What Scripture is Written to Us?

Scripture Written to Us

Technically none of scripture was written directly to us. In the New Testament, most of the books indicate the direct audience in their introduction. Audiences include the 12 tribes dispersed around the world, the saints in Ephesus, young pastor Timothy, and so on.

But we read this:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 NASB20

From this and other passages, we understand that all scripture has value for us. Additionally, since we who live on this side of the cross are included in the new covenant, everything written to those under the new covenant is written also to us.

That said, not all the books of the Bible teach doctrine. For example, Acts is a history book, the Gospels are primarily a record of things that occurred. We can learn a great deal from all the books of the Bible, but they are not all primarily intended to teach theology or doctrine. That sort of thing is mostly the theme of other books, such as Romans.

We benefit and learn from all of Scripture. What’s most directly addressed to us is the new covenant writings—everything after the cross. The epistles, or letters, like Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, 1 & 2 Peter, 1,2, & 3 John, and so on perhaps most directly include us.

As we read, it is wise to keep in mind whose mail we’re reading. Was it written to the Hebrew nation while they were under the Law handed down by Moses? Was it teaching Jesus gave to the Jews before the cross and resurrection? Was it written to a Gentile audience after the cross?

Questions such as these help us understand what we are reading and how it might be useful to us.