Don Stewart :: What about All the Trivial Issues Which the Bible Covers?

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One of the objections against the Scripture being the infallible, authoritative Word of God is the so-called trivial issues that the Bible records. There are a number of things recorded in the Bible that seemingly have no value. How can the Bible rightly be called the Word of God with such trivial things it records?

The following is one of the many example usually given.

Paul asked Timothy to bring his cloak.

When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, especially the parchments (2 Timothy 4:13).

How can the Bible be considered the Word of God when such a trivial thing is recorded?

Who Decides What Is Trivial?

While this objection is often raised, it assumes something that is not in evidence - these things are truly trivial. The Bible is clear that all Scripture is useful or profitable.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16).

Consequently there are truths that can be understood from the so-called trivial issues that the Bible records. Because some Bible critic does not recognize the value of a certain thing found in Scripture does not make that things meaningless. How are we able to know whether something is profitable or not? Apart from God's revelation, no human being is in a position to judge as to whether a particular passage of Scripture is profitable or not.

It Is Important To The Overall Story

In addition, the things that are assumed to be trivial by some are important to the overall story of God's plan of salvation with humanity. Since God is the ultimate author of Scripture everything that is recorded has some meaning in His overall plan.

There are lessons that can be learned from these so-called trivial things that the Bible records. For one thing, God is concerned about the smallest of things. He takes an interest in every individual and their troubles - no matter how small. While no one else may have noticed a particular thing that occurred it is reassuring to realize that God took notice.

While all Scripture is profitable is does not mean that everyone will immediately understand how each passage is beneficial. God has declared that all Scripture is profitable. That should be sufficient for those who believe in Him. The key issue is, "Shall we believe Him or not?" Believers, therefore, are not required to point out how every passage of the Bible is profitable any more than they are expected to give a final explanation of every Bible difficulty.

Scripture contains a number of details that some would consider trivial. This has led to the charge that the Bible cannot be the authoritative Word of God because of some trivial contents. However the idea that each detail listed is trivial misses the point. Each instance where so-called trivial things are mentioned is important to the overall biblical story. It is the lack of understanding on the part of the biblical critic that would call these things trivial. All Scripture is profitable.