Is the complexity of each book in the Bible from the mind of the direct authors or from the mind of God?

[Guido]

I thought I was sinning by wanting to write in a structure and style as sophisticated as the books in the New Testament. I wonder if I should repent of that.

If that sophistication proceeded from the mind of the direct authors, then it may or may not be a sin. But if only God could have produced that sophistication, then indeed to desire or attempt to emulate it is a sin. So I ought to repent of those things.

Is the complexity of each book of the Bible from the mind of the direct author or authors, or is it from the mind of God?

 

[Mike B]

I thought I was sinning by wanting to write in a structure and style as sophisticated as the books in the New Testament. I wonder if I should repent of that.

If that sophistication proceeded from the mind of the direct authors, then it may or may not be a sin. But if only God could have produced that sophistication, then indeed to desire or attempt to emulate it is a sin. So I ought to repent of those things.

I would not consider that as a sin at all, although we could use a bit more definition of the
"structure and style". Are you referencing the style of the KJV?

What is it you are wanting to write...or this just, in general? A writers style is typically somewhat unique to
that individual..who they are, their education etc. In addition, you are not writing to add to the Bible..you just
like that style and sentence structure. Honestly, I don't see any issue there whatsoever. JMHO.

 

[Mike B]

Is the complexity of each book of the Bible from the mind of the direct author or authors, or is it from the mind of God?

You've asked two questions there, and the best answers I can provide you are...Yes and Yes.

2 Timothy 3:16 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

As I read this verse I understand it to say that God told them what to write, through direct inspiration
from God to the writer. Still, we see the individuality of each author in their writing style, therefore God did not
always inspire/command them to write his words verbatim.

Paul knew what the issues were in each church, and he sought God's wisdom to guide him, and
God gave him that wisdom, telling him what to write of in his epistle. Everything that was written
was what God wanted written. Paul wrote what God told him to write, but in his own manner.

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul, in his epistle to the Church in Corinth, says this:

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize?
So run, that ye may obtain.

Paul uses the term "run the race", as the people of Corinth can relate to it. The Isthmian Games,
which were sort of an early version of the Olympics, were held in Corinth and included many
foot races. That is Paul's personality reaching out to the people of Corinth.

In the Psalms we can see David's passion and love of the Lord, but also his deep pain written in a
manner that you can almost feel it in your chest as you read...

Psalms 6
2 Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

3 My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

4 Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.

5 For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.

7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.



So, in asking

....Is the complexity of each book of the Bible from the mind of the direct author or authors,
or is it from the mind of God?

Yes, and Yes.

 

[Deacon]

I do all or most of my Bible study on my computer, cell phone or tablet. Understanding the Scriptures certainly can be difficult at times.
Often the problem, in computer lingo, is called,
PEBMAC - “problem exists between the monitor and the chair” We are so easily distracted.

Scripture was given by God so that we could know God in a way that his creation alone could not convey.
God’s message is easy enough to be understood by the simple yet he is so complex that even the most wise will never fully understand Him.

Some parts are easy some parts are hard. Even the Apostle Peter mentioned that Paul’s writings were difficult. If you are frustrated or convinced that you will never understand Scripture, go to the Gospels, read Jesus words as he spoke them to the crowds. They are simple, strong and direct.

We live in a time when many different translations of God’s words are available.
I’d also suggest choosing a version that you might understand better, such as The New Living Translation (NLT) or the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
These versions are better at communicating a simple, direct message and try to avoid complicating language.

Rob