The concept of the "Commission to Write" in the Bible refers to the divine mandate given to certain individuals to record God's revelations, laws, prophecies, and teachings. This commission is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments, where God instructs His chosen servants to document His words for the benefit of His people and future generations.

Old Testament Instances

1. Moses: One of the earliest and most significant commissions to write is given to Moses. God commands Moses to write down the laws and commandments that form the foundation of the covenant between God and Israel. In Exodus 34:27 , the Lord instructs Moses, "Write down these words, for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel." Moses' writings include the Pentateuch, which encompasses the first five books of the Bible.

2. Joshua: Following Moses, Joshua is also instructed to write. In Joshua 24:26 , it is recorded, "And Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God." This act of writing serves to reaffirm the covenant and ensure that the history and laws of Israel are preserved.

3. Prophets: Various prophets received commissions to write down their visions and prophecies. For instance, in Habakkuk 2:2 , the Lord tells Habakkuk, "Write down this vision and clearly inscribe it on tablets, so that a herald may run with it." This directive underscores the importance of making God's messages accessible and enduring.

New Testament Instances

1. Apostles and Evangelists: The New Testament continues the theme of divine commissioning to write. The apostles and evangelists were inspired to document the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as the early church's history and doctrine. The Gospel of John, for example, is written with the purpose of leading readers to faith in Christ. John 20:31 states, "But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."

2. Paul: The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often emphasizes the authority and inspiration behind his writings. In 1 Corinthians 14:37 , Paul asserts, "If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command." Paul's letters, which form a significant portion of the New Testament, were written to instruct, correct, and encourage the early Christian communities.

3. John the Revelator: The Book of Revelation is a prime example of a direct commission to write. In Revelation 1:11 , John is commanded, "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches." This apocalyptic vision is intended to reveal divine mysteries and future events to the church.

Purpose and Significance

The commission to write in the Bible serves several key purposes. It ensures the preservation of divine revelation, provides a permanent record of God's interactions with humanity, and offers guidance, instruction, and encouragement to believers. The written word becomes a means through which God communicates His will, character, and redemptive plan across generations. The Bible, as a divinely inspired text, is central to the faith and practice of Christians, who regard it as the authoritative source of truth and moral guidance.