Paul declared that he fulfilled (completed) the Word, (Colossians 1:25). Does this mean that he wrote the last epistle? No. There are other New Testament books, according to chronology and general consensus, that were written after 2 Timothy. Paul's declaration is not so much to do with the numerical order of the books, but more to do with the written content that caused him to bring about the completion of the canon of scripture. So, what is in the content that makes it significant?
The writings of Paul introduced a brand new gospel and body of doctrine for the Grace Dispensation. This grace doctrine that Paul wrote, is the last 'new' revelations that God provided humanity by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and pertain to how humanity is to live in the time of His grace. These epistles completed the writings that make up scripture. Even though other books, like the book of Revelation, may have been written later than Paul's epistles, the information contained in Revelation does not add anything 'new' to God's revealed truth, but only expounds on information that had previously been prophesied.
Paul's writings however contain mysteries (for example, see: Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:51; Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 3:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Timothy 3:9), which are secrets that God had never revealed to the Old Testament prophets or the 12 apostles (2 Peter 3:15-16). The entire program of grace, including the grace gospel, was new doctrine, and it is this doctrine that completes the Word of God and the information that we need to know and understand regarding God's revelation in this age. This mystery information was written solely by Paul for the Body of Christ. All other information is based on the covenants, the prophets, and the law that was revealed in times past.
In the scriptures below, Paul clearly says that his writings about the dispensation of grace fulfil, or complete, the Word of God. No other information or instructions is therefore necessary to be provided for us to live by.
Colossians 1:25-27 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil [complete] the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect [the bible] is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
In addition, God does not work today through the utterance gifts of prophecy or knowledge or tongues (1 Corinthians 13:8). If we need direction in life or answers to questions, we will not find it in these utterance gifts of others, (though its perfectly acceptable to receive wise counsel and good advice). We will however find it by prayerfully searching out the Word of God. God's will for you and everything else that pertains to your life today can be answered by His written Word. (See this article for further details).
Another example that can be used is as follows:
Revelation 22:18-20 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: 19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Don't you think it is interesting that the Book of Revelation ends on this warning. Even though John wrote this warning in reference to his book (Revelation), it can easily imply that God meant to end the whole Bible (as His Word to humanity) with this warning to make it clear that NOTHING more must be added or removed from the Bible. It is a FINISHED work that was fully completed by the mysteries revealed in the epistles of the last recognized apostle, Paul, who was chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit to legally add to God's Word.
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