So answer his simple question. How do you know that 1 Timothy (for example) is inspired scripture?
“So answer his simple question. How do you know that 1 Timothy (for example) is inspired scripture?”
1. It claims to be so.
2. It is in sync with other Scripture; does not contradict it.
3. Its claimed author is an apostle, ordained by Jesus to teach and spread official doctrine. Of course, we know of Paul’s apostleship because of the book of Acts, thus as I confess, the reasoning is circular in that sense.
4. The Holy Spirit bears witness with our hearts that is is God speaking to us.
5. It was accepted and utilized as inspired so far as we know, historically, without any known, upheld formal objection.
6. There is no convincing reason to reject it as inspired.