to destroy it through the ages and that many, *ahem* still try today!
Actually, He did write it, some through others, some Himself!And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.  Exodus 31:18  
And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables.
Exodus 32:16
Wasn't the warning to the king, the handwriting on the wall, in Daniel 5 also from God's Penmanship?
I truly believe I can put, "Dear Marcylene," over Genesis 1:1, and "With an Eternal, Undying Love like you can never imagine, God," after Revelation 21:22, and you have a portion of His Heart and Thoughts!  The greatest love letter ever written...and Revelation 21:22 is only the beginning!

 

[Marcylene]

Ohhh, forgot!  The Bible does mention that all the books in the World could not contain...And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.  John 21:25  To me, looking at the three years of His life, His last days, shows what a Godly man can accomplish in very little time.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Marcy, once again your eloquent text dances beautifully around the topic at hand.

Two points were brought up:

1) Why didn't Christ author any books of the Bible? By this I mean PHYSICALLY WRITE THINGS DOWN. Christ didn't even dictate anything to his biographers. If he had, do you think there would be discrepncies in the Gospels? Why not just write ONE gospel by himself. Then it would be divinely authored, thus, perfect.

2) Why is there a gap in Christ's biography of some 20 years? Were they not important? I find that notion laughable. Two thirds of his life is missing. WHY?

 

[Dark Virtue]

Quote[/b] ]To me, looking at the three years of His life, His last days, shows what a Godly man can accomplish in very little time.

That man was the sum of his experiences and education. We have been shown NOTHING of his life.

The verse you are referring to says,

John 21
25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

This is the son of God, embodied physically on Earth. I would think there would be tomes upon tomes of information to digest. Why NOT fill up the world with books on Christ?

Now, that is not what we're asking for. We don't need to know what Christ had for breakfast every day. We're only asking for answers to a 20 year gap in his life. Important? I think so.

 

[Marcylene]

God did not seem to think so.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Obviously.

But that doesn't answer the question of WHY?

 

[Jehovahjava]

Partly I believe that Jesus was a little too busy preaching and teaching to have time to write things down. He was more concerned with dealing with people and showing them how the Kingdom works.

Is his life story revelant to his ministry, not really. We in the church today seem too worriedc about the past and do not focus enough on today, and the future. We CANNOT change anything that has already happened, we can just change who we are today and who we will become in the future. Until he started teaching the everyday things he did in life really are of insignificant importance to his ministry. BUT if you really want to know I am sure if you study hard and look through a lot of the old rabbinical teachings and books you can find the history of his life from childhood till he started teaching.

Also in the bible there was the time he was teaching in the temple and his Father had to return to get him, and from then on he went with his family and obeyed them. So even without details we know he obeyed his father so most likely assisted in the carpentry business with his Father.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Quote[/b] ]Partly I believe that Jesus was a little too busy preaching and teaching to have time to write things down.

And the apostles had plenty of time on their hands? Come on now, that isn't a very good excuse.

Quote[/b] ]Is his life story revelant to his ministry, not really.

How can you say that it was irrelevant??? Everything he did led up to his ministry did it not?

Quote[/b] ]We CANNOT change anything that has already happened, we can just change who we are today and who we will become in the future.

"Those ignorant of history are doomed to repeat it"

Quote[/b] ] BUT if you really want to know I am sure if you study hard and look through a lot of the old rabbinical teachings and books you can find the history of his life from childhood till he started teaching.

Now THAT is an interesting statement. Do you mean to say that NO ONE before me has been interested enough to find this info out? No one knows what happened between childhood and adulthood because that information DOES NOT EXIST.

No amount of study will uncover things that aren't there JJ.

You ASSUME Christ was a carpenter. There isn't any evidence to prove that or disprove it. Again, because it doesn't exist.

 

[Marcylene]

And he went out from thence and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him.
And when the sabbath day was come he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hat this man these things?  and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands?
Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in he own house. Mark 6: 1-4

 

[Dark Virtue]

You missed my point Marcy.

Yes, Christ was a carpenter, it is quite evident when looking at the scriptures. EDIT (Looks like this may not be entirely correct, see the following link...see? I can admit when I'm wrong

)

What about the rest of his life? Was he ALWAYS a carpenter? Did he do something else? Who did he study with? Who did he learn from? Etc, etc, etc.

By the way, you may want to check out this article:

http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/The_Carpenter.htm

Quote[/b] ]When Mark told us the people of Jesus' hometown took offense at him and dishonored him, he may never intended the word "carpenter" (Greek, tekton) be a description of his trade, but as a metaphoric description of one who is misguided and deluded, who knows and understands nothing, and is to be shamed, like Isaiah's carpenter. This is powerful irony, almost certainly deliberate on Mark’s part. Here was the son of God--the man Mark had reach out to those who had eyes to see and ears (Mark 8:18, 25)--being accused by those who knew him best of being like the one who worships false gods and who has not eyes to see.

