Topic(s): Bible Authority, Bible Study

Todd Clippard

There is no particular verse that says to "speak where the Bible speaks, and be silent where it is silent." However, the Bible teaches and operates from this very principle. For example, we read in . . .

1 Peter 4:11 -- "If any man speak, let him speak as it were the oracles of God." i.e., speak where the Bible speaks.

Colossians 3:17 -- "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ . . ." To operate in the name of Christ is to operate by His authority. Therefore, we are not to act when there is no authority for said action.

Hebrews 7:14 -- "It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda, of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning the priesthood." The law of Moses spoke concerning the priesthood - it specified the tribe of Levi as the priestly tribe. It said nothing about anyone from the tribe of Juda serving as a priest. Therefore, those from the tribe of Juda were forbidden by silence from serving in the priesthood. i.e., be silent where the Bible is silent.