A Better Bible Study Method, Book One - The Disciple Whom Jesus Loved

Book excerpt: The Authority of God¿s Word ¿All scripture is given by inspiration of God¿ (2Ti. 3:16a). Therefore, the record of scripture is true, and ideas that are contrary to the facts in scripture must be false. Nevertheless, the Bible lets us know that the traditions of men can deceive people into believing ideas that are not in the word of God. In the Bible ¿the disciple whom Jesus loved¿ is identified as the writer of the fourth gospel, he had access to the palace of the high priest, he was the first one who ¿believed¿ after Jesus¿ resurrection, and some thought he would not die. Scripture never identified this unnamed disciple as John, but tradition has convinced people that he was John ¿ in spite of the biblical evidence to the contrary. The truth in this case of The Bible vs. Tradition is found in scripture, so it will be the only source quoted herein. Integrity demands a hearing for the biblical evidence. But submitting to the authority of God¿s word on this issue reveals more than just the truth about this disciple. For, what this insight teaches us about relying on scripture is the key to a better bible study method.