Also, note that Matthew 13:55 shifts Mark's "carpenter" status to Joseph. Also note that the Greek word could also refer to building with stone (as wood was scarce in the region).

 

[Marcylene]

He is the Carpenter prophesied by Isaiah.  So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.  Isaiah 41:7
Wood was scarce in the region?  Hmm, and to think they were hanging them three at a time!  I don't think the Scribes and Pharisee's would have stood for that!  Wasting precious commodities!
I do not mean to be disrespectful, but I do not care, nor intend to argue any points on what J.F. Alward has said.  I want to be righteous in His eyes.  
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:23 I want to study men of God who had great faith: Spurgeon, Tozer, Wesley, Roloff, Hyles, ect.  I want to stand proud today, when men still humble themselves as little children and follow Him!  I want to learn from them.  It is the reason I was invited and joined these posts.  I would like to mimic the great Hall of Faithers in Hebrews 11!  I can do a mustard seed if nothing else!  
HE is the author of the Bible.  Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
He hung the sun, moon, and stars, and keeps the world on its axis...read the book, its all in there!  Very nature cries out of His glorious wonder!  Faith comes by hearing the Word of God!  However, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6...and it is impossible to believe Him without faith!
I do well to study the book He gave me.  But I believe He gave me just what I needed, as He always does!  He is the Word of God!  He was teaching who He was and what He was!  His hand was on every jot and tittle!
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  II Timothy 1:12
Jesus Christ is the Author!

 

[Dark Virtue]

Marcy, Marcy, Marcy.

What you are in essence saying is that you are limiting your reading to authors that you agree with. If someone offers you an idea that is contrary to what you already believe then he isn't a "man of great Faith" and thus, deserves no respect from you?

No wonder your faith is so strong! You never acknowledge any dissenting opinion!

Please look at the word tekton. "Carpenter" is an INCORRECT translation. It is best described as a craftsman, a builder.

What do you know of the city of Nazareth? Take a look around the area it supposedly existed in, it's not a forested area. The area is more suitable as a stone quarry. Where is the archaelogical evidence for Nazareth anyway? Where is Nazareth discussed by Historians? Josephus discusses 45 cities of Galilee, but never once menitons Nazareth. Why?

Rome, however, had plentiful wood. You're not confusing the two are you?

When discussing topics with you, how will I know which author I quote is holy or not in your eyes?

 

[Marcylene]

Just simply know from the get-go if they believe that Jesus Christ is the One who died on the Cross for our sins. If they claim Jesus to be LORD, then I respect their opinion I would then, also be interested in sitting at their feet and learning from them. Nevertheless, weighing what they tell me from SCRIPTURE, the Holy Word of God, to see if their teaching is in line.
Carpenter/Tektone
Definition
a worker in wood, a carpenter, joiner, builder
a ship's carpenter or builder
any craftsman, or workman
the art of poetry, maker of songs
a planner, contriver, plotter
an author Would you lookie there ?!?!?!? And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.
I Chronicles 28:9
In addition, in a couple of the four verses that mention Carpenter, we also see some hammer and nails...hmmm, let me see, I will be needing to consult some experts on that one!

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. Mark 16:6 We have Nazareth mentioned 29 times, all in connection with Jesus or His birth. Nazarenes once in Acts 5 when Paul was being accused. Twelve mentions of Nazarite/s. That is enough to convince me that it existed. Once from God's Word would have satisfied my curiosity!

Once again, as you look for those to quote to satisfy me, if they preach Turn or Burn, (that one from Spurgeon), or similar, you will have my full attention. Just remember, from there, I must weigh their words against Scripture. I know I do not need to tell you what I will believe if they differ from God's Word.
I have been coming here for over a year and reading the posts of those I respect in the LORD and have grown thereby. I have kept silent for the most part, but my faith has been strengthened. I especially admire those that have participated in bringing us the Daily Devotional with seemingly not much support or interaction, they have been faithful and dedicated witness'.
I have been sick with the flu this week and have encouraged my family and coworkers to stay away. Thank you DV for keeping me occupied and digging in the Word! Can you tell I am feeling better to the point of almost spunky today ?
I must go study about some trees or lack thereof in Nazareth now. You know, anything pertaining to my LORD is always so much more than I expect. He is HUGE! I cannot believe He walked to Rome daily all His life with His dad to practice His craft and earn a living! He is Wonderful, isn't He? I love Him better every D-A-Y
I love Him better every D-A-Y Close by His S-I-D-E I will A-B-I-D-E I love Him better every D-A-Y!!
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13
I sincerely pray that you find Him DV. It truly is my heartfelt desire that you will come to know, trust, and have faith in Him that carries the nail scars for our sins and transgressions.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Quote[/b] ] If they claim Jesus to be LORD, then I respect their opinion I would then, also be interested in sitting at their feet and learning from them.

I don't claim Jesus to be Lord. Do you respect me? Is it possible for me to gain your respect? Are you interested in learning from me and those that don't share your same opinions? The evidence points to the contrary, and I genuinely hope this isn't so and is rather a mistake on my part.

RE: Tekton

As you can see from the definitions, it could be a variety of things. What evidence is there that says he was a CARPENTER, rather than a construction worker?

Let me know what you find out about Nazareth, I am very interested. Yes, I agree, it would be rediculous to commute to Rome every day to practice carpentry. Workers rarely stayed put, they travelled where the work was. There is nothing to say that Jesus and his family stayed put in Nazareth. (Hmm, now it would be nice to see what happened during those missing 20 years, wouldn't it?) It's very possible that Jesus was a migrant construction worker.

And if you are asserting that Jesus was a tekton/author, then the question I asked in the opening post still stands: where are the texts written by Jesus?

Be careful what you pray for

If you pray for me to find God, then it will be a test of your faith.

"Matthew 21:22 -- And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

I appreciate the gesture, nonetheless.

BTW, I hope you're feeling better!

 

[Genesis1315]

Marcylene I will stand in agreement with you to pray for our dear friend Dark Virtue.

By reading and studying those who agree with you, you would strengthen your position and beliefs. As a Freethinker, I am sure you consult many different sources to gather information to make your decision. As a Christian, all we really need to learn is contained in the Bible.

Christ did not come to Earth to write lessons to us. He came as a sacrifice. To pay for our sins. He died so that we would not have to. Even in the Garden, Jesus recognized this. He prayed that this cup would pass from Him, but ultimately prayed that His Father’s will would be done.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Quote[/b] ]Marcylene I will stand in agreement with you to pray for our dear friend Dark Virtue.

Then I thank you as well. Although I will also point you to the verse: "Matthew 21:22 -- And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith."

I hope I don't turn into a test of your faith.

Quote[/b] ]By reading and studying those who agree with you, you would strengthen your position and beliefs.

But you strengthen your position MORE by reading and studying those that DON'T agree with you.

Quote[/b] ]As a Freethinker, I am sure you consult many different sources to gather information to make your decision.

That I do.

Quote[/b] ]As a Christian, all we really need to learn is contained in the Bible.

What a horridly closed minded view! Would you accept the notion if it were reversed? I don't believe in God, so I don't need to study the Bible? You would consider me absurd! Yet you have no qualms of doing the exact same thing.

Quote[/b] ]Christ did not come to Earth to write lessons to us. He came as a sacrifice. To pay for our sins. He died so that we would not have to. Even in the Garden, Jesus recognized this. He prayed that this cup would pass from Him, but ultimately prayed that His Father’s will would be done.

You don't honestly believe that do you? Christ walked amongst us for one purpose only? To die? Why not just die in the crib then? Why did Christ teach and preach then if he was nothing more than a chunk of meat to be sacrificed?

The question we have asked here is valid. Why did Christ not pen a single, solitary story? One parable? One LINE of text?

 

[The Penguin Slayer]

Didn't God write the ten commandments.  Also think about it this way.  If so many men wrote the Bible it adds to its credibility, becuase if four people testify to Jesus being on earth, then doesn't that give a small amount of believeability? (I create words in my sleep) Also, what about prophecies.  

Quote[/b] ]2 Timothy 3:16   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

I think that God could have written the entire Bible if he had wanted to, just like he could make the whole world Christians if he wanted to, but he choose to let man do this.

Also about your position of Christs position on earth. He was sent to die for our sins, and to give release to the captives. But he taught so that others (the Apostles for example) could follow the great commision.

Quote[/b] ]Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

[Dark Virtue]

Ever heard the expression, "Too many cooks spoil the soup"?

The problem that many of us have with the Bible is that it is a product of MAN. What happened to all the other "divine" works that were cut from the Bible by a committee of men? The majority of Christians don't know anything about them and when confronted with them, they think they are works of the Devil because they aren't in the Bible.

As much as I would have preferred the entire Bible to be written by God (which makes absolute sense) that is not what I am asking in this thread. I am asking why Jesus NEVER wrote a single solitary thing for his followers. If, as Penguin says, He was here to teach and instruct, what better way to do that than to put words to paper